Use And Care Manual

TILE CARE &
MAINTENANCE
Ballatore Beat BL03 tile shown
CARE & MAINTENANCE GUIDE PAGE 2 OF 7
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 specically 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 lm that has been left behind on the surface
of the tile as part of the nal grouting process. Usually this
is buffed off the surface after the grout has achieved its
initial 12 to 24 hour cure. The removal of the haze is often
difcult when bufng with a clean rag or oor 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 different strengths by qualied
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 different maintenance program than
traditional ceramic tile.
Natural stone requires a different 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 oors 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 specically designed for cleaning stone.
These cleaners contain no acids and are concentrated
neutral pH cleaners that will not affect 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 effective. 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 specied amount of time (usually 3 to 5
minutes). Agitate with a sponge, synthetic mop, soft bristle
brush or through the use of a oor scrubbing machine.
Mop up dirty solution and buff dry.