The Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning and Maintaining Your Kitchen Backsplash Tile!

Your kitchen backsplash is one of the focal points of your home's most important room. Whether you chose sleek marble, rustic slate, or dazzling glass tiles, keeping them clean is key to preserving their aesthetic appeal. In this blog, we'll explore the proper techniques for cleaning and caring for your backsplash tile to ensure it withstands the test of time and maintains that just-installed shine.

Top Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Kitchen Backsplash Tiles

• DO Routine Dusting and Wiping:

Light dust and dirt accumulation is inevitable with everyday cooking and baking. The best way to prevent a grimy buildup is to routinely wipe down your tiles with a soft, dry cloth. A microfiber duster is ideal for sweeping away particles without scratching delicate surfaces. For messes like flour or oil splatters, dampen your cloth with lukewarm water. Be sure to dry the area completely to avoid water spots.

• DO Use a Gentle Cleanser:

For more stubborn residues, a mild cleanser specially formulated for tile and stone is your safest bet. Look for products with natural cleansers like baking soda rather than harsh chemicals. Apply a small amount to your damp cloth and scrub gently in a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue that could damage the tiles over time. When in doubt about a product's effects, do a test in an inconspicuous area first.

• DO Consult Professional Cleaning Guides:

Not all backsplash kitchen tiles require the same care. Consult your backsplash's manufacturer or a professional tile contractor for tile-specific cleaning and sealing recommendations. Natural stone varieties like marble and travertine may need special attention to preserve their honed finishes. Review trusted ceramic and stone care websites from industry leaders for the latest best practices tailored to your material. Proper cleaning preserves both function and curb appeal.

• DO NOT Use Abrasive Scouring Pads:

Abrasive scrubbers can easily remove baked-on messes, but they will 

noticeably dull over time. Even "non-abrasive" sponges may be too harsh. Opti instead for soft-bristled brushes or microfiber cloths that lift grime gently without aggression. Harsh scrubbing compromises protective sealants and diminishes your backsplash's lifespan.

• DO NOT Use Acidic/Alkaline Cleaners:

Bleach, ammonia, and other caustic solutions are too strong for most tiles and natural stones. Their high pH levels can actually eat away delicate finishes and grout lines. Although, they may seem to cut through grease, these chemicals ultimately break down protective barriers, leading to etching, discoloration, or fading. Stick to neutral pH cleaners formulated for tile.

• DO have your grout professionally sealed:

Grout is porous and absorbs stains over time if not properly sealed. We recommend having your backsplash grout sealed every 1-2 years by a professional tile contractor using a breathable impregnating sealer. This protects against moisture damage and makes future cleaning easier. Resealing extends grout life significantly versus DIY sealers that may not penetrate deeply or last.

Bottom Line

With the right care practices, you can keep your kitchen backsplash tile looking phenomenal for years to come. To buy top-notch backsplash tiles online, get in touch with BACKSPLASH now. We offer a vast collection of colors, patterns, and materials to meet all of your next renovation projects. For more information, explore our website right away.