Mold and Mildew-Resistant Tile Helps Keep Your Floors Looking Clean for The Long Haul
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the preferred choices for rooms that encounter high levels of moisture, because most tiles are inherently water-resistant. Their strong surface glaze helps keep water from soaking through the tile to the floor below. But although they are water-resistant, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be susceptible to other associated downsides of wet environments, like the development of mold or mildew. If you’re shopping for the best tile for a bathroom or other room where wetness might linger, consider opting for a mold- and mildew-resistant tile product. These tiles are a great choice for your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or basement, thanks to a special construction that resists the growth of mold and mildew.
A Little Bit of Regular Maintenance can Keep Your Tile Looking Great
In addition to selecting a mold- and mildew-resistant tile, there are a few simple things you can do to give you the best chance at preventing mold and mildew growth. Although condensation on bathroom walls and floors is inevitable, the quicker it gets dealt with the less likely it is to cause issues. After every use, give your shower walls a quick squeegee to remove most of the water from the walls, and soak up any major spills from the floor. If your bathroom has a fan, let it run for a period of time, even after you leave the bathroom, to help remove the damp air (if you don’t have a bathroom fan, consider having one installed).
You should also inspect your grout a few times a year for any cracks, get them repaired, and have your grout regularly resealed. How often you should reseal your grout will depend on the product used and how much traffic it sees, but the usual suggestion is to reseal your shower grout every year, and the grout in the surrounding area every two to five years. By practicing these tactics along with having mold- and mildew-resistant tile installed, you’ll greatly increase the odds of keeping your tile floors and walls clear of unsightly and unhealthy mold and mildew growth.
