Ceramic Tile Flooring Care and Maintenance

Grout Care

1. Grout is the mortar type material used to fill the s

paces between the individual tile

s, or stone. It’s purpose is

simply to fill the joint between the tiles and become a permanent, integral part of the floor.

2. Neither sealing the grout nor using a 100% Epoxy Gr

out will guarantee against surface build up or discoloration

of the grout.

3. Grout needs to be cleaned on a periodic basis

to remove any surface residue build up.

4. This routine cleaning can be done with a neutral

PH balanced daily-use household or commercial cleaner

depending on the application.

5. When heavy-duty grout cleaning is requi

red, you can use a professional strength tile and grout cleaner that is

capable of removing grease, soap scum, body oil, mildew

stains algae, and synthetic or acrylic waxes from the

grout joints.

Post Grouting Installation Clean-Up

1. Grout haze is a film left behind on the surface of the tile

as part of the final grouting process; it is usually buffed

off the surface after the grout has achieved its initial 12

to 24 hour cure, with the use of a cheese cloth material.

If after 48 hrs a grout haze still exists, then use a “grout

haze remover” which usually

contains Sulfamic Acid.

Sulfamic acid cleaners should ONLY be

used on Ceramic and/or Porcelain tiles.

IMPORTANT NOTE

:

Never

use Acids on natural stone tiles

; this could lead to permanent etchi

ng. Instead use a Natural Stone Cleaner

and a cheese cloth for grout haze removal.

2. In cases where you have used Epoxy Grouts , you may need to use an “Epoxy Haze Remover”. These

cleaners are formulated to quickly and safely remove Epoxy

grout haze, without damaging the grout or the tile

face of your newly installed ceramic floor.

Routine Maintenance

1.

You should allow your new ceramic tile and grout to dry for at least 72 hours after installation, before any

type of maintenance occurs.

2.

Cleaning your new floor with a damp mop once a week

is the best thing you can do to maintain your

ceramic floor.

3.

A simple sweeping or vacuuming of your tile floor

prior to mopping will remove any dust or debris.

4.

Make sure that any cleanser you have chosen is compat

ible with grout cleaning, (neutral pH), and will not

stain the grout. We recommend Shaw’s

R2X Hard Surface Cleaner.

5.

Heavy traffic areas should be mopped more often than once a week.

6.

Never use a detergent or soap because it may dull the surface.

7.

When cleaning, the entire area should be cleaned or scr

ubbed with the cleansing solution, through the use

of a cotton mop, cloth, sponge, or non-metallic brush.

8.

The entire flooring area should then be rinsed with cl

ean water to remove any cleaning solution residue.

9.

Cleaning unglazed tiles should be done on a

regular basis using cleansers that have a neutral pH for safe

regular use; these cleaners are better suited at re

moving grease, oils, and normal spills from unglazed

products.

10.

Remember: Routine cleaners should

never contain acids, vinegar, ch

lorines or ammonia as these

chemicals can damage and discolor the grout or the surface of the stone or tile.

11.

Always thoroughly rinse the flooring surface after cl

eaning, using clean clear wate

r, to avoid any periodic

residue build up or mold and mildew growth.

Protecting Your Ceramic Floor

1. Protect you ceramic tile by affixing felt or similar pads

to the legs of any metal, iron, wood or plastic furniture

that could scratch and dull the surface.

2. Exterior metal furniture which rests on tile floors or patios may rust and cause staining.

3. Good quality entry mats will help protect your ceramic

tile from wear by collecting dirt, sand, grit and other

substances such as oil, asphalt, or

driveway sealer that might otherwise be tracked onto your floor.

4. You can also place these mats at heavy pivot locations such as in front of the kitchen sink or stove.