Use and Care Manual

TILE CARE &
MAINTENANCE
CARE & MAINTENANCE PAGE 2 OF 7
CERAMIC TILE GROUT CARE (continued)
Grout Maintenance
Neither sealing the grout nor using a 100% Epoxy Grout will guarantee against surface buildup or discoloration of the grout.
Grout needs to be cleaned on a periodic basis to remove any surface buildup. 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 stains, algae, and synthetic or acrylic waxes from the grout joints.
However, such a product should contain non-polluting chemicals and low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels.
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.