PATTERNS:
TILE CARE:
Contaminants and spills on a glazed ceramic tile are,
generally, easier to clean then other, more impervious surfaces.
Glazed tile products should be cleaned routinely with an all-purpose,
non oil-based 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 every day use, can be used on wall tile areas in residential baths and
showers.
The entire area should be cleaned and scrubbed with cleaner solution through
the use of a cotton mop, cloth, sponge, or non-metallic brush. The entire
area should be rinsed with clean water to remove any cleaning solution
residue. Remember that you should sweep or vacuum floor areas prior to
cleaning to remove any dust or debris. Routine cleaners should never contain
acids or ammonia. Acids can damage the grout and the glazed surface of the
tile, and ammonia can discolor the grout.
Unglazed tile should be cleaned routinely with concentrated tile cleaners
that have a neutral pH for safe regular use. These cleaners are better
suited at 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
cleaning the grout joints at the same time.
Removal of Sealers/Waxes/Floor Finishes:
If you need to remove a topical sealer or floor wax from a ceramic tile you
should use a Tile Sealer & Adhesive remover. Always test a small area first.
Apply a liberal amount of undiluted sealer & adhesive remover to a
manageable area. Allow setting without drying until coating or residue
softens. Reapply if necessary until sealer softens and can be removed. If
necessary, agitate with white nylon scrub pad. Wipe up the residue with a
cotton towel or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Do not use on
natural stone products.
GROUT CARE:
Grout is the material used to fill the spaces between the
individual tiles. Grout comes in many colors. While color is important to
the final finished look of the tile installation, it has little effect on
the functionality of the grout. The purpose of grout is, simply, to fill the
joint between the tiles and becomes a permanent, integral component of the
finished installation.
Penetrating/Impregnating Sealer:
Most tile installations use cementitious grouts. This type of grout should
be sealed after installation to prevent the color from staining. The grout
should be sealed with a penetrating/impregnating sealer (often called grout
sealers) which does not contain silicone, as silicone can shorten the useful
life of the sealer. Epoxy grouts, conversely, are chemically cured and acid
resistant and, as a result, do not require a sealer. The application of a
good quality penetrating/impregnating sealer into the grout joints of a
cementitious grout will not change the natural color of the grout, but will
prevent the penetration of moisture, simplify maintenance, and help prevent
staining or discoloration. Only the grout needs to be sealed, not glazed
floor or wall tiles. Grout can be sealed seventy-two hours after
installation.
There are different grades of penetrating/impregnating sealers, therefore
the useful life and price will differ between a low quality and high quality
sealer. You may need to reapply the sealer on an annual basis depending on
the sealer quality, traffic patterns, and maintenance routine. Some sealers
have multiple year warranties for useful life. Refer to the manufacturer
warranty, technical & product information for specific details on product
installation, useful life, and product applications (including any warnings)
before use.
Grout Maintenance:
Neither sealing the grout nor using a 100% Epoxy Grout will guarantee
against surface build-up or discoloration of the grout. Grout needs to be
cleaned on a periodic basis to remove any surface build-up. Routine grout
cleaning can be done with a daily concentrated household or commercial
cleaner depending on the application. When heavy duty grout cleaning is
required, you will need to use a professional strength Tile & Grout Cleaner
that is capable of removing grease, soap scum, body oil, mildew stains,
algae, and synthetic or acrylic waxes from the grout joints. This type of
product can be purchased from most Home Centers, or through your local
professional Floor Covering Dealer.
Grout Color Restoration:
When grout has been stained to the point that it cannot be maintained or
returned to its natural color, you can return the grout back to its original
color or any other color through the use of a "grout stain". Grout Stains
are epoxy-based products that are specifically designed to penetrate into
the grout and seal the surface with a permanent color. Once the grout has
been stained there is no need to seal it any further with a
penetrating/impregnating sealer. Prior to staining, the grout joint should
be cleaned thoroughly to remove any dirt, oils, grease or sealers with a
professional strength Tile & Grout Cleaner. This can be purchased from most
Home Centers or through your local Professional Floor Covering Dealer.