Tile & Stone Care & Maintenance
Glazed and unglazed tile, under normal residential situations, can be cleaned using clear water with a tile cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Always follow up with a rinse of clean water to completely remove all the cleaning solution. Regular maintenance is recommended to avoid build-up of dirt, residue, grease, soap, detergents or other external contaminants. Do not use wax cleaners or oil-based detergents on ceramic tile.
The following steps are recommended for basic cleaning:
- Sweep or vacuum surface.
- Mix water with tile and grout cleaner per manufacturer’s instructions and apply to surface.
- Allow solution to sit for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Agitate with sponge or mop.
- Mop up solution.
- Rinse mop and change cleaning solution at least every 500 square feet.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry mop floor to remove moisture or pick up residue with a wet-vac.
- Wipe the floor dry.
Tile with coarse or abrasive type surfaces needs to be cleaned more often. Agitation will need to be more vigorous and water changes more frequent.
Because the grout on your ceramic tile needs time to thoroughly dry after installation, we recommend you do not scrub or wash your ceramic tile for 5 days after installation. We also recommend protecting your floor against abrasive dirt at entrances to buildings with dirt catching floor mats.
Please consult your salesperson for specifics regarding maintenance of hand-made ceramics, glass tiles, marble and other natural stone.
We carry a full range of maintenance products for stone and ceramics as well as a large selection of natural stone, mosaic glass, porcelain and ceramic tile.
