Ceramic & Porcelain Tile Care:

Care instructions for ceramic & porcelain tile by location and by spill.

Sealing Ceramic and Porcelain Tile & Grout
Ceramic and porcelain tile is a kiln-fired product. Available in glazed or unglazed and baked under high heat, making it very hard and often highly resistant or impervious to liquid stains. Ceramic and porcelain tile is available in a multitude of colors, and is often designed to mirror natural stone surfaces and generally is easier to take care of than most natural stone surfaces.

The surface of most ceramic and porcelain tile does not need to be sealed, although some require a light application of penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile. However, the grout joint between the tiles is usually very porous and generally made of a cement-based material. Therefore, grout joints typically will need to be sealed and maintained properly to prevent stains and discoloration. There are a wide variety of sealers available, so you need to select one for your specific needs. Impregnating sealers go into the grout joint and protect against water and oil-based stains. Industry professionals now recognize that grout is best protected with a fluorochemical-based sealer.

Cleaning Ceramic and Porcelain Tile & Grout
Keeping your ceramic, porcelain tile & grout free of dust and dry, sandy soil will minimize scratches, wear patterns and grout soiling that can develop from everyday use and traffic. Sweep, dust or vacuum regularly to remove loose soil and dust. Clean your tile & grout using warm water and a clean non-abrasive cloth sponge or mop. Use a neutral cleaner that is specifically formulated for ceramic, porcelain tile and grout to help remove soils that sweeping, dusting, vacuuming or damp mopping leaves behind.

Do not use ordinary household cleaners, as you may degrade the sealer that was applied to the grout to protect against stains. This includes not using acidic or alkaline cleaners, bleach, abrasives or ammoninated cleaners.

Countertops and Vanities
Use a ph-balanced cleaner to keep surfaces clean from everyday soils and stains. Cleaning products with protector are also available, which not only clean but also reinforce sealer on grout.

Floor Surfaces
Vacuum or dust frequently using a clean non-treated dry mop. Sand, dirt and grit may scratch your tile or build-up on your grout joint leading to discoloration. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will hep minimize the potential damage from the particles.

Damp mop your tile floor with a diluted solution of neutral cleaner. Try to stay off the floor until it is completely dry, as wet floors may be slippery.

Bath and Other Wet Areas
For daily maintenance cleaning, use a neutral, ph-balanced cleaner to clean everyday soils and stains. In the bath or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can help minimize the build-up.

Grout Maintenance

Neither sealing the grout nor using 100% epoxy grout will guarantee against surface build-up or discoloration of the grout. Grout needs to be cleaned on a periodic basis to remove any surface build-up. 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 stain, algae and synthetic or acrylic waxes from the grout joints.

After restoring your tile and grout, remember to seal with and impregnating sealer to guard against future stains.

What to Do When Spills Occur

Grout Etching:
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are usually impervious or highly resistant to staining, however grout may be a different story. Substances that are highly acidic such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato-based products, mustard and many soft drinks will most likely leave an “etch”, a chemical reaction that may leave a dull area or mark. Properly sealing the grout will give you time to wipe a spill to avoid staining, but it cannot prevent etching. In addition, ordinary household cleaners with colored dyes or those containing bleach, ammonia or abrasives are not recommended for ceramic, porcelain tile & grout. They may damage the surface and likely degrade the sealer that is applied to the grout, which provide stain protection.

Food Spills:
Scoop up food with a plastic spoon. Blot with a dry white cloth. Spray the area with a neutral cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth.

Liquid Spills:
Blot up excess with a clean, dry cloth. Then clean area with a ph-balanced cleaner and wipe of excess with a clean cloth.

Mud:
Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic nylon brush. Spray affected area with a neutral cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth.

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 color stain". Grout color stains are acrylic or epoxy-based products that are specially 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 sealer with a professional strength tile & grout cleaner.

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