Caring For Your Ceramic Tile

Treating a New Tile Installation

A newly-installed installation should be cleaned as follows:

· Remove all dirt and debris by sweeping or vacuuming.

· Read and follow all directions of the product that you will be using. Cleaning solutions for your ceramic tile should have a neutral PH and is recommended by the tile distributor or product manufacturer.

· Thoroughly clean your ceramic tile installation including the grout joints using a soft brush or nylon scrub pad.

· Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water and allow it to dry. A second rinse may be necessary to completely remove excess cleaning solution.

· Polished stone or high gloss ceramic tile should be buffed out with a dry towel to remove any water spots

Ceramic Tile Sealers serve to protect the beauty of your investment. Sealer may be applied when the installation is thoroughly dry and free from all dirt.

Sealers may adversely affect the coefficient of friction of the tile surface resulting in a slippery surface only use the tile distributors or product manufacturers recommended product..

· Consult with your tile distributor or product manufacturer to determine the appropriate products for your particular tile installation.

· Sealing may be necessary for certain types of tile, such as some Quarry tile, unglazed porcelain tile, Saltillo tile or natural stone. Ask your tile distributor or product manufacturer if your tile requires sealing, stripping and resealing.

· For most installations using a kiln fired glazed tile it is only necessary to seal the grout and a penetrating sealer that the tile distributor or product manufacturer recommends should only be applied to the grout joints, making sure to clean the tile thoroughly of any excess sealer.

· Generally, Grout sealers are not intended to change the appearance of the grout. Always test any product in an inconspicuous spot before proceeding with sealing your tile installation.

Tile Care & Maintenance

Tile distributors or product manufacturers can provide you with information about products that are specifically recommended for cleaning your ceramic tile. These products generally out perform the products that you may find in the grocery store or your local hardware store.

Daily Service

· Remove soil with a broom, non oily dust mop or vacuum. Use a putty knife or scrapper to remove any stubborn surface debris.

· Damp mop or spot clean as necessary, using a PH neutral tile cleaner.

· Use a fiber or nylon scrubbing pad to assist you in removing difficult stains.(Do Not Use Steel Wool pads)

· Thoroughly rinse all areas with, clean warm water.

· Allow to dry before putting tile surface back in use.

Periodic Service:

· Periodic maintenance does not differ from routine maintenance unless a sealer has been applied to the tile. A stripper may be necessary to achieve the desired results. Choose the tile distributor or product manufacturer recommended product and follow all directions carefully.

· Re-grouting or a repair to a chipped or cracked tile may be necessary periodically, contact you tile installer to repair any problems with the tile or grout you may have, prior to resealing your tile installation.

· Always read and follow all directions before you use any sealers or stripping products.

Grout Care & Maintenance

Routine maintenance of grout does not differ from tile care.

· Use a fiber or nylon scrubbing pad to assist you in removing difficult stains.(Do Not Use Steel Wool pads)

· If the grout becomes unacceptable do to wear or staining contact your tile distributor or product manufacturer for information on product that will restore the appearance of your grout.

· Re-grouting a tile installation is costly. Protect your investment by simply cleaning up all spills as soon as possible

· If you do need a repair, contact a licensed tile contractor.

Common Problems

You can avoided most problem by following the manufactures recommendations.

· If the wrong products are used, the properties and or appearance of your tile installation may be altered. Make sure to read all directions on all products that you are planning to use and follow the manufacturer’s directions.

· Ask your tile distributor to provide complete information about the product that you can use for your tile installation. This will reduce the likelihood that your will use the wrong products.

· Always save a few extra tiles just in case you need to repair your tile installation. It is also a good idea to ask your tile installer to provide you with the product code label from the boxes that the ceramic tile was packed in, this label will have information on it that you may need in case you want to purchase more tiles.

· Always clean up spills as soon as possible. Materials left on your tile installation can be drawn or ground into your tile or grout, making clean up more difficult or result in damaging your tile installation.

Recommendations

· Always test a product on your tile installation in an inconspicuous area before treating the entire ceramic tile installation.

· When using recommended products for tiled areas, protect the surrounding area. Cleaning products and grout can harm finished surfaces.

· When in doubt, contact the tile distributor or product manufacturer.

Choose and use properly designated maintenance products to enjoy the beauty and durability inherent in your ceramic tile installation.