Use and Care Guide

Fairmont Beach FM07 tile shown
TILE CARE & MAINTENANCE PAGE 6 OF 6
TILE CARE &
MAINTENANCE
MOSAIC GLASS AND MIXED MATERIALS
General Cleaning
Tile, whether glazed ceramic or porcelain, should be maintained on a
regular and frequent basis to prevent build-up of soil, grease, residue,
soap detergents, sealers, dampness, liquids, etc., to keep the surface
clean and lessen slippery conditions.
Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles require minimal maintenance.
Either can be cleaned with clear water and/or a pH neutral liquid
cleaner (soapless). Follow with a clear water rinse and wipe dry to
prevent film formation.
As with most porcelains, spilled liquids may stain light-colored
products if not promptly removed. Neither sealing nor acid cleaning
is recommended for any of American Olean glazed ceramic or
porcelain tile.
Glass Tile
Use a glass cleaner and a soft lint-free cloth for cleaning glass
tile. To remove soap scum or water deposits a minimally abrasive
cleanser and soft bristle brush can be used.
STONE MOSAIC
Routine Care
Natural Stone products are porous by nature and 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. Natural Stone should
be cleaned with neutral cleaners and 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.
Once the stone has been cleaned, you can periodically apply a
spray-bu wax-type floor finish to enhance the beauty and luster
of polished stone. Apply the finish with a spray applicator and bu
immediately with a white nylon pad.
Pre-Grout Sealing
A non-sanded grout is strongly recommended for Natural Stone
installations due to the narrow grout joints customarily preferred.
All travertine, slate, tumbled stone and honed/flamed/unpolished
granite should be sealed prior to the grouting process to protect
them from staining. The application of a good quality sealer should
be used as a grout sealer and applied again as the final sealing process
once the installation is finished.
Metal Tile
To clean, use a liquid non-abrasive household cleaner.
DO NOT use scouring pads, steel wool, sandpaper or other abrasive
products. Avoid cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, abrasives,
or other hazardous/polluting compounds. Always test in a small
inconspicuous area while using a new cleaner to ensure compatibility.