Advice for Caring for an Untreated Tile Backsplash

As you take a look around your home, do you feel like it could use a bit of sprucing up? Even if you’re not ready to undertake a major home renovation, there are details and accents you can change in your home to give it a new look. A tile backsplash in the kitchen or bathroom adds an element of visual interest to your space, infusing color and style where there may have been none before. In order to make sure your tile backsplash looks great for years to come, you should know how to maintain it. Read on to learn how to care for an untreated tile backsplash.

Remove Debris

As its name suggests, a backsplash may get spattered with cooking grease, food particles, and even soap residue that leaves it looking dull and lifeless. You can be proactive in caring for your tile backsplash, cleaning it at the same time as you perform your normal kitchen cleaning routine. Use a plastic spoon to scrape off any buildup from the tile, as metal scrapers could leave dings and scratches in the material. Removing this buildup will help cleaning go much more smoothly, as you won’t just be spreading food and grease around on the tile.

Clean Tile

One of the benefits of using untreated tile for backsplashes is that it stands up well to small scratches and other marks, unlike glazed tile which may show scratches more easily. However, you should still use care when cleaning your tile backsplash to keep it in great shape. Mix a small amount of liquid dish detergent or stone soap with warm water in the sink or in a bucket, and use a cloth or sponge to clean the tile itself. Once the cloth or sponge gets dirty, wring it out and keep applying it to the tile until it is clean. Wipe off the backsplash with a clean, damp towel to get rid of any soapy residue, and dry it with a soft, dry towel.