Care and Maintenance Guide

Ceramic & Porcelain Tile Care

  • Routine Care: Clean glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles regularly to avoid dirt, grease, and soap scum buildup. Use a pH-neutral cleaner and rinse with clear water. Promptly clean spills, especially on light-colored tiles, to prevent stains.
  • Polished Porcelain: For fully polished porcelain, avoid acid-based cleaners and use a sealer before grouting. These tiles may require extra protection to maintain their appearance and prevent hazing or staining.
  • Maintenance Tip: Clean with a non-abrasive cleaner and avoid sealing or using harsh chemicals. When removing wax or sealers, use a Tile Sealer & Adhesive Remover for safe results.

Natural Stone Care

  • General Cleaning: Natural stone tiles are porous and require specialized care. Avoid acid or bleach-based cleaners, as they can etch the surface. Use neutral pH cleaners for routine cleaning and apply stone-specific sealers for protection.
  • Stain Removal: For oil stains, use a stone poultice to draw out the stain. If your stone becomes dull, use a marble polish to restore its shine.
  • New Installations: Seal natural stone before grouting to prevent staining from grout. Apply a high-quality sealer post-installation for additional protection.

Recycled Glass Tile Care

  • General Cleaning: Recycled glass tiles are non-porous and easy to maintain. Use a non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaner and soft cloth for regular cleaning. Test cleaning solutions on a small area before use.
  • Maintenance Tip: Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials to prevent scratching the surface. Glass tiles typically do not require sealing unless specified by the manufacturer.

Grout Care

  • Premium Grouts (TEC Power Grout, Mapei Ultracolor FA): These grout types resist stains and repel dirt. Use a pH-neutral cleaner for routine cleaning. For grease or soap scum, use an alkaline cleaner.
  • Cementitious Grouts: Apply a penetrating sealer 72 hours after installation to protect against moisture and stains. Sealers help simplify maintenance and prevent discoloration.
  • Epoxy Grouts: No sealing required. These grouts are highly resistant to stains and moisture, but regular maintenance is still necessary.
  • Grout Restoration: If grout is deeply stained, use a grout stain to restore its color. Be sure to clean the grout thoroughly before application.
  • Grout Haze Removal: To remove grout haze, use Sulfamic Acid for cementitious grout haze or an Epoxy Haze Remover for epoxy grout. Never use these on natural stone.

Maintenance Tips:

  • Always test cleaning products in small, inconspicuous areas first.
  • Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals to preserve the surface integrity.
  • Regularly clean grout lines to maintain their appearance and prevent buildup.