Use and Care Guide

Fairmont Beach FM07 tile shown
TILE CARE & MAINTENANCE PAGE 2 OF 6
TILE CARE &
MAINTENANCE
CERAMIC TILE GROUT CARE continued)
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 specifically 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 film that has been left behind on the surface of
the tile as part of the final grouting process. Usually this is bued
o the surface after the grout has achieved its initial 12 to 24
hour cure. The removal of the haze is often dicult when bung
with a clean rag or floor 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 dierent strengths by qualified 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
dierent maintenance program than traditional ceramic tile.
Natural stone requires a dierent 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 floors 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.
Stone Cleaners
Only use cleaners specifically designed for cleaning stone. These
cleaners contain no acids and are concentrated neutral pH cleaners
that will not aect existing sealers or wax-type coatings. The surface
of the stone should be dampened with clear water. This will keep the
cleaning solution on the surface so it can be eective. A solution of
the cleaner and water mixed to manufacturer’s instructions should
be applied to the stone surface with a sponge or mop.
On walls, kitchen counters or vanity tops, a spray bottle can be
used to apply the cleaning solution. Allow sitting for manufacturer’s
specified amount of time (usually 3 to 5 minutes). Agitate with a
sponge, synthetic mop, soft bristle brush or through the use of a
floor scrubbing machine. Mop up dirty solution and bu dry.