Care and Maintenance of Tile

One of the greatest things about ceramic tile is that it’s a truly low-maintenance material. Minimal effort will keep it looking great for years to come. A few steps taken once your tile installation is complete will simplify maintenance considerably.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do not use cleansers containing acid abrasives or bleach for routine maintenance

• Do not use wax cleaners, oil-based detergents, or sealants to maintain your tile (exceptions are made for Quarry). The use of these products may decrease the slip resistance of ceramic tile

• 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

• Do test scouring powers on small areas

• Do use a sealer on grout joints

Routine Tile Care

Wipe glazed wall tiles periodically using a cloth or sponge dampened with non-abrasive household cleaners. Vacuum glazed floor tiles regularly to remove dirt and other gritty particles, then damp mop or sponge with a water-based all-purpose 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.

Clean unglazed wall and floor tiles in a similar manner using a solution of water and soapless detergent instead of an all-purpose water-based cleaner.

Grout Care

Once the tile has been cleaned and dried (shortly after installation), grout joints should be treated with a silicone sealer. Grout, the material used to fill the spaces between the tiles, is porous, and sealing it at this time will simplify maintenance in the future (epoxy grouts do not require a sealer).

We recommend you apply a sealer (grout joint application only) at least twice a year for maximum stain protection

For all porcelain tiles, we recommend a grout release product to prevent finely powder pigments from lodging in pores of porcelain surface.

Heavy-duty Cleaning

Neglected or heavily trafficked tile may require more intensive cleaning. Clean glazed wall tiles with a scouring powder 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.

To clean badly soiled countertops apply a solution powder with very hot water. Let stand for five minutes, and then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse.