General Tile Care & Maintenance
Routine Tile Care:
Wipe glazed wall tiles periodically using a cloth or sponge dampened with non-abrasive household cleaner. Wax cleaners and oil-based detergents may decrease the slip resistance of ceramic tile. Remember not to use ammonia, as it will discolor grout.
For all floor cleaning operations, follow these basic procedures:
1. Sweep or vacuum surface.
2. Mix water with an appropriate tile and grout cleaner per manufacturer's instructions (make sure cleaner is water based).
3. Allow solution to sit for three to five minutes.
4. Agitate with sponge or mop.
5. Mop up solution.
6. Rinse mop and change cleaning solutions at least every 500 square feet.
7. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
8. Dry mop floor to remove moisture or pick up residue with a wet-vac.
9. Wipe the floor dry
For tile with coarse or abrasive type surfaces, maintenance will need to be preformed more frequently. Agitation will need to be more vigorous and water changes more frequent. Grease, standing water and detergent build-up (especially oil-based detergents) make tile excessively slippery. Polished porcelain tiles tend to be porous and may absorb cleaning products. Inappropriate cleaning products used on polished porcelain tiles (as with any tile product) will make the tile excessively slippery and may cause discoloration when stripped. Be careful to avoid introduction of grease from dirty mops to your floor surface while cleaning.
Grout Care:
Cement grout joints between tiles are porous and are sometimes sealed to minimize absorption. Unless specified by architect or requested by the owner, grout joins are generally not sealed: If a sealer has been applied, the sealer will need to be maintained (reapplied periodically) per the sealer manufacturers instructions.
Heavy Duty Cleaning
Neglected or heavily trafficked tile may require more intensive cleaning. Clean glazed wall tiles with a scouring power or all purpose, water-based cleaner applied to a non-metallic pad. Rinse and wipe dry.
For glazed floor tiles, use a commercial tile cleaner, or apply a strong solution of an all-purpose, water based cleaner or scouring powder paste. Let stand for five minutes, brush and scrub. then rinse with clean water and wipe dry.
For heavy duty cleaning of unglazed wall tiles, make a paste of scouring powder. Apply to surface and let stand for five minutes. Scour with brush, rinse and wipe dry.
Unglazed floor tiles can also be cleaned with a scouring powder paste. Let stand for five minutes before scouring with a brush, rinsing and wiping dry. A small brush is suitable for most floors, but you may want to consider using a scrubbing machine for large areas.
Commonly available tile cleaning products can be used to remove soap scum, hard-water deposits and mildew stains.
For soft water, use an all-purpose, water based cleaner. Allow cleaner to stand for five minutes before lightly scrubbing with a sponge. Rinse well.
Cleansers
Prior to usage, consult the manufacturer of the cleaner, cleanser or detergent for more detailed instructions for use and the impact of their cleaning solution to your tile product.
NEVER combine ammonia with products containing bleach - hazardous gases may result.
Do's and Don'ts
* Do test scouring powders on a small area.
* Do not use cleansers containing acid or bleach for routine maintenance (repeated regular use will deteriorate grout).
* Do not use wax cleaners, oil-based detergents or sealant to maintain your tile. The use of the products may decrease the slip resistance of the tile and can create staining problems
* Do not use harsh cleaning aids like steel wool pads or any scouring pads containing metal.
* Do not use a cleaning agent that contains color on unglazed tile.
*For Tile Care & Maintenance information on a specific line please click here.