Use and Care Manual

27
Maintenance Recommendations
for Ceramic Tiles, Porcelain, Grout and Natural Stone Flooring
Problematic deep stains
Occasionally, even with deep cleaning, some spot stains can occur. Often, these can be removed with the use
of a poultice like UltraCare Deep Stain Remover for Stone.
Periodic resealing
If your floor or grout was sealed, it may require a periodic re-application of sealer to ensure the appropriate level
of protection is maintained. You can test the integrity of your sealer by occasionally conducting a water test.
Simply drop some clean water onto the tiles or grout and let it sit for a few moments. If the water penetrates into
the surface and leaves a significant dark patch that takes a while to dry out, then it may be time to reseal. If the
water leaves no visible change, or just a faint shadow which dries to leave no mark (this is called “surface wetting”
and is normal for most impregnating sealers), then it is fine. If resealing is necessary, make sure the surface is
clean and dry before applying sealer. It is also recommended to use the same sealer, if possible.
About cleaners
Soaps and detergents are used for cleaning because pure water alone can’t remove oily, organic soiling. Also,
straight tap water may be hard and can leave hard-water stains or mineral deposits. Soaps clean by allowing oily
contaminants and water to mix so that they can be removed during rinsing. Detergents are similar to soap, but
they are less likely to form films (soap scum). Both require some form of mechanical action, such as scrubbing,
to be effective.
Stains vs. etching
A stain is the permanent or semi-permanent mark which is left behind in a stone or other porous surface when a
contaminant penetrates into the surface and dries. Stains can often be removed, but not always.
An etch mark is actual physical damage to the surface. Etching is most commonly noticed when an acid-based
material comes in contact with an acid-sensitive surface. Surfaces that are acid-sensitive include marble,
travertine, limestone, cement-based grout, cement-based terrazzo, concrete, some slates and granites, and
calcium-based products. An etched stone surface will appear as a dull, rough area of the surface, particularly
on polished marble. To correct a surface that has been etched, regrinding and polishing of the surface may be
required.
Note: These recommendations are intended as general guidelines for the proper care and maintenance of
ceramic tile, stone and grout. Actual dilution rates and maintenance requirements may vary depending upon
the use, foot traffic, frequency and contaminants common to the area. ALWAYS READ PRODUCT DIRECTIONS
THOROUGHLY PRIOR TO USE. ALWAYS TEST FIRST TO CONFIRM DESIRED RESULTS.