Is your kitchen as clean as you think it is?

Is your kitchen as clean as you think it is? You might wipe the countertops when you’re finished making dinner, or mop your tile floor when you drop a piece of raw pork on it. But did you really kill the germs, or just make the mess a little more invisible?

Kitchen hygiene is important for several reasons. First off, you can spread germs, whether they be pathogens, bacteria or the common cold, if you don’t disinfect dishes, countertops and floors often enough. Secondly, no one wants to eat in a kitchen that looks – or feels – like it’s filthy.

One of the best ways to keep your kitchen countertops and tiles clean is to change out your sponges once per day. When you spill something on the tile floor, use a different sponge or cloth to wipe it up than you just used to sweep crumbs off of your kitchen table.

Don’t rely on plain dish soap to wash away all the germs. Regular dish soap is not antibacterial. You need super-hot water or antibacterial cleansers to actually kill germs. Thus, you’ll kill germs on dishes when you wash them in a piping hot dishwasher, but just dunking the cutting board in lukewarm soapy water won’t kill the bacteria and pathogens that you just spread all over while you trimmed raw meat.

Do you ever stop to think how many germs you’re diffusing all around your kitchen when you touch the handles of cabinets and the refrigerator with sticky or dirty fingers? Then what happens the next time someone else touches that same handle? They pick up germs and spread them elsewhere! Kitchen hygiene is crucial in the kitchen because it helps prevent germs from spreading out past the kitchen and making people sick.

Now let’s talk a little bit about the floor – and tile floors especially. Tile floors look great in a kitchen, but they’ll reveal any spills and stains that might have landed there. You need to keep them cleansed with tile cleaner or a vinegar/water mixture and a mop to actually get them clean to the point where the spread of germs isn’t a problem.

The same goes for tile countertops and walls. Splatters from the cook top and dirty water sprayed from the sink onto the backsplash are all unsightly, not to mention germy. Clean these regularly with the same products you use to clean the tile floors in order to prevent spreading infectious agents.

If you want to keep that pristine, just-installed tile look, you need to know how to keep your new kitchen tiles clean. Yes, it requires a little bit of that thing called work, but it will be worth it when you realize how nice your tiles will look when you’re finished.

One of the best ways to keep your new kitchen tiles clean is to wipe up any spills right away. You might not catch every crumb that lands on the floor, but if little Johnny spills spaghetti sauce, get a wet cloth or paper towel and clean up the mess then and there. That way, you won’t have nearly-permanent stains to clean up three weeks later when you finally get around to washing the floor.

But what about the upper tiles, like the tile behind your cooking range and the backsplash behind your sink? Sometimes these tiles take a little more special handling. Be sure that you only use soft cloths or sponges, rather than scouring pads, to clean your tiles, as anything harsh could scratch the tiles and dull their shiny finish.

If the upper tiles require more deep-down cleaning than just a water-and-sponge application, experts recommend mixing vinegar and water and cleansing your tiles and grout with this mixture. You can also use specialized tile cleaners designed specifically for the type of tile you have installed.

When you clean your new kitchen tiles, you not only want to wipe off any stains from spilled food, wine or mud, you want to get that grout looking fresh again, too. Some experts recommend mixing oxygen bleach powder into a bucket of water. Mopping the floor with this mixture produces shiny tiles and clean grout, and since this type of bleach does not change the color of the tiles, you can be rest assured that it’s safe to clean with.

In general, mopping the floors and sponging the countertops and backsplash with plain water works well for everyday cleaning. But you’ll need vinegar, oxygen bleach or tile cleaner to get that deep down clean that you’re after.

1. Choose the proper durability. There are four groups of durability when it comes to tiles that you walk on. Groups one and two are ideal for bathrooms, where they are softest on bare feet. Step cautiously, though, as bathroom tiles are known for being slick.
2. Determine where the tiles will go. Some bathrooms include tile on the floor and walls, while some feature it on one or the other. If you choose to put tile on both, you will need to go the extra mile in the coordination department. You don’t want it all matchy-matchy, but you don’t want two different worlds of patterns to collide. For example, you might select tinier, glossier tiles for the walls and pick a more neutral color and texture for the floor.
3. Don’t forget the fixtures. It’s easy to pick tile that goes with the wallpaper in the master bedroom. But did you remember to coordinate the tile and grout colors with your fixtures? You’ll find you need a grayer grout to go with pewter or stainless steel faucets, while brownish  grout will coordinate better with bronze-finished fixtures.
4. Remember the glaze. The glaze of a tile can determine if it looks like it belongs in a bathroom, a kitchen or a utility room. Some glazes make the tile look ultra-glossy, and this is ideal for above a bath or Jacuzzi or in a shower. You might not want it all the way around the bathroom, especially if the tiles are tiny, so check if there are coordinating tiles that come in larger sizes for the bulk of the walls or floors.
5. Pick your pattern. Tiles will look great when stacked one way, but they might look plain and boring when laid in a different pattern. Some tile samples come plastered to a sample board that exhibit the tile in its best arrangement. But if the tiles are loose, try arranging them yourself to determine which design best fits the motif of your bathroom.

Regardless of what an expert interior decorator might say, make sure you pick a color, pattern and style that you are most happy with. Keep that in mind while you’re choosing your bathroom tiles.

1. Glass tiles: You might think glass only belongs in a bathroom. But if so, think again. Glass gives contemporary kitchens a sleek look that you could never hope to achieve with heavier glazed tiles. Clear glass goes well with white cabinets while glass in the browns and jewel tones coordinate nicely with wood cabinets. Glass is also an ideal look with shiny countertops, like granite and marble.
2. Mosaic tiles: Who says kitchen tile has to be monochromatic? Mix up the styles and colors with mosaic tiling. Add a third variety – size – for a combination of tiles that look truly artisan. You might not want every tiled section to feature the mosaic pattern, however, so you might choose a larger, more subdued tile for the bulk of the kitchen and merely accent with mosaic tiles in certain areas, like above the stove and as a backsplash behind the sink.
3. Tiny tiles: Want the complete opposite of beige bisque tiles? Choose an assortment of one-inch tiles in six different colors. Select a few light colors, like white and tan, then sprinkle in darker tones, like navy, purple or green. Once you choose this base color, add some hues that are from the same palette so everything coordinates. Then, make a randomized pattern out of the tiles, so you never get bored of the same configuration.
4. Brick tiles: Bring a little bit of the outdoors inside with brick-shaped tiles. These tiles, which come in far more colors than just stone-like brick alone, can make your kitchen look like a sunny garden in green and yellow or a mansion with dark brown tiles. This look is ideal if you don’t mind a lot of grout around the tiles. While these tiles don’t call for nearly as much grout as real bricks that need lots of mortar, the overall look is still the same, so bear that in mind if you select this tile design.

Picking tiles for a modern kitchen is as simple as avoiding plain colors and going for a look with lots of texture, irregular patterns and a combination of tile sizes, depending on your preferences.

• Make a display: Some home owners pick tiles that are pretty enough to use as a display. Buy a plate rack, then select a tile that has few or no flaws. Display it in front of a set of baskets in your kitchen or as a topper for a cedar chest.
• Use them as a decoration: Lay your tile flat on a coffee table and use it as the bottom for a flower pot, figurine or candle. You can use several tiles for this purpose if you are placing several of the same kind of item (i.e. candles, flowers, etc.) in the same room. If the room also bears the tiles in other places, like the floor, walls or fireplace, this ties the whole theme together and makes it a great use for spare kitchen or bathroom tiles.
• Make a broken tile arrangement: You can buy tile grouting kits at your local craft store and pour wet grout or cement into a tile mold. Then, crush up a bunch of tile pieces and arrange them in a design within the grout. You might make words, the year you were married, names of your family, a shape or animal – the possibilities are endless. You’re only limited by your creativity and the size of the mold.
• Use them as coasters: Those three-inch bisque tiles that you used behind your stove work great as coasters for cups, coffee mugs and cans of soda pop. Plus, they’ll wipe off easily and won’t show the rings of spilled liquid as much as foam coasters do.
• Make a sample board: Even after your tiles are laid, the decorating is generally not finished. You’ll undoubtedly have to go find countertops, curtains or some other interior décor to complete your room, and you’ll likely want to match your tile. Glue or grout the tile to a stiff board that you can take with you to decorating shops so you don’t have a bunch of loose tiles banging around in a bag.

• Travertine: Travertine tiles come in variegated designs with marble-like or pseudo-bisque grain. Its popularity is due in part to the fact that you can choose from so many gorgeous designs that mimic fancy stone. Travertine lends an elegant or elaborate feel to almost any room, so it’s not exactly meant for a casual look. It is durable enough for use on floors, but is also used in kitchens, on bathroom walls and as fireplace accents.
• Porcelain: You might think porcelain tiles sound like a bathroom addition only. But in reality, different types of porcelain can also be used as floor tiles in a foyer or living room. They’re not as breakable as you might think, and they, too, come in marble-style finishes that lend an elegant touch to a room.
• Marble: Marble tile is a classic choice for the bathroom. If you want a truly luxurious feel, go for marble tiling around the tub, in the shower or as a backsplash behind your sinks. Marble can be quite slick, so use caution if you want to use it on the floor, too.
• Glass: Glass tiles work well in the kitchen or the bathroom. Bluish-green glass tiles seem to be more bathroom-oriented, while clear or brown glass tiles work well in the kitchen. These see-through tiles add a contemporary art feel that doesn’t look as fancy as marble or travertine, so it’s a better option for a home with a more practical look.
• Cork: If you’re looking for a change from the ordinary, then cork might be an option to look into. Used on floors in large quantities and on walls as an accent, cork lends a tropical or bar-style feel to the atmosphere. If you have a bar sink in the island with bar stools along the counter, then cork tiles might be a great pick.
• Pebble: Pebble tiles straddle the line between contemporary and elegant. They offer a woodsy tone to a room and are especially popular in bathrooms. If you have a fireplace that needs a little sprucing up, pebble tiles might be an ideal choice.

Many tiles are all-purpose and work well for many needs. All you have to do is decide if you want a contemporary, practical or luxury feel, and half of your work is done for you.

Vivaldi Light Beige Bathroom Tile

Lightly textured and a creamy off-white, these bathroom wall tiles will look great in the more rustic, cosy bathroom design. Now at a special price of just 49p each for a limited time!

Special Light Cappucino Marble

These fantastically textured marble tiles are selling fast, and are on offer at just £5.14! Great for spacious and lightly coloured bathrooms, with a very unique and memorable pattern.

As always we offer a great range of cheap tiles so check back every month as we run down our favourites picks!

Single colours are currently out of fashion, not just in the kitchen but throughout the home. There are two ways you can go when decorating a room in more than one hue – either go for sympathetic colours that compliment each other, or be bold and go for colours that contrast. Be careful though, as it’s a fine line getting this right without picking two colours that clash! You have to consider the material your kitchen cupboards are made of too. Metallic surfaces may work well with darker colours while light wood units look better with softer colours, perhaps mixes of beiges and creams.

Some decorators thrive on colour and the kitchen is one of the few rooms where it is possible to have everything matching, down to the mugs hanging on the mug tree. If you’re decorating a kitchen from scratch, including your electrical equipment, you’re in a great position to build a completely matching room. You can choose your units and colour scheme to match your new cooker or fridge. If they are in metallic silver, stick with that colour scheme through the rest of the room. For a splash of vibrant colour, why not be bold and go with bright red or blue splash back tiles? Then stick with that colour for your mugs, knife blocks, toaster, and kettle. The combination of silver electrical equipment and work surfaces with bright blocks of colour will create a modern-looking kitchen.

Black and white remains a timeless and popular choice for kitchen colours. One great choice for the centrepiece of a kitchen is a black and white chess-board style floor. It may be tricky to keep clean, but worth it for a more traditional look to go with more traditional units and surfaces. Dark wood cupboards in particular will look good with this flooring, creating a Victoriana feel; the old idea of the kitchen as the heart of the family home.

It is always important to consider natural light when decorating any room, not just the kitchen. If you have a small galley kitchen, for example, with only a little natural light, keep the colours light and minimise the clutter you keep on work surfaces. If you have a kitchen with patio doors or large windows, you can afford to be more experimental with colour and style, perhaps even try out decorated tiles on your kitchen wall for some variety. 2011 is more about keeping design simple, so if you have a preference for painted tiles, mix them up with plain ones, which will actually end up giving them even more impact!

Be sure to check out the main site for a selection of wonderful kitchen tiles!

Half price tiles

Tumbled Travertine Rustic Ivory tiles

We are currently selling these beautifully rustic travertine tiles for only 25p – that’s half price! In rustic ivory these tiles are ideal for creating a relaxed atmosphere; add some candlelight to really set the mood!

Matt White Brick tiles

For those that prefer a cleaner, more minimal bathroom, why not take a look at these white brick tiles? Great for brightening up your kitchen or bathroom with their white reflective surface, and with a 50% saving you can buy them for only 27p each! Note: This product is selling fast, get yours now!

Ismir Medium Honed/filled Opus

For those that like their tiles to look more natural, this tile pack is on offer at only £44.32 (normally £62.50) and contains 1.48m² of tiles. Great for rustic and natural bathroom design, whilst still maintaining a sleek and contemporary feel.

Stay tuned monthly for our special offers and discounts. Also, don’t forget you can try before you buy with our tile samples!

Be prepared

As with any task, a degree of planning is required to ensure a successful execution. Tiling your bathroom is no different, and you should ensure that walls and other surfaces are clean and dry before you begin.

Also, it might seem obvious but ensure your work space is clear of any obstructions.

Tools you’ll need

Depending on exactly what you want to do, you are going to need at least some basic tools. This will include, but is not limited to:

• Grout Spreader
• Adhesive Spreader
• Spirit Level
• Tile Cutter
• Cloths and sponges
• Use a waterproof grout and sealant

Using a waterproof grout is essential when tiling your bathroom; this area see’s a lot of moisture and most of the tiles will be exposed to water. After you have applied the grout, wipe away with a sponge, leave for 24 hours.

Trial your cutting skills

Unless you happen to be extremely lucky, the chances are you will have to cut your end tiles to fit the wall properly.

Inexperienced decorators may struggle with this because tile cutters are not always as easy to use as you may think. Always try it first on a spare or old tile, to get a feel for it. Use a felt pen to draw your cut line and when finished smooth over the edges with a tile sander or similar tool.

Sealant vs. grout

Always remember that grout is for the tiles and the wall, not for filling the gaps between the tiles and the bath/shower tray. For this, you would use a waterproof sealant that can be bought from most home improvement stores at a reasonable price.

For further reading on this topic, see DIY Focus