How to Clean and Maintain Cement Tiles

Learn The Dos And Don'ts of Cleaning Your Cement Tiles

You’ve just installed a beautiful cement tile floor, backsplash, or shower wall, now it’s time to keep it looking its best. Cement tiles are loved for their rich color and natural texture, but because they’re porous, they need a little extra care to stay in top shape. Like natural stone, they can absorb moisture and stains if not cleaned properly. But don’t worry, maintaining cement tile is easy once you know the right techniques.

Unlike glazed tiles, cement tiles don’t have a sealed finish by default, which means cleaning them involves more than a simple wipe-down. The key is using the right products and avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage the surface. With a little care and the proper routine, your tile will keep its charm and color for years to come.

At LiLi Tile, we’re here to help you protect your investment with clear, practical tips. From everyday upkeep to deep cleaning, we’ll walk you through what to do, and what to avoid, so your cement tiles always look their best. So grab your mop and get ready, the LiLi Team has everything you need to know to care for your cement tile the right way.

How To Clean And Maintain Your Cement Tile In 8 Steps

1. Seal Cement Tiles After Installation

Before enjoying your new cement tile floor, shower, or backsplash, it’s essential to seal your tiles to protect them from stains, moisture, and wear. Cement tiles are porous by nature, so sealing them right after installation helps prevent discoloration and makes cleaning much easier. A well-sealed tile surface is far more resistant to spills, grime, and everyday messes, preserving its beauty and extending its lifespan.

We recommend a two-step sealing system using Poseidon’s Tile Primer and Zeus’s Tile Sealer from Tile Armor. The primer improves absorption and ensures even coverage, while the sealer locks in long-lasting protection without changing the tile’s natural look. This combination is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, whether you're sealing floors, walls, showers, or countertops.

Don’t forget, sealing isn’t a one-time task. To keep your cement tiles looking their best, reseal them periodically, especially in high-moisture or high-traffic areas. A little care goes a long way in maintaining vibrant, long-lasting tile.

2. Sweep Away Dust and Debris

To keep your cement tiles looking clean and vibrant, one of the most important things you can do is regularly sweep away dust, dirt, and debris. Cement tiles, while durable, can still be affected by abrasive particles that accumulate over time. Tiny bits of sand, soil, or pet hair can act like sandpaper underfoot, causing fine scratches and dulling the surface if left unchecked. These scratches may not be immediately noticeable, but over time, they can affect the finish and overall appearance of your tile.

Sweeping should always be your first step before mopping or deep cleaning. If you skip this step and mop over loose dirt, you risk pushing debris into the tile's surface or grout lines, which can cause staining or surface damage. In addition, failing to sweep before mopping may spread dirt and grime to other parts of the room or even into adjacent areas, making your cleaning efforts less effective overall.

We recommend sweeping your cement tiles at least one to two times per week as part of your regular cleaning routine. However, if your cement tile is located in a high-traffic area, like an entryway, kitchen, or hallway, you may need to sweep more frequently. The same goes for households with pets, as pet hair and tracked-in dirt can quickly accumulate and settle on your floors. Using a soft-bristle broom or microfiber dust mop will help lift dust gently without scratching the surface, keeping your tiles looking fresh and polished every day.

3. Immediately Wipe Up Spills

It’s important to remember that even though your cement tiles may be sealed, spills should never be left to sit on the surface. Cement is a porous material, and while sealers add a layer of protection, they are not foolproof against all liquids, especially those that are acidic or strongly pigmented. Substances like wine, coffee, soda, fruit juice, vinegar, and salad dressing can begin to break down the protective layer and seep into the tile, causing stains, discoloration, or etching that may be difficult to remove. That’s why it’s crucial to wipe up any spill immediately using a soft cloth or rag dampened with warm, soapy water. This is especially important in kitchens, dining areas, or bathrooms where such spills are more common. In homes with young children or pets, particularly a puppy in training, it's a good idea to be extra cautious by placing puppy pads or old towels in areas where accidents are likely. These added layers can help protect your cement tile floors from pet-related messes. If an accident does happen, act fast, don’t wait to clean it up, even if it seems minor. Quick action is your best defense against permanent marks and helps maintain the beauty and longevity of your cement tile for years to come.

4. Shop for Cement Tile Cleaners

Because cement tiles are porous and more delicate than glazed ceramic or porcelain options, they require gentle but effective care to maintain their vibrant appearance and structural integrity. Harsh chemical cleaners, bleach-based products, or anything too acidic can break down the protective sealant, fade the colors, or even etch the tile surface over time, leading to irreversible damage. That’s why it’s essential to choose a cleaner specifically designed for cement tiles, rather than using standard household cleaning agents. We highly recommend Athena's Heavy Duty Tile Cleaner by Tile Armor, which has been specially formulated to clean cement tile surfaces thoroughly without compromising their finish. This cleaner is strong enough to remove dirt, grime, and mild stains but gentle enough to preserve the tile’s color and surface texture. Unlike general-purpose cleaners that can strip away sealant or dull the matte look of cement tile, Athena’s formula helps maintain the tile’s original charm while supporting the longevity of its protective barrier. By using a cleaner made specifically for cement tile, you're not only protecting your investment, you’re also making it easier to keep your tiles looking pristine day after day, ensuring they continue to enhance your space with beauty and durability for many years.

5. Gently Mop Away Dirt and Grime

One of the most effective and low-effort ways to maintain the beauty and durability of your cement tiles is by gently mopping them regularly. Because cement tiles are porous, they benefit from frequent but gentle cleaning to prevent the build-up of grime and surface residue that could eventually wear down the sealant or stain the tile. Always use a soft mop, such as a microfiber or sponge mop, to avoid scratching the surface, and pair it with a cleaning solution specifically formulated for cement tile, like Athena’s Heavy Duty Tile Cleaner, for optimal results. Be sure to wring out the mop frequently and avoid saturating the tile with too much water, puddling can lead to moisture absorption, especially if the sealant has begun to wear down. To promote faster drying and prevent water from lingering on the tile surface, consider opening windows, turning on fans, or running a dehumidifier during and after cleaning. This not only protects the tiles but also leaves your space feeling fresher. We recommend mopping your cement tile floors once every one to two weeks, depending on foot traffic and location, to keep them clean, polished, and in peak condition while preserving their natural charm for years to come.

6. Scrub Grout With a Soft Bristle Brush 

Even though cement tiles are often installed with narrow grout lines to maintain a clean, seamless appearance, those small spaces can still trap dirt, grime, soap scum, and other debris over time, especially in high-use areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. To keep your grout looking fresh and prevent build-up that can dull the overall look of your tiled surface, it's important to give it a thorough clean regularly. Using a soft bristle brush, like a toothbrush or a dedicated grout-cleaning brush, combined with warm, soapy water or a gentle pH-neutral cleaner, you can gently scrub the grout without damaging the surrounding tile or compromising the sealer. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive scrubbers, as they can degrade the grout or leave scratches on your cement tiles. The LiLi Tile Team recommends cleaning your grout once every 1 to 2 months as part of your regular tile maintenance routine, although you may find that more frequent cleanings are needed in high-traffic areas or places prone to moisture and spills. Keeping up with grout care not only preserves the aesthetic of your cement tiles but also helps maintain a cleaner, healthier environment in your home.

7. Buff Out Scratches With Sandpaper

Even with the best care and maintenance, occasional scratches on cement tile can still happen, especially in busy households or commercial spaces where heavy furniture, dropped objects, or sharp debris can come into contact with the surface. Whether you accidentally dragged a chair, dropped a dish, or had an unexpected mishap, there’s no need to panic. Cement tile is incredibly forgiving and can often be restored with just a little bit of attention. To buff out light surface scratches, use 220-grit sandpaper, which is fine enough to smooth the area without causing further damage. Gently sand the scratched surface in a circular motion, being careful not to overdo it. This process will gradually even out the finish and help the scratch blend into the surrounding tile. Once you’ve buffed the area to your satisfaction, it’s very important to reseal the sanded tile to restore its protective barrier against moisture and stains. Skipping the resealing step could leave the tile vulnerable to future damage or discoloration. With a little care and the right approach, you can keep your cement tiles looking just as beautiful as the day they were installed.

8. Reseal Cement Tiles as Needed

While high-quality cement tile sealers can offer long-lasting protection, sometimes even lasting a decade or more with proper care, it’s still essential to monitor your tiles regularly and reapply sealer when needed to maintain their durability and vibrant appearance. The frequency of resealing depends largely on the tile’s location and the level of exposure it has to moisture, sunlight, and everyday wear. Indoor cement tiles, such as those used in bathrooms, kitchens, or living areas, typically require less frequent resealing because they are protected from the harsh environmental elements that can wear down the sealant. However, cement tiles installed outdoors, on patios, walkways, or outdoor kitchens, are exposed to UV rays, rain, temperature fluctuations, and foot traffic, which can cause the sealer to break down more quickly. For these exterior applications, resealing every 12 months is generally recommended to prevent fading, staining, and moisture absorption. To know when it’s time to reseal, keep an eye out for signs like water no longer beading on the surface or the tile appearing dull or porous. Regular resealing not only protects your investment but also keeps your cement tile looking fresh, colorful, and well-maintained year after year.

Bonus Cleaning Step for Brass Inlay Cement Tiles

If you prefer a touch of luxury in your design and have selected brass inlay cement tiles from our stunning Elite Brass collection, it’s important to know that these specialty tiles require a bit of extra care to maintain their elegance. While the combination of brass and cement offers a bold and sophisticated aesthetic, the brass inlay is naturally prone to tarnishing over time due to exposure to air, moisture, and everyday use. To keep the metallic accents looking bright and polished, we recommend removing tarnish through gentle wet sanding using 320 grit sandpaper. Lightly sanding the brass surface will restore its original luster without damaging the surrounding cement tile. Be sure to repeat this process as needed, especially in high-traffic areas where tarnishing may occur more frequently. After each sanding session, always remember to reseal the tile to protect both the brass and the cement surface from further wear and environmental exposure. While we at the LiLi Team love the brilliant shine of freshly cleaned brass, we also embrace the character that comes with its natural patina and encourage you to find charm and beauty in the soft, vintage glow that develops over time.

The Dos And Don’ts of Cement Tile Maintenance 

Do: 

Use soft cleaning materials rather than stiff brushes. 

Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals. 

Opt for cement tile safe cleansers. 

Immediately clean up spills. 

Refinish and reseal as necessary. 

Protect high traffic areas with rugs. 

Ask experts for help when you need it! 

Don't: 

Use rough cleaning materials or high grit brushes. 

Use harsh cleaning chemicals like bleach or ammonia that can fade tile.

Use vinegar solutions that can eat away at the tile surface. 

Leave spills or pet accidents sitting for long periods. 

Neglect or put off resealing. 

Keep Your Cement Tiles Looking Beautiful For Years To Come!

Cement tiles have been around for centuries, and some still look just as vibrant as the day they were installed. The LiLi Team is here to assist you with your cement tile needs, from picking out the perfect pattern to installation day to when you need to reseal. Reach out to us with any of your cement tile maintenance questions. We’re happy to help you keep your tiles looking beautiful for years to come! 

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