The Flooring Material That's Naturally Odor-Resistant
Choosing the right flooring for your home involves many variables, such as how much foot traffic you expect, whether you have pets or children, and what aesthetic you're looking to achieve. While there are dozens of options, one excellent choice that should top your list is ceramic tile flooring. This type of material is made from clay that's shaped and fired at high temperatures to create a hard, durable surface. Later, other minerals and materials are added or glazed to add color, texture, and additional protection against wear and stains. As a result, you can choose various shapes, sizes, colors, or patterns, making ceramic tiles a versatile and highly durable option to fit any of your design needs. They're perfect for high traffic spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and mudrooms. One added bonus is that they're also odor-resistant.
The reason that ceramic tile floors are odor-resistant is due to their non-porous nature. Their dense surface does not readily absorb liquids, preventing odors from lingering inside any cracks or crevices that are typically present in other flooring types, such as hardwood. An odor-resistant floor is extremely beneficial in a busy home, especially those prone to spills, moisture, or heavy foot traffic. Compared to carpets, which can easily trap and retain odors, ceramic tile floors are much more hygienic and won't harbor bacteria or unpleasant smells, ultimately contributing to a healthier environment in your home. By choosing this flooring option, you're also choosing a low-maintenance floor that can benefit the whole family.
Additional benefit: moisture resistance
While ceramic tile flooring is excellent at resisting odors due to its non-porous surface, this natural quality means that it is also exceptional at moisture resistance. The nature of ceramic tiles prevents water and other liquids from seeping into the tile, ultimately preventing damage from moisture. Though ceramic tiles are not completely waterproof, as all types of tiles do have tiny holes that can absorb negligible amounts of water, their resistance to moisture and tolerance of spills make them an excellent choice compared to hardwood and laminate, which are both easily damaged by standing water.
Compared to other flooring, ceramic tiles are a great choice to consider for rooms in your home that are prone to high humidity or wetness in general, like your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or mudroom. Unlike materials like hardwood and laminate (known for warping, rotting, or discoloration from water damage), ceramic tile floors are simple to dry and will remain unaffected by a rogue spill or unsuspecting drips.
What's more, similar to its odor resistance, its natural water-resistant surface also means that mold, mildew, and bacteria are less likely to develop on these floors. This characteristic is particularly beneficial to those with health risks or allergies who are more sensitive to allergens or pathogens lurking surreptitiously in the flooring. Rest easy with ceramic tile flooring, as odor and water stand no chance of requiring costly repairs or replacements that are common for other flooring types.
How to clean ceramic tile flooring
If the inherent qualities of ceramic tiles seem like a great flooring option for your home, then you should also be familiar with how to properly clean them, so that you can keep your floors looking great and functioning properly. To get started, you can sweep or vacuum large debris from the floor first. It's also best to turn off the roller in a standing vacuum, as it can scatter dirt and dust across the floor. Choose a narrow attachment to get into the spaces between the tile and the wall and any grout lines.
Next, you can prepare a cleaning solution for your ceramic tile floors by mixing warm water with mild detergent or a cleaning product specifically formulated for these types of floors. You'll want to avoid harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive cleaners, as they could damage the grout or tile. If you choose just water and soap, consider adding some vinegar for a bonus odor and bacteria-fighting kick. Combine the solution in a bucket and use a mop to tackle the tiles. Ring out the dirty water periodically, and rinse the mop under hot water to clean it in between swipes. For tougher stains, let the solution sit for a few minutes or use a soft bristled brush to gently scrub them away. Rinse the floor with clean water, using a fresh mop or sponge, and then dry the floor with a microfiber cloth or towel to finish.