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 2 OF 6
CERAMIC TILE GROUT CARE continued)
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.
Post-Grout Clean Up
Grout haze is a film that has been left behind on
the surface of the tile as part of the final grouting
process. Usually this is bued o the surface after
the grout has achieved its initial 12 to 24 hour cure.
The removal of the haze is often dicult when bung
with a clean rag or floor machine. Cementitious grout
haze can be successfully removed with Sulfamic Acid,
which is a mild acid that attacks and breaks down
cement smears. There are several products on the
market called grout haze removers, which usually
contain Sulfamic Acid.
Sulfamic Acid can also be purchased in powder
form and mixed with water to dierent strengths by
qualified professionals. Similarly, 100% Solids Epoxy
Grout haze can be removed with an Epoxy Haze
Remover. These removers are formulated to safely
and quickly remove cured epoxy haze from new tile
installations. Their unique formulation will soften most
epoxy hazes for easy removal without damaging the
grout or tile, usually in one application. Sulfamic Acid
or grout removers should never be used on Natural
Stone products.
NATURAL STONE
Routine Care
To ensure your Natural Stone products will provide
you with a lifetime of aesthetics and utility, a proper
maintenance program is crucial. Natural Stone
products are porous by nature and require a dierent
maintenance program than traditional ceramic tile.
Natural stone requires a dierent maintenance routine
than traditional, man-made ceramic tile. Many of
the cleaners acceptable for use on ceramic tile can
stain, damage or dull stone. Dirt and dust will scratch
the surface of stone. Therefore, stone floors should
be vacuumed or dust mopped frequently to remove
abrasive agents from the stone surface. Natural
Stone should be cleaned with neutral cleaners. Stone
cleaners should never contain acid or bleach. Acids,
even a light solution of vinegar and water, will etch
and eventually damage Natural Stone.
Stone Cleaners
Only use cleaners specifically designed for cleaning
stone. These cleaners contain no acids and are
concentrated neutral pH cleaners that will not aect
existing sealers or wax-type coatings. The surface of
the stone should be dampened with clear water. This
will keep the cleaning solution on the surface so it can
be eective. A solution of the cleaner and water mixed
to manufacturer’s instructions should be applied to
the stone surface with a sponge or mop.
On walls, kitchen counters or vanity tops, a spray
bottle can be used to apply the cleaning solution.
Allow sitting for manufacturer’s specified amount of
time (usually 3 to 5 minutes). Agitate with a sponge,
synthetic mop, soft bristle brush or through the use
of a floor scrubbing machine. Mop up dirty
solution and bu dry.