Tile Edges Stained does glaze normally get darker from foot traffic?

QUESTION

Tile Edges Stained - I contracted with a company to purchase & install porcelain tile in my kitchen. In the last 6 months, the edges of most tiles have darkened making it appear dirty. On 3/3/09, a man inspected the tile, said it was neither dirty, nor absorbing dirt on the edges, I was advised that since the tile has an uneven edge, the glaze normally gets darker from foot traffic. Is this true?

ANSWER

ANSWER - I assume you have a glazed porcelain ceramic tile. It is true that tile surfaces with a texture or an undulating surface will tend to pick up or trap dirt in its crevices. This textured surface condition can provide more slip resistance on the tile surface, but requires more maintenance to keep it clean.

The tile should be able to be cleaned, if it is cleaned properly. The glaze should not be permanently stained. Too often these tiles are cleaned with some type of mop and the mop water is not cleaned frequent enough and the dirty residual water evaporates on the tile contributing to a dirty look. Tiles should be cleaned with a proper brush that has an extended handle so you can scrub it on your feet or you can use a commercial buffing machine with a proper pad for larger areas. Use a neutral based cleaner or a cleaner made for ceramic tile to scrub the floor. There are manufacturers of these cleaning products listed on our website under Expert Answers in the Resources column.

Immediately after scrubbing the floor use a wet and dry vacuum to pick up the dirty water. Use a lint free cloth to dry the tile surface if necessary. Good Luck!

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