We’re renovating an old apartment, and the final challenge is restoring the original tile floor, which dates back to the early 1970s. The tiles themselves are in good structural condition—there’s no chipping or warping—but the finish has dulled over time. In areas that were regularly walked on and cleaned, the tiles still have some shine. However, sections that were under furniture, like the bed, have developed dark, uneven patches from years of neglect.
The tiles have never been professionally treated—just regular mopping over the years—so we're looking for the best way to clean and restore them as close as possible to their original appearance.
We’d like to know:
What’s the most effective method to deep clean and restore such tiles from this era?
Are there professional-grade products or techniques that can help revive the surface and even out the tone?
Can we realistically expect to bring them back to a near-original state?
Any advice on how to approach this process—especially tips on DIY vs. hiring a professional—would be much appreciated.
