It is vital to take care of your photo tiles for the good display of your cherished memories. Unfortunately, with time, dust, moisture, sunlight, and other elements can dull their sheen and lessen the quality of the pictures.Thankfully with a few simple yet efficient strategies. maintaining photo tiles will make sure colors in your tiles will last for a long time. This article will explain 7 important hacks to help you maintain the new look of your photo tiles years after installation. It will range from cleaning photo tiles tips to protecting measures to make sure the precious images will be seen in all their splendor for a long time.
1. Use a Gentle Cleaning Solution
While cleaning photo tiles, the importance of using a suitable cleaning solution cannot be overemphasized. The use of harsh chemicals can compromise the pictures and the surface finish of tiles permanently. It is advisable to use solutions designed and made for such surfaces. This is so because such a method also gets rid of scratches and aids in keeping your pictures bright. Always remember that a small measure can help you a lot in caring for your tiles.
Best Cleaning Products for Photo Tiles
To achieve better outcomes, it is advisable to select less abrasive, gentle cleaning agents. Use cleaning agents that are pH balanced and safe if used on photographic surfaces. MySmileTiles has a range of products that clean the dirt on your tiles well, making cleaning photo tiles safe and effective. Do not use bleaches and ammonia-based cleaning agents as they cause permanent damage to surfaces.
DIY Cleaning Mixtures
Moreover, preparing your own cleaning agents can be a wonderful option that allows you to cut costs and use safe products. For instance, a mixture of half white vinegar, half water is excellent for cleaning and is completely safe. This solution is not only non-toxic but also works well in protecting your tiles. Or, use warm water with a few drops of soft dishwashing detergent for light cleaning. These DIY techniques allow you to keep your photo tiles clean and bright without the use of harmful chemicals, for more cleaning tips for photo tiles click here.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight Exposure
UV rays can have a strong influence on the photo tiles that you have installed in your home, at times causing them to fade or even discolor completely. Hence, it is important to avoid placing the tiles where there is a lot of sunlight exposure which helps protecting photo tiles from damage. This will help in preserving the color and sharpness of the images. If that is unavoidable, then think of placing shades on the windows.
Protective Measures
In order to reduce the effect of sunlight on tiles, it is wise to place them on surfaces where there is minimal direct sunlight or consider display cases that do not allow UV light. This is especially important in the case of photo tiles. Yearly inspection of the picture tiles placement is recommended to avoid exposure to sunlight for long periods of time. It may also be worthwhile to change their position depending on the season to minimize any risks.
3. Dust Regularly with a Soft Cloth
It is important to dust photo tiles on a regular basis. Dust can build up over time making the colors less bright and vivid in appearance. At least once a week, use a soft and dry cloth to wipe the tiles. This is easy to do maintenance step, which improves the photo tiles remarkably to the point where they will look as good as the day you hung them up.
Tools for Gentle Dusting
For cleaning photo tiles use equipment meant for light cleaning purposes only. Photo tiles can be safely maintained using microfiber cloths or soft dusters that will not scratch the surface. These tools prevent dust and dirt from smearing or scratching the surface. Do not use hard materials such as paper tissue, that may harm the tiles. Proper dusting tools will not only help speed up the process of cleaning but also prolong the life of the photo tiles.
Advantages of Microfiber
There are a lot more advantages of using microfiber cloths than jus cleaning without leaving streaks behind. Microfiber cloths are thick and therefore, can soak in more water or dirt than regular cloth, making them ideal for extensive photo tile care. In addition, because microfiber lasts long and can be cleaned and used again, it reduces the impact on the environment making it a perfect material for your cleaning habits.
4. Protect with a Sealant
A protective sealant if applied to your photo tiles will greatly extend their lifespan. It is advisable to seal the tiles right after they are installed and to do so at least every couple of years to prevent the intrusion of dirt, water and UV rays. Water based polyurethane sealants act as a shield and offer stain resistance and easiness in cleaning photo tiles. This little effort can do wonders in saving the photos from fading.
Choosing the Right Sealant
When choosing a sealant, be sure to opt for those specifically meant for photo tiles. Make sure the sealant is suitable for the materials used in your tiles to avoid compatibility issues. Read the product reviews and seek the advice of professionals where necessary before making a purchase. The right sealant applied correctly can help protecting photo tiles from damage
5. Keep Tiles Away from High-Humidity Areas
The quality of your photo tiles can be affected by moisture. Therefore, for the sake of their appearance and preservation, they should be kept in an area free from high humidity like within the limits of bedrooms and living rooms and not in bathrooms and kitchens. Extra
moisture may cause peeling or warping of the surfaces and this may affect the photos that are printed on such tiles.
Tips for Maintaining a Dry Environment
Humidity levels should be regulated in places that are likely to get moist with a dehumidifier. In addition, keep the space where the photo tiles are to be used properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of water vapor. There is no doubt that keeping the surrounding environment dry can go a long way in improving the lifespan of photo tiles.
6. Handle with Care During Rearrangements
Care should also be taken when moving or handling the photo tiles for implementing any changes in the layout. The photograph tiles should always be lifted at the edges and not at the center so that the surface is not warped. When cleaning them prior to relocating, use a microfiber cloth so that no streaks will mark the tiles. These measures will promote the safety of your tiles, thus, making them perfect for even the most drastic rearrangement,
FAQs
How often should I clean my photo tiles?
In order to maintain their optimal condition, it is recommended that cleaning photo tiles should be done every week.However, if there is any dust or any smudges on them, make sure to do a cleaning session immediately to prevent the smudges from becoming permanent.
Can I use glass cleaner on my photo tiles?
Do not use glass cleaner on your photo tiles, as it may have chemicals that can destroy the picture.Instead, use a simple non abrasive cleaner for maintaining photo tiles.
What is the best way to store photo tiles that aren’t currently on display?
Keep photo tiles in a cool and dry environment away from direct heat and light. Wrap them in protective gear like bubble wrappers to prevent any scratches and place them in a heavy duty box to protect them from any damage during storage.