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Care & Maintenance
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For this section the term “ceramic’ refers to porcelain.
In general ceramic refers to an item made of clay and
set using high heat.
Routine Care for Tile
Ceramic tile is one of the most durable and maintenance friendly surfaces you can choose for
your walls, floors, countertops, etc. With proper care & minimum maintenance, it will retain its
original beauty and luster for many years. Generally, all that is necessary to keep your tile
looking as good as new is a quick wipe with a clean damp cloth or mop. Prompt cleanup of
spills and regular cleaning will keep your ceramic tile surfaces looking their best.
If a cleaner is necessary, Florida Tile recommends the use of low VOC (volatile organic
compound), neutral pH, non-hazardous, and non-polluting products.
Glazed tile walls in your home will easily keep their lovely look with simple routine care, just
wipe regularly with a clean damp cloth or sponge. A non-abrasive, neutral cleaner can be used
(abrasive cleansers will cause scratching to shiny tile and polished marble surfaces). Highly
polished tile and stone surfaces should be polished dry with a soft absorbent cloth after
cleaning to eliminate the buildup of hard-water residue and to maintain the high polished finish.
For glazed tile floors, sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and gritty particles. Follow with
a mop or sponge dampened with a neutral pH cleaner. If a cleaner is used, be sure the surface
is rinsed thoroughly with clean water and dried. For textured or uneven tile or stone surfaces,
substituting a soft scrub brush or white nylon scrub pad for the mop or sponge will quicken the
cleaning process. Unglazed tile floors and porcelain tile floors can also be maintained in this
same manner.
Tiled surfaces in your bathroom may require a more thorough routine cleaning because of a
build-up of soap scum, body oils or hard-water stains. Use a clean, damp cloth, or sponge with
a neutral pH cleaner, allowing it to stand about five minutes before rinsing and drying.
Specialty bathroom cleaners may also be used (always test first). Clean shower regularly with
the appropriate tile and stone cleaner. Dry with a towel after each use and leave curtain or door
open between showers to allow for maximum ventilation and moisture escape.
Heavy Duty Cleaning
For high traffic areas or when tile has been neglected for a long time, heavy-duty cleaning may
be required. Glazed walls and countertops should be cleaned with an alkaline-based cleaner
(high pH, non-acidic). Use a white nylon scrub pad, followed by a clean water rinse. Poultice may
be used in combination with any appropriate cleaner, if needed, to restore seriously soiled areas.
Poultice is a very fine powder that serves as a mild abrasive, yet cannot cause scratching to even
the most delicate glazed tile and polished marble surfaces. Unglazed tile and natural stone can
be treated in the same manner as glazed when heavy-duty cleaning is required. Once the tile or
stone has been effectively restored and is dry, it is recommended that the appropriate sealer be
applied to protect from staining and ease ongoing maintenance.