Care & Maintenance of Tiles

With regular maintenance and care, tile floors are extremely durable and can last a lifetime.

  • Wipe up any spills on tile immediately and clean the area using a damp cloth or sponge
  • Sweep and / or vacuum floors regularly to remove any gritty particles, dust or debris as this can be abrasive to the tile surface
  • Seal polished porcelain tile after installation prior to grouting and as required to prevent staining
  • Seal grout joints after installation and as required to prevent moisture absorption, staining & discolouration
  • Use a damp mop or sponge with an all-purpose household cleaner that is not oil-based and has low VOC to clean glazed floor tiles on a regular basis
  • Wipe glazed wall tiles periodically using a dampened cloth or sponge and a non oil-based household cleaner
  • Use a mild, soapless detergent with neutral pH for cleaning unglazed tiles
  • Ensure the cleaning product selected is compatible with cleaning the grout joints
  • Thoroughly read & follow all manufacture warnings and instructions for all cleaning products before use and test all cleaning solutions and materials in a small inconspicuous area before full application
  • After using cleaning solutions, wipe down entire area with a clean cloth or mop and clear water to remove any residue that may have been left behind
  • Do not use cleaning wax, oil based cleaners, ammonia, sealants or products containing acid or bleach as part of routine maintenance
  • Avoid abrasive cleaning products such as scouring pads or steel wool pads
  • Regularly inspect tiles and have any damaged tiles professionally removed / replaced
  • Use felt or rubber protective pads under furniture to prevent scratching tile surf aces
  • Place good quality floor mats in high traffic locations and areas that are susceptible to moisture (i.e. near entrance / exit ways)

Removal of Coatings / Sealers / Waxes from Ceramic Floor Tiles

Use a tile sealer & adhesive remover to clear off a topical sealer or floor wax from a ceramic tile. Be sure to test a small area before full application and always follow the instructions on the product label. Working in small manageable areas, apply the sealer & adhesive remover as directed, allowin g it to set without drying. Coating should begin to soften. If necessary, reapply the remover and lightly agitate the surface with a nylon scrub pad until the sealer softens and can be easily removed. Rinse area with clear water and pat dry with a clean towel or sponge to remove any residue.

Cleaning Grout Haze

After tile installation, grout residue can form a white haze like film on the surface of the tile. This can be buffed off the surface using a clean cloth once the grout has finished curing.

If the residue is very stubborn or the tiles are unglazed a special grout haze remover solution may be used. Read and follow the instructions on the product label. The solution will break down the cement and allow the haze to be wiped away. Rinse area with clear water and wipe dry with a clean towel or sponge to remove any residue. Do not use acidic solutions / cleaners as part of a regular maintenance routine. Many of the grout products on the market today are polymer modified, which means they have latex in them. Be sure to purchase a solution that is compatible with the type of grout you have used.

Cleaning Grout

Routine grout cleaning can be done with an all-purpose household cleaner that is non-oil-based and has low VOC depending on the application. For periodic deep cleaning of grout, use a concentrated tile & grout cleaner. Look for a cleaner that has non-polluting chemicals and low VOC levels. The cleaner should be capable of removing grease, soap scum, mildew and body oils. Always read and follow the instructions on the product label. Rinse area with clear water and pat dry with a clean towel or sponge to remove any residue. Do not use acidic solutions / cleaners as part of a regular maintenance routine .

Information provided by The President Group is to be used as a general guideline only. The President Group assumes no responsibility for any use or misuse that directly or indirectly causes damage of any kind, including personal injury, loss of rights or materials alleged to be caused in any way by the information contained in this document. Always consult a professional and thoroughly review manufacturer warranty and instruction information for any products being used. The President Group also recommends that you test a small area prior to usage of any product to determine whether the product you are about to apply serves its intended purpose.