Use and Care Manual

TILE
CARE &
MAINTENANCE
CARE & MAINTENANCE PAGE 1 OF 7
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 lm 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 glazed ceramic or porcelain tile.
Removal of Sealers/Waxes/Floor Finishes
If you need to remove a topical sealer or oor wax from a ceramic tile you should use a Tile Sealer & Adhesive Remover.
Always test a small area rst. 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 oor or wall tiles. Grout can be sealed 72 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, trafc patterns,
and maintenance routine. Some sealers have multiple year warranties for useful life. Refer to the manufacturer’s warranty,
technical & product information for specic details on product installation, useful life, and product applications (including any
warnings) before use.

Summary of content (7 pages)