Use and Care Manual

Prologue Delicate Gray Mosaic tile shown in grid pattern
and Superior White 12 in. x 18 in. tile shown in brick pattern
Dal-Tile Corporation
TILE CARE &
MAINTENANCE
CARE & MAINTENANCE GUIDE PAGE 1 OF 6
CERAMIC TILE
Routine Care
Tile, whether glazed ceramic or porcelain, should be
maintained on a regular and frequent basis to prevent
build-up of soil, grease, residue, soap detergents,
sealers, dampness, liquids, etc., to keep the surface
clean and lessen slippery conditions.
Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles require minimal
maintenance. Either can be cleaned with clear water
and/or a pH neutral liquid cleaner (soapless). Follow
with a clear water rinse and wipe dry to prevent film
formation. As with most porcelains, spilled liquids may
stain light-colored products if not promptly removed.
Neither sealing nor acid cleaning is recommended for
any of Daltile’s glazed ceramic or porcelain tile.
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.
NOTE: Do not use on Natural Stone products.
CERAMIC TILE GROUT CARE
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 72 hours after
installation. There are dierent grades of penetrating/
impregnating sealers, therefore the useful life and
price will dier between a low quality and high
quality sealer. You may need to reapply the sealer
on an annual basis depending on the sealer quality,
trac patterns, and maintenance routine. Some
sealers have multiple year warranties for useful life.
Refer to the manufacturer’s 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 buildup or
discoloration of the grout. Grout needs to be cleaned
on a periodic basis to remove any surface buildup.
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. However, such a
product should contain non-polluting chemicals and
low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels.