PORCELAIN CARE & MAINTENANCE

INITIAL CLEANING

Proper cleaning after installation is essential for future maintenance. Remove excess grout using clean water and a sponge. If grout leaves behind a white haze, it can be wiped off using a clean cloth after grout has cured. Stubborn residue may require the use of a grout haze remover solution or neutral detergent. Thoroughly rinse the area with clean water and dry with a clean towel or wet vacuum.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

Immediately wipe up any spills and clean the area using a damp cloth or sponge. Remove loose soil using a broom or vacuum. To remove stubborn surface debris, use a scraper or putty knife. Wipe the area with a pH-neutral and soapless cleaner. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry to prevent residue. Do not use cleaning wax, oil-based cleaners, ammonia, sealants, or products containing acid or bleach for routine maintenance. Avoid using abrasive cleaning products such as steel wool.

CERAMIC CARE & MAINTENANCE

Glazed tile products should be cleaned routinely with an all-purpose, low VOC, household or commercial cleaner. The product chosen should also be grout joint cleaning compatible. The type of product may vary depending on the tile application and use. A multipurpose spray cleaner, which removes soap scum, hard water deposits and mildew designed for everyday use can be used on wall tile areas in residential baths and showers. A common mop, cloth, sponge, or non-metallic brush should be used to apply and agitate cleaner. Rinse the area with clean water and dry thoroughly. Routine cleaners should never contain harsh chemicals as these can damage tile. Acids can damage grout and the glazed surface of the tile. Ammonia can discolor grout.

Regular dust mopping, sweeping, or vacuuming is recommended prior to cleaning with liquid.

Unglazed tile should be cleaned routinely with concentrated tile cleaners with a neutral pH for safe regular use. These cleaners are better suited for removing grease, oils, and normal spills from unglazed products. Again, these products will vary depending on the application, amount of traffic and the use. The product chosen should also be compatible with the grout.

NATURAL STONE CARE & MAINTENANCE

Natural stone is a porous material that can absorb bacteria, dirt, liquids, and other grime that we use in our home.

A sealer will provide the protection that your natural stone needs. Sealing will help stop bacteria from growing, which can weaken your stone and increase wear and tear. Before you start sealing, make sure you thoroughly clean the stone. You don’t want to seal over any grime.

Cleaning Natural Stone is important to remove any bacteria or stain before you apply sealer.

• Use pH balanced cleaners or soapless detergents and soft bristle brushes for daily cleaning.
• Wipe all spills as soon as they happen.
• Most sealer brands have specific cleaning solutions applicable for natural stone.
• If “heavy duty” cleaning is required, first try to solve with pH “balanced” cleaners, which can include scrubbing cleaners and poultices that help extract the stain. Always test abrasive or untested cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area to evaluate if it is suitable for the tile.
• If an acidic cleaner is deemed necessary, a light solution of sulfuric acid is the safest and most recommended in cleaning difficult stone or grout problems. Be sure to rinse the area well after cleaning.

GLASS TILE CARE & MAINTENANCE

Although glass tile is impervious to liquids and sealers the sanded grout used in a glass tile project should have a penetrating sealer applied. Urethane or epoxy grouts do not require sealers.

• Only a water-based sealer should be used, as this will allow a quick clean-up on the glass tile surface after application. Use of proper tools for application to the grout lines of the penetrating sealer is recommended.

Cleaning Glass Tile

• Avoid abrasive scrubbing utensils
• Use of a soft cloth or sponge with water will clean most glass tile areas because of the nonporous nature of the product.
• For more stubborn residue, commercially available ceramic tile cleaners may be applicable.