TILES CARE & MAINTENACE

These are some of the suggestions for everyday routine care and maintenance of tiles.

PORCELAIN TILES

For everyday regular cleaning use warm water and mild diluted soap. For stubborn dirt you can use everyday multipurpose cleaners that are gentle, this will help remove hard water buildup, mildew and the soap scum formed over time.

DO NOT use concentrated cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals such as acids, ammonia, and other strong cleaning agents, this can damage the grout and the glaze on the tile surface. Read the ingredients and the instructions before using any cleaning products to avoid grout discoloration and damage to the tiles. Unglazed tile should be cleaned routinely with concentrated tile cleaners that have a neutral pH. This can help remove grease, oils and normal spills from the surface.

AVOIDING STAINS AND SCRATCHES

Porcelain tiles are durable, hard and strong tiles, they are scratch resistant and resistant to etching and staining on normal regular use. But these tiles are not damage proof. Stains from day today items such as coffee, juice, wine, food colors can be removed by immediately wiping off the spills, rinsing with warm water and mild soap, remember to thoroughly dry the surface. For stains that are caused by permanent inks and color dyes. Immediately clean and rinse with water and apply approved tile cleaning products, these stains are not easy to remove and will require repeating the cleaning process a few times. DO NOT use steel wool do remove the stains. DO NOT pull heavy furniture and other heavy items on the floor.

SEALING PORCELAIN TILES

Porcelain Tiles does not require sealing. But it is recommended to seal the grout. Use sealing products that are meant for grout and safe for the tiles (Read instructions carefully as this is a very important process in tiles installation). After installation, the grout becomes the part of the tiles and is the most difficult to maintain, it collects dirt and discolors over a period of time. It requires more attention than tile surface.

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CERAMIC TILES

Regular, basic cleaning with warm water and mild soap is sufficient to keep the tiles looking great. Glossy and Glazed tiles can be cleaned by multi-purpose household cleaners, the cleaners have to be compatible to the grout. These cleaners can help remove the hard water buildups, soap scum and mildew. Use cotton cloths, mops, sponge to clean and dry these tiles, for though stains and deposits use non-metallic brush. DO NOT use metallic brushes. Rinse the tiles with water and dry thoroughly. DO NOT use concentrated cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals such as acids, ammonia, and other strong cleaning agents, this can damage the grout and the glaze on the tile surface.

Unglazed tile should be cleaned routinely with concentrated tile cleaners that have a neutral pH. This can help remove grease, oils and normal spills from the surface.

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

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.

GROUT CARE & MAINTENANCE OF PORCELAIN & CERAMIC TILES

Grouting is the process of filling the spaces in between tiles. Most options come in powder form, but premixed containers are available as well. The purpose of the grout is to just fill the space and joints between the tiles and thus becoming an integral and a permanent part if the finished installation. Grout discoloration is common over tile, and mostly darkens by getting dirty and absorbing dirt and staining. Special attention has to be given to the grout for tiles to be looking great fro years.

GROUT SEALING

Most types of grout used for tile installation need sealing after installation to protect and prevent it from staining. Use a penetrating/impregnating sealer that prevent moisture absorption and help prevent staining or discoloration. Only the grout needs to be sealed. Select the right sealer as there are many different types of sealers available. Check the life and effectiveness of the sealer and accordingly seal periodically. Also keep into consideration the traffic areas and the usage of the tiles. Carefully refer to the technical details & product information, usage instruction, application, and manufacturer warranty.

GROUT MAINTENANCE

No process can guarantee against the dirt buildup, discoloration or staining of the grout. Grout needs to be periodically cleaned to remove any kind of buildup. Everyday routine cleaning can be done with common household or commercial cleaner. For stubborn and heavy buildup and heavy duty grout cleaning, cleaners that are rated as professional strength have to be used. These cleaners can help remove grease, mildew stains, soap scum, algae, body oils and more from the joints that are hard to clean on a regular basis. DO NOT use any cleaners that have harmful polluting chemicals. Most of the home improvement stores or flooring store sellprofessional grade cleaners.

For severe discoloration and staining take help and recommendations of a professional tile restoration company.

NATURAL STONE TILES

For everyday day routine care of Natural stone tile, clean the tiles with neutral cleaners specifically meant for stone tiles. Ensure cleaners are concentrated pH neutral cleaners that will not affect existing sealers, the surface finish and any type of coating on the tiles. DO NOT use cleaners that contain acid or bleach. Cleaning solutions with acid or even a light solution of vinegar and water will etch and eventually damage many types of natural stones. A cleaning solution that is pH neutral and water mixed with it can be used. Follow the manufacturers instructions before using the cleaners meant for natural stone tiles. Use a sponge or a spary bottle to apply the cleaning solution and thoroughly rinse it with water.

For heavy duty cleaning use professional grade natural stone cleaners that can remove grease, dirt, grime, oils, waxes, mildew and more. These cleaners do not contain any chemicals that can damage the stone. Follow the manufacturer instruction and try on a small area before applying to the entire area.

Based on the type of natural stone, care has to be taken, for the calcium carbonate and calcite-based stones such as marble and limestone react with day today items such as lemon juice, vinegar and even tomato juice. This can not only stain but etch the surface which is difficult to refinish. Even mild acidic reaction can dull the surface of the stone.

STAIN REMOVAL & RESTORATION

You can remove light stains using some off the shelf products like poultice that can pull out the stains but must be used with caution as it can etch and dull the stone surface. It is recommended you contact a professional stone restoration company.

SEALING OF NATURAL STONE TILES

Natural Stone products are porous and can absorb moisture and can stain easily. Sealing is strongly recommended for all stone, especially newly installed marble, granite, and limestone to provide maximum stain protection. Use high quality sealers and follow the manufactures instruction, sealing of natural tone has to be done periodically based on the type of sealers you use.

There are many types of sealers available in the market, chose the right one that suits your needs. It is recommended to take professional advice.

GLASS TILES CARE

For everyday routine care and maintenance of glass tile, regular cleaning and wiping the surface with a damp sponge or cloth with water or a light vinegar solution is sufficient. If stronger cleaning is needed, a nonabrasive, neutral ph cleaner can be used. DO NOT use steel wool, scouring pads, sandpaper or any abrasive cleaning products.

METAL TILE CARE

For everyday routine care and maintenance of metal tiles, use non-abrasive multipurpose cleaners. To clean, use a liquid non-abrasive household cleaner. Avoid cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, abrasives or other hazardous/polluting compounds. Always test in a small inconspicuous area when using a new cleaner to ensure compatibility with your metallic tile. DO NOT use scouring pads, steel wool, sandpaper or other abrasive products.

BLENDED / FUSION TILES CARE

Everyday routine care of blended tiles can be tricky, please ensure you know about the various types of material used in the tiles. Blended or Fusion tiles are mostly mosaics and are wall tiles. Take all the above care tips into consideration while cleaning these tiles.

DISCLAIMER

The care & maintenance information given above by BTM is general and for information purpose and source only. BTM does not manufacture any cleaning products. Please follow all instructions from the manufacturer before using any cleaning products.

We strongly recommend that you test a small area PRIOR to using any cleaning and maintenance product to ensure it does not damage your tiles. Strong cleaning products can mentioned above may have harsh and harmful chemicals that cause reactions in certain individuals. We strongly recommend the use of safety glasses, respirators (masks) and gloves in handling any materials that contain chemicals. Also recommended is the proper disposal of any scrap tile/stone, installation and/or maintenance products.

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