Cleaning Mosaic Tile

Mosaic tile can be beautiful whether it is part of a work of art or a part of your home's decor. These groupings of small tiles, stones or glass can make up beautiful patterns and designs that are a joy to view. Mosaics can be found on furniture, tables, walkways, decorations, birdbaths, floors, walls, counters, and more. Mosaics are a unique way to give your home an appealing look.

You can have mosaic tile designs in just about any part of your home. They can be found in bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and sometimes as part of the backyard. It is a versatile look that can work with many styles of decorating.

Just like any other tile surfaces you might have in your home, mosaic tile will need to be properly cleaned and maintained. Because mosaic surfaces are normally sealed or waxed, cleaning them shouldn't be too difficult. There are, however, a few tips you might want to remember:

• Soap and water. To clean any dirt or spots from mosaic tile, one option is to use some soapy water. Wipe the surface with a damp rag to remove dirt.
• Outdoors. If you have a mosaic surface outside (such as patio furniture), it should be fine to use a garden hose to spray off the surface. If simply spraying with water is not enough to remove dirt or residue, use soapy water, a gentle tile cleaner, or a brush to help you clean.
• Home cleaning solution. For more serious cleaning, try using a mixture of half vinegar and half water to clean mosaic tile. Scrub the mixture over the mosaic surface with a soft brush or sponge, and rinse with water. Vinegar acts as an excellent cleaner for many surfaces in the home.
• Grout. Once in a while, you might need to get at the grout between the tiles to remove any collected dirt. You can use some soapy water and a toothbrush to achieve a detailed cleaning. It is especially likely that dirt can build up if the mosaic tile is located on a floor, a counter, or outside.

Taking the time to clean and maintain mosaic tile is one way to help it last and look beautiful for many years. The best way to prevent a buildup of dirt or dust is to sweep, dust and wipe the tile off often. Remember that you may need to reseal or wax the surface as needed.