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How can I make my tiles shine?

(16 Posts)
Mamma66 Fri 18-Jun-21 09:52:15

We moved into my late parents house. The tiles in the breakfast room used to shine and gleam beautifully. Just washed the floor with Zoflora (my usual go to floor cleaner) and they look as dull as ditch water. I have tried a number of different cleaners now but none make it gleam like it used to. Any suggestions gratefully received ?

Peasblossom Fri 18-Jun-21 09:55:53

Are they red tiles? My mother used a red liquid in a tin bottle that she applied and left to dry. It was red but I think you could get clear too.

Whatever was it called?

Peasblossom Fri 18-Jun-21 09:56:54

Cardinal!

maytime2 Fri 18-Jun-21 09:57:49

Lakeland sell products that put a shine on tiles. They are usually manufactured in the USA.
In my previous house I used to use one every few months to get a shine on the tiles. In this house the tiles are matte so the product isn't needed.

M0nica Fri 18-Jun-21 09:57:50

they probably shone because they had polish applied to them regulalry.

There are number of proprietory tile shiners available from both supermarkets and DIY stores. Several coats should bring backthe shine, but be careful that they do not make the floor slippery and accidents happen.

Puzzler61 Fri 18-Jun-21 09:58:34

My mum did the front doorstep with cardinal polish. You’ve brought back a long forgotten memory Peaseblossom.

Callistemon Fri 18-Jun-21 10:36:28

My Mum used to Red Cardinal the kitchen floor every week.
I can remember when she had the black range taken out and blue formica cupboards, black and white Marley floor tiles and a new Canon gas stove fitted. There was a blue drop leaf table to match.
Very 1950s and I saw an almost identical retro kitchen on the TV last night.

Puzzler61 Fri 18-Jun-21 10:38:39

Your mum’s kitchen sounds very chic for the times Callistemon.

Luckygirl Fri 18-Jun-21 10:40:33

I am always very wary of shiny floor tiles! oops!!

Kali2 Fri 18-Jun-21 10:42:38

We have old red terracotta tiles, but I prefer them matt. I use a cleaning product with linseed oil to help keep them lush.

jaylucy Fri 18-Jun-21 10:43:51

If you think over the years how many times they have been walked over, they must be covered in many tiny scratches that will mean they will never shine like they used to but if they are red, Cardinal would be the best thing to try on them.

Callistemon Fri 18-Jun-21 10:49:43

Puzzler61

Your mum’s kitchen sounds very chic for the times Callistemon.

It was I think.
She just got fed up of blackleading the huge grate and using red cardinal on the floors.
We had a large kitchen table too, where everything got done, food preparation, eating, ironing. That went too in favour of the Formica drop leaf table and chairs.
All very modern for the times!

Callistemon Fri 18-Jun-21 10:52:45

I digress, Mamma66

I think Lakeland would be the best place to try.
www.lakeland.co.uk/22796/Underwoods-High-Shine-Floor-Polish

Framilode Fri 18-Jun-21 11:53:18

I used to use HG polish put on quickly with a mop on my terracotta tiles in Spain. It was more expensive than others but easily the best.

Mamma66 Fri 18-Jun-21 13:17:36

They are brown hexagonal tiles (photo below) they were laid 45 years ago and still in remarkably good condition. I am going to try the Lakeland polish and will let you know how I get on. Many thanks ?

Callistemon Fri 18-Jun-21 13:36:26

There is more choice too from Lakeland , I think Mamma66