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  • Tile Care and Maintenance
  • From "DIY Home Repair & Remodeling"
    episode DIR-119
    advertisement

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure A

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure B

    Ceramic tile is usually fairly easy to clean. Some situations, however, present special challenges.

    If gum is stuck to your tile, harden the gum by holding a piece of ice on it (figure A). Then use a spatula to scrape it off the tile.

    If nail polish gets stuck to your tile, saturate a paper towel with nail-polish remover (acetone), and allow it to sit on the polish for a minute or two. Then scrape off the softened nail polish.

    Minor cigarette burns can be scoured off with steel wool (figure B). After scouring, polish the tile with paste wax.

    Tips:

    • Avoid placing sharp objects on tile.

    • Use plastic floor protectors to prevent furniture legs from scratching tile floors.

    • Avoid walking on tile floors in narrow-heeled shoes.

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: