Granite is an igneous rock formed by the slow cooling of molten magma or lava. It is an extremely durable stone that is highly resistant to damage or signs of wear. Traces of minerals are dispersed throughout the stone, creating unique patterns for each tile. When placed side-by-side with patterns matching, granite tiles can create a stunning image of solid stone.
Although most granite tiles are shades of grey, depending on where the granite is mined, colours can range from black to white and shades of brown. This makes granite tiles an excellent medium for accenting any kitchen or bathroom.
When properly sealed, granite is highly resistant to water and moisture, making it a great choice for shower areas. Granite tiles can be an excellent choice for bathroom walls around a shower if you are prepared to invest in their ongoing maintenance. They offer a high-end look and durability that can make your bathroom stand out.
How Are Granite Tiles Made?
Granite is a coarse-grained igneous (molten) rock with a crystalline structure composed of mainly quartz, mica, and feldspar minerals. Large granite blocks are drilled, blasted, and cut into manageable pieces, then cut into slabs using saws. The slabs are cut into smaller, tile-sized pieces using bridge saws or other precision cutting tools.
The tiles are either polished to a smooth, glossy finish using incrementally smaller grits of diamond abrasives or honed with abrasive pads to create a smooth, non-reflective matt finish. Additional textures, like flamed or brushed finishes, can be applied to the surface for different aesthetic properties.
The thickness of each tile is finally adjusted to ensure uniformity, and the tiles are then cut to standard sizes (e.g., 12×12 inches, 18×18 inches) using water jets or diamond saws to ensure clean edges. Some granite tiles are sealed at the factory by applying a protective sealant that penetrates the stone’s pores to enhance their stain resistance and durability.
Cleaning Granite Tiles
Most acidic, abrasive, or “all-purpose” cleansers sold in stores are too harsh for permeable granite and may cause discoloration or diminished shine. Before buying a specialty granite cleaner, you may want to try our homemade granite cleaning solution. If you use it regularly, it may be all you need.
- Daily Cleaning:
To make a mild cleaner suitable for granite: fill a spray bottle ⅓ full with rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl), add ½ tsp of mild dish detergent, fill to ¾ full with water, then shake to mix.Spraying the tiles down with the cleaning solution, allowing it to stand for a minute to cut through any contaminants, then wiping the tiles down with a microfiber cloth seems to clean well. To remove any traces of soap, follow that up by rinsing with fresh water and drying with a clean rag.
- Deep Cleaning:
To create a poultice for removing stubborn stains: mix baking soda with water (for oil-based stains) or hydrogen peroxide (for organic stains) to form a paste. Apply the paste over the stained area, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it sit for 24 hours before rinsing.Bad stains may require a commercial granite cleaner, available at most grocery or home hardware stores. Always wear gloves and follow all safety precautions when using commercial cleaners.
- Sealing:
If your granite tiles are unglazed, they will be coated with a sealer to protect the porous surface from the elements. This sealer should be renewed occasionally (yearly) to protect the granite tile fully. If your tiles are glazed, the edges may not be and will still require occasional resealing. This is an important step to prevent stains.
Cleaning The Grout
The same cleaning mix described above for cleaning the tiles should work for the grout if a soft brush or a toothbrush is used to apply it. The same poultice mix used to deep clean the tiles can be used for trouble grout spots when the same soft brush is used.
Avoid any acidic cleaners on stone tiles as these may soak into the tiles, creating stains.
Deep Cleaning The Grout
The baking soda and hydrogen peroxide mixture described above may work well for cleaning heavily stained grout if worked in gently with a soft brush. For white grout, a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) can be used to remove stains.
Be cautious with coloured grout, as bleach may cause discoloration.
For tougher stains, use a commercial grout cleaner. Follow the product instructions for application and scrubbing.
Note: in all deep cleaning solutions above, it is imperative to rinse the grout completely with fresh water and wipe the grout and the tile with a dry rag after.
WARNING: Limitations of Home Cleaners
- Water/Dish Soap (tile/grout):
- Effectiveness: It may not be strong enough for tough stains or heavy grime.
- Residue: This can leave a soapy residue if not rinsed thoroughly.
- Vinegar/Water (tile/grout):
- Acidity: The acidic nature of vinegar can damage certain types of tiles, such as natural stone (marble, travertine, granite).
- Odor: The pungent smell of vinegar can be unpleasant and linger in the bathroom.
- Toothpaste (grout):
- Limited Use: Effective only for minor, localized stains rather than large areas.
- Abrasiveness: Some toothpaste can be abrasive and may scratch certain types of tiles.
- Hydrogen Peroxide (grout):
- Effectiveness: Works well on grout but may not be as effective on tile surfaces.
- Discoloration: Prolonged use can sometimes cause discoloration of grout or tiles.
- Chlorine Bleach (grout):
- Harshness: Can be very harsh and potentially damaging to tiles and grout over time.
- Health Risks: Requires careful handling and proper ventilation due to strong fumes and potential health risks.
- Environmental Impact: Not eco-friendly and can contribute to environmental pollution.
Commercial Tile Cleaners
Cleaning tiles with common household products can be quite labour-intensive and time-consuming, often requiring substantial effort to achieve satisfactory results.
As safe and on-hand as these products are, they may be limited in effectiveness and lack disinfectant properties. This may leave bacteria and germs behind. Commercial cleaners are generally faster and more powerful, providing a deeper cleaning and may even disinfect—in a fraction of the time (following safety guidelines).
You may want to consider one of the tile cleaning products available at your local grocery store, home supply center, or online—research online reviews to help you shop.
Consider using safe products for regular cleaning in the manner described above. When build-up becomes a problem or your house needs absolute cleanliness, call in an expert like Pink’nClean. You’ll get a professional job done quickly, without any mess, at a reasonable price.
General Tips
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Do not use acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice on granite, as they can etch the surface. Also, avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the stone.
- Use pH-Neutral Products: Stick to pH-neutral cleaning products designed for natural stone.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly clean and seal both the granite tiles and grout to maintain their appearance and durability.
By following these steps, you can keep your granite tiles and grout looking pristine and ensure they last for many years.