How To Care for and Restore Glass Tile

Glass tile can be a beautiful choice when it comes to renovating your home. It's often used in bathrooms because it's so easy to clean. But it can also be used as an accent in the kitchen or even on the floor if you don't mind walking on it. Whatever you use your tiles for, there are some things you should always do for the upkeep of the glass, as well as simple steps you can take to restore tile to look new again.

When cleaning glass tile, assess how bad the dirt is. Most small stains and spills can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Soap up a rag and make sure you wipe down your glass tiles in the same direction as to not leave random streaks. Dry it with a separate cloth and you are all set.

If your tile needs a deeper cleaning, general purpose cleaners work well. Don't let them sit on the glass too long if you don't want to have residual streaks. Scrub with a soft bristled brush or with a rag. Don't use anything with hard bristles as it can scratch the glass fairly easily.

The biggest thing to avoid with glass tile is impact. Don't drop anything onto a glass sink or counter, or bang anything into glass tile walls. You are sure to crack them and will likely have to replace them if the damage is severe enough.

If you do have minor scratches in your glass tile, there is a quick remedy that works in a pinch. Clear nail polish can be brushed on to little scratches until they are filled. As you brush it on, let each coat dry before applying a new one to be sure you don't put too much. If you feel like there is too much and its uneven, apply nail polish remover every so lightly to smooth it out. Use a cotton swab so you can gently apply it without ruining the tile.

If the scratches seem too deep to repair yourself, you may need to call in a professional to see if they can repair it. If the tile is broken, a new tile will be needed. You can take a piece into a hardware store and see if they can match it for you.

Grout can also be removed and replaced if it isn't hold the tile together as well as it used to. A grout saw can help remove the damaged pieces, but if they are pretty loose than a small chisel will work just as well. Make sure you buy grout that matches in color if you don't want the tile to stand out too much. When you replace grout, let it sit for two weeks to really get into the cracks before applying sealant.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com