How to Clean and Maintain Cement Tiles

Learn the Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning Your Cement Tiles

You’ve just installed a gorgeous cement tile floor, shower, or backsplash. Now, how do you keep it looking clean and beautiful for years to come? While cement tiles are incredibly durable and easy to maintain, they are porous. So like a natural stone surface, they require some special care. Don’t worry. The LiLi Team is here to teach you everything you need to know on how to clean and maintain cement tile. So grab a mop and roll up your sleeves. It’s time to learn the dos and don’ts of cleaning your cement tile! 

How to Clean and Maintain Your Cement Tile in 8 Steps

1. Seal Cement Tiles After Installation 

Before you start enjoying your new cement tile floor, shower, or backsplash, it's essential to seal your tiles to keep them protected. Sealing tiles immediately after installation will help prevent stains and make cleaning up a breeze! Sealed cement tiles are much easier to clean than unsealed tiles. 

The LiLi Team recommends using the combination of Poseidon’s Tile Primer and Zeus’s Tile Sealer from Tile Armor for maximum protection. Poseidon’s Tile Primer prepares the surface by enhancing the tile’s ability to absorb the sealer evenly, creating a strong bond, and making the tile's surface water resistant. Once primed, Zeus’s Tile Sealer offers durable protection, preventing moisture and stains without altering the tile’s appearance. These two products work together to ensure your tiles remain vibrant and well-protected in both indoor and outdoor settings, whether on floors, backsplashes, showers, counters, or walls. Don't forget to reseal periodically to maintain your tiles’ beauty and durability for years to come!

2. Sweep Away Dust and Debris 

Regularly sweep away dust and debris to prevent scratches and grime build-up on your cement tiles. You will always want to sweep before mopping. Otherwise, you could spread dirt to other rooms or scratch the surface of your tile. We recommend sweeping 1 to 2 times per week. However, you may need to sweep more often in high-traffic areas or homes with pets. 

3. Immediately Wipe Up Spills 

Never let a spill sit on your concrete tiles, even if sealed. Immediately wipe up spills with a warm soapy rag, especially acidic liquids like wine, soda, or salad dressing. Acid liquids can eat away at the surface of your cement tiles, leaving etchings or stains. If you have a puppy in training, make sure to protect your tiles with puppy pads or old towels. If you notice a spill or accident, don’t wait to clean it up! 

4. Shop for Cement Tile Cleaners

Cement tiles require gentle care due to their porous nature, which can make them vulnerable to damage if the wrong cleaning products are used. That's why we recommend using a cleaner specifically formulated for cement tiles, like Athena's Heavy Duty Tile Cleaner by Tile Armor. Unlike general-purpose cleaners, this product is designed to effectively clean without stripping away the surface or fading the vibrant colors. Using a cleaner tailored to cement tiles ensures their long-lasting beauty and durability, protecting your investment and keeping your tiles looking pristine.

5. Gently Mop Away Dirt and Grime 

Using a soft mop to gently wash away dirt and grime is one of the easiest and most effective maintenance practices to preserve the longevity of your cement tile. Use a cement tile cleaner and wring out your mop often to avoid heavy water puddling. You want to ensure a quick dry time, so you may want to run fans or open windows while you clean. The LiLi Team recommends mopping once every 1 to 2 weeks for the best results (and a spotless home)! 

6. Scrub Grout With a Soft Bristle Brush   

Cement tiles are typically installed with thin grout lines. However, they can still collect dirt and grime between the tiles. Use a soft bristle brush and warm soapy water to gently scrub grout lines. The LiLi Team recommends cleaning your tile grout once every 1 to 2 months. However, you may need to clean grout in high-traffic areas, bathrooms, or kitchens more often.  

7. Buff Out Scratches With Sandpaper 

No matter how careful you are, you may scratch the surface of your cement tile from time to time. Maybe you drug a piece of heavy furniture across the room or shattered a glass. There is no need to fret! If your cement tiles get scratched, use 220 grit sandpaper to buff them out. Your tiles will look as good as new! Just remember to reseal your tiles after sanding. 

8. Reseal Cement Tiles as Needed

Some cement tile sealers can last over a decade with the proper application and care. Pay attention to how your tiles are holding up, and reseal when needed. Cement tiles installed indoors will require less regular sealing than outdoor tiles. In most cases, cement tiles installed in outdoor spaces need to be resealed every year to protect them from prolonged sun exposure.

Bonus Cleaning Step for Brass Inlay Cement Tiles

If you like a little bling with your cement tiles, you may have chosen brass inlay tiles from our Elite Brass collection. Cement tiles with brass inlays are prone to tarnish and require additional maintenance. Keep your brass tiles looking shiny and fresh by removing tarnish with wet sanding using 320 grit sandpaper. Repeat as necessary and reseal after each sanding session. The LiLi Team embraces the natural aging process of brass, and we encourage you to find the beauty in a vintage look, too!

The Dos and Don’ts of Cement Tile Maintenance 

Do: 

• Use soft cleaning materials rather than stiff brushes. 
• Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals. 
• Opt for cement tile safe cleansers. 
• Immediately clean up spills. 
• Refinish and reseal as necessary. 
• Protect high traffic areas with rugs. 
• Ask experts for help when you need it! 

Don't: 

• Use rough cleaning materials or high grit brushes. 
• Use harsh cleaning chemicals like bleach or ammonia that can fade tile.
• Use vinegar solutions that can eat away at the tile surface. 
• Leave spills or pet accidents sitting for long periods. 
• Neglect or put off resealing. 

Keep Your Cement Tiles Looking Beautiful for Years to Come!

Cement tiles have been around for centuries, and some still look just as vibrant as the day they were installed. The LiLi Team is here to assist you with your cement tile needs, from picking out the perfect pattern to installation day to when you need to reseal. Reach out to us with any of your cement tile maintenance questions. We’re happy to help you keep your tiles looking beautiful for years to come!