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Statistics show that 44% of homes completed in 2018 had at least one fireplace. With many homeowners deciding to add additional fireplaces to their homes as well.
Fireplace options are very popular and make a wonderful addition to any home. But how do you clean fireplace tiles and keep them looking nice long-term?
This is a question that many homeowners have, as upkeep is necessary for a fireplace. As tiles can become dirty and damaged if they are not maintained.
Keep reading to find out how to clean your fireplace tiles and what to avoid using.
Why Fireplace Tiles Need to be Cleaned
Fireplace tiles are in an area that is very prone to becoming dirty. This is especially true for certain types of fireplaces like gas or wood fireplaces.
Electric fireplaces won’t require as much upkeep as they don’t use a real flame. Other fireplaces will often become dirty from soot, ashes, and dust that may be attracted to this area.
This is stuff that can quickly begin to build up and become very difficult to clean. It can even begin to discolor tiles and make them dark or have areas of darker color.
You should try to avoid letting the tiles get to this point, as they will be harder to clean. The more diligent you are with cleaning, the less work it will end up being.
How to Clean Fireplace Tiles
There are different fireplace designs that are going to require more work than others. This also comes down to the kinds of tiles that you have.
As there are different types of fireplace tiles, and they require different types of care. If you are going to install a fireplace in your home, this is something to consider.
The most common way to clean tiles of any kind is to use dishwashing soap. This is gentle enough that it won’t strip the tiles but is still strong enough to cut through soot and smoke.
If you are new to caring for tiles and don’t know where to start, dishwashing soap is a great option. Everyone has this and can use it to start mandating their fireplace tiles better.
Stone Tiles
If you are working with stone tiles or another kind of porous tile, you need to be careful. These tiles can soak up water, which is not what you want.
You should create a solution of dishwashing soap and warm water, spraying it on the tiles. Doing this after you have vacuumed or swept loose debris away.
Use a soft sponge to scrub the tiles until they look clean and even in color. You should wipe away the excess water and leave the tiles to dry.
You can use hydrogen peroxide and water to scrub the grout if there is staining. Just be careful to avoid using this solution on the actual tiles, as it can stain them.
Marble or Ceramic Tiles
If you are cleaning marble or ceramic tiles, you can use the same solution of dish soap and water. Though you should vacuum or sweep the area first, so that you can properly clean the tiles.
Because marble and ceramic are not as porous as stone, you can use more water as necessary. Though you should use a cloth rather than a sponge as these tiles can scratch easily.
Carefully clean the tiles and rinse them off once you are done cleaning. Use a dry cloth to polish the tiles until they are completely dry, otherwise, they will get water spots.
You can use the same hydrogen peroxide and water solution to clean grout stains as well.
How Often Should You Clean Fireplace Tiles?
It is hard to say how often you should clean fireplace tiles as it depends on different factors. This can depend on whether you have a new fireplace or if it is older and needs more maintenance.
Certain fireplace styles may also lead to more grime building up. Or out can depend on how frequently you use your fireplace, as frequent use will lead to more grime.
Most people can get away with cleaning their fireplace once a month if they use it regularly. Though you may want to do this every few months if you do not use it as often.
During the warm months of the year, you won’t need to do this at all. Though you want to keep these tiles clean, you should avoid cleaning them too frequently.
As this can start to wear on them and damage the protective coating.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Tiles
Different types of fireplaces are going to require different kinds of care. Though you can usually use the same methods for various tiles.
You should avoid using any kind of acidic cleaner as this can wear away the protective coating on the tiles. Especially for porous stone tiles that are more prone to damage.
You should also avoid using anything rough on tiles, like scrub brushes and rough sponges. This can damage the surface and lead to chipping over time if you are too rough.
You should also be very minimal with your cleaning products, as a little goes a long way. It is better to regularly care for the tiles, rather than give them a tough cleaning once a year.
How to Care for Fireplace Tiles
If you have a fireplace, you may not know how to care for fireplace tiles. Something that is very important if you want them to stay in like-new condition.
Are you interested in adding a new fireplace to your home? Contact us today at Dreifuss Fireplaces for fireplace options.
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