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Tile Maintenance Myths Debunked: Proper Care for Longevity

Tile Maintenance Myths Debunked: Proper Care for Longevity

Tile flooring is a popular choice among Chicago homeowners for good reason. It’s durable, versatile, and ideal for everything from kitchens and bathrooms to mudrooms and lake-facing entryways. But when it comes to tile care and maintenance, there are a lot of myths floating around—some of which can do more harm than good.

Whether you're living in a modern Lincoln Park condo, a classic brownstone near Lake Michigan, or a family home in North Center, understanding the truth about tile floors and wall tile maintenance can help you protect your investment and keep your floors looking their best for years to come.

At Home Carpet One on North Lincoln Avenue, we’re here to set the record straight. Below, we debunk some of the most common tile maintenance myths and share expert-backed tips to help you keep your tile floors and walls clean, vibrant, and long-lasting.

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Myth #1: Tile Is Completely Maintenance-Free

Maze Geo geometric marble mosaic

The Truth: While tile is indeed one of the most durable and low-maintenance flooring options, that doesn’t mean it’s immune to wear and tear. Dirt, grime, and spills can still take a toll over time—especially in high-traffic areas like entryways or kitchens.

What to Do Instead:
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit that can scratch the surface. Mop with a pH-neutral cleaner that’s safe for your specific tile material (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, etc.). A little routine care goes a long way toward preserving your tile’s longevity.


Myth #2: Any Household Cleaner Works Fine on Tile

Coliseum Geometric marble mosaic tile. A hand-cut marble mosaic tile in Dolomite Zebrino & Athens Grey color with round geometric motifs

The Truth: This is a big one. Many household cleaners contain harsh chemicals—bleach, ammonia, vinegar—that can etch or dull your tile and damage the grout. While they may make your floors look clean short term, they could cause irreversible damage over time.

What to Do Instead:
Use a tile-specific or pH-balanced cleaner. For natural stone tiles like marble or travertine, avoid anything acidic. If you're unsure, stop by our North Lincoln Avenue showroom—we’re happy to recommend safe, effective cleaning products that suit your exact floor.


Myth #3: Grout Sealing Is Optional

Geometric stone mosaic tile. Black and white mosaic tile - French Vanilla with Tulip Black

The Truth: Many assume that grout is waterproof and will resist staining naturally. In reality, grout is porous and highly susceptible to water damage, mold, and discoloration—especially in humid environments like bathrooms or along lakefront properties near Lake Michigan.

What to Do Instead:
Seal your grout after installation and reapply sealer every 1–2 years, depending on use. In kitchens and bathrooms, this step is especially crucial. If your grout starts absorbing water or stains easily, it’s time for a re-seal.


Myth #4: Mopping More = Cleaner Tile

Murano deep blue dimensional wall tile,

The Truth: Mopping frequently with too much water or product can actually make your floors look worse. Overmopping can cause grime and detergent to build up on the surface, and on unsealed grout, it can soak in and stain.

What to Do Instead:
Stick to regular dry sweeping or vacuuming, and mop only when needed using the right amount of cleaner. Always dry the floor with a soft towel or allow it to air dry with proper ventilation—something Chicago homes near the lake especially need to prevent excess humidity.

Read also: Climate Control & Your Hardwood Floors - How Humidity and Temperature Affect Hardwood Floors


Myth #5: Scrubbing Stains Harder Will Remove Them Faster

Belmont marble hexagon mosaic tile. A sophisticated marble hex mosaic that adds style to any room as a floor tile or wall tile

The Truth: Using abrasive tools like steel wool or rough brushes can scratch and damage both tile and grout. This is especially risky for high-gloss tiles or delicate finishes.

What to Do Instead:
Use a soft cloth or a non-abrasive sponge with a gentle cleaner. For tougher grout stains, a baking soda paste can work wonders—but be sure to test on a small area first and always avoid aggressive scrubbing.


Myth #6: All Tile Is the Same

Masia bianco matte handmade wall tile

The Truth: Not all tile is created equal. Ceramic, porcelain, marble, slate, and glass all have different care needs. What works for one could damage another.

What to Do Instead:
Know what kind of tile you have. Our experts at Home Carpet One in Chicago can help you identify your tile type and provide a care routine tailored to it. Whether you installed floors from our North Lincoln Avenue showroom or inherited them from a previous owner, understanding the material is key to maintaining it properly.

Explore our luxury tiles now.


Bonus Tip: Winter in Chicago = Extra Tile Stress

A space decorated with Crayons, a geometric ceramic wall tile that adds depth as a kitchen backsplash tile, bathroom wall tile, or accent wall tile

If you live near Lake Michigan, you know how messy Chicago winters can be. Salt, slush, and dirt get tracked in constantly, which can wreak havoc on tile floors.

Pro Tip:
Place mats both inside and outside your doors, and remove shoes before walking through the house. Clean up salt or snow as soon as possible to prevent tile discoloration or surface erosion.

Discover the benefits of incorporating large-format tile and stone into your home.


Final Thoughts: Your Tile Deserves Smart, Simple Care

Trendy bathroom design with geometric marble mosaic floor tile

Tile floors are a fantastic investment for Chicago homes—offering beauty, resilience, and timeless appeal. But keeping them looking their best does require proper care—and a healthy dose of myth-busting.

Whether you’re working with ceramic tile in a Lakeview kitchen or travertine in a spa-like North Side bathroom, proper maintenance comes down to:

  • Gentle, regular cleaning

  • The right cleaning products

  • Grout sealing

  • Avoiding common shortcuts that cause damage


Visit Us for Expert Tile Guidance


At Home Carpet One on North Lincoln Avenue, we offer not only a stunning selection of tile and stone flooring—but also the knowledge and tools you need to care for it the right way. From ceramic to porcelain, and from entryways to en suites, we help Chicago homeowners protect their floors for the long run.

Stop by our Chicago showroom today to speak with a flooring specialist, explore tile cleaning solutions, or get expert help finding the perfect tile for your next renovation. Whether you’re steps from Lake Michigan or in the heart of North Center, we're here to keep your floors beautiful for years to come.

 

Visit Our Showroom!

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As a trusted Chicago carpet provider, we at Home Carpet One know a thing or two about keeping carpet looking its best. Our customers are always asking for the best way to clean up spills and get rid of stains, and the truth is, it depends on what you spilled and how long the stain has had to set. There’s more than one effective way to clean stains, and of course some stains (pet accidents, red wine) are more common than others (Pepto Bismol, for example). When it comes to cleaning carpet stains, trial and error can be risky, and some products that claim to be safe for carpets can end up doing more harm than good. Between Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day, we get lots of customers calling in asking about how to get rid of chocolate stains in carpet, so we thought we’d offer some advice on the subject. One of the best options is to use a non-flammable dry cleaning solvent or spot removal solution. When using a solvent, be careful not to pour it directly onto the carpet. Instead, apply the solvent with a clean cloth, sponge, or gentle brush. If the solvent reaches the backing of the carpet, it can damage the latex that connects the primary and secondary backings, so exercise caution. There are several acceptable solvents out there, including Capture, a brand that we carry at Home Carpet One. If you don’t have a solvent on hand, you can use a solution of liquid dishwashing detergent and water. Use one cup of warm water and no more than a quarter teaspoon of detergent. Using a stronger concentration can damage your carpet. Never use bleach detergents designed for automatic dishwashers, as these will almost certainly leave permanent stains and can destroy fibers. Also avoid laundry detergents. Although it may seem sensible to use laundry detergent on carpet, these detergents often contain fluorescent dyes than can dye the carpet fibers. If you do use a detergent solution, rinse the area thoroughly afterward to remove potentially harmful detergent residues. Another option is to use a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts of warm water. This simple solution is generally effective and is less likely to cause color changes than other common solutions such as ammonia solutions. If none of these methods solves your problem, you can always call a Chicago carpet cleaning professional. Professional cleaners have specialized equipment and powerful cleaning products that can remove stains too stubborn for conventional methods. As with any stain, chocolate stains can become more stubborn with time. If you aren’t successful in removing the stain yourself, do not hesitate to bring in the big guns as soon as possible.
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