FloorTalk – for all the latest flooring fashions

Question: I read all of the articles regarding cleaning of ceramic floors and saw not to use ammonia or harsh detergents but what should I use? And how do I make them shine?

Answer: From the question you posed, it seems you already know what NOT to do in caring for a ceramic tile floor (no harsh abrasives, no ammonia-based products), but here is what you SHOULD do to clean and maintain your floor. First of all, sweep the floor frequently to loosen and remove dirt particles. You can vacuum the floor, but only use a vacuum without a beater bar (which could dull and scratch the tile). Use walk-off mats at entry points to collect tracked-in dirt. Regularly damp-mop the floor with a product specifically created for ceramic tile (example: Armstrong’s Once’n’Done® Floor Cleaner for ceramic floors.) You can visit www.armstrong.com for more information. Feel free to spot clean spills with a sponge and mild soap. Rinse well with clear water and wipe dry.

As to your question about adding shine to your floor, if your ceramic tile is glazed, it
already has a sheen to it that will not dull as long as proper maintenance is followed. Glazed tile
should NEVER be waxed. The purpose of the glaze is to give you a maintenance-free floor.
What you can do to keep the tile looking new is to mop with a solution of a small amount of
vinegar in warm water. That will cut through any greasy film or build-up (especially in kitchen
areas) and bring your tile back to its original shine. Be sure to do a clear water rinse to complete
the maintenance.

And thanks for a great question.

Annette Callari, A.S.I.D.; CMG

Question:

What type of flooring do you recommend for a beach house to prevent scratching from sand and warping from dampness?

Answer:

You posed a very good question. Beach houses are unique in their flooring requirements. You have multiple conditions to consider: sand being tracked in, excessive moisture in the air, and possible ground moisture from below. The fact that you’ve ruled out stone or ceramic is interesting, because either one of those choices would actually have been a great solution. Before you rule out porcelain or ceramic all together, did you know that new tile designs include leather-simulated looks, and even some wood parquet looks? Unglazed tiles offer slip resistance as well. Care and maintenance of a porcelain floor for a beach home would be minimal, and that would be a huge plus.

But here are some other options to consider: Historically speaking, real hardwood floors have not been ideal for beach climates because the moisture in the air can cause excessive expansion of the wood. Expansion and contraction of hardwood floors can result in warping and splitting–never a good thing. However Shaw Industries has a line of hardwood floors called “Epic” that have been engineered to overcome extreme climate conditions. It is a tightly milled product line that has a 5-ply, cross-core construction. This gives the product excellent stability. It’s important to note that only oak is used in the core (for its exceptional hardness), as the core is compressed under extreme heat to produce the stability you are looking for. That process should eliminate entirely the problem of expansion and contraction. If you are environmentally conscious, an added benefit is that Epic hardwoods take half as many freshly cut tress to produce. Look for a wood within this line that has an aluminum oxide top coating to guard against scratching, and always place walk-off mats at each entrance to the house to capture as much dirt and sand as possible. Choosing a lighter toned wood with a low sheen will do well against sun-fade.

One more alternative: laminate floors give the look of real hardwood, but are much more family-friendly. If you like the look of wood for your home, this may be the solution for you. You need to be sure that you choose a laminate that has a moisture resistant core (your local flooring retailer can help guide you) so that it is dimensionally stable. Laminate needs to be installed as a floating floor, with a moisture barrier material beneath, to protect it from ground moisture seeping up. With minimal care, laminate floors will look good for many years to come AND they have superior stain and fade resistance. I hope this helps.

Annette Callari, ASID; CMG