Use and Care Manual

most Home Centers, or through your local professional
Floor Covering Dealer
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. This can be purchased from most Home Centers
or through your local Professional Floor Covering Dealer.
CERAMIC TILE - NEW INSTALLATIONS
Immediately after tile has been properly installed and
grouted, the new installation should be covered with
brown paper to protect it from debris during the
remaining construction process. The grout joints should
be dampened daily with clear water using a clean sponge
or mop during the first 7 days. This procedure facilitates
the grout cure and color lock. The paper will allow for
two important things: (1) to protect the newly installed
tile grout and (2) to allow moisture to escape from the
grout as it cures further protecting the look and utility
of the floor. This is an important step in achieving color
consistency. Never use plastic or non-absorbent materials
to protect freshly installed tile. These types of non-
absorbent products will trap moisture causing the grout to
discolor during the curing period. The protective brown
paper should remain until construction is complete and
the floor is opened for intended (post-construction) use.
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 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
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 missed to manufacturer 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 manufacturers 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 (including countertops). Apply the finish with a spray
applicator and bu immediately with a white nylon pad. Reapply
as often as needed, depending on volume of surface trac and
consistency of routine maintenance program. This product is not
designed to restore the original shine, but is intended to maintain
and protect the original shine. This can be purchased from most
Home Centers or through your local Professional Floor Covering
Dealer.