Use and Care Manual

TILE & STONE
CERAMIC TILE FLOORING CARE
AND MAINTENANCE
Grout Care
1. Grout is the mortar type material used to ll the spaces
between the individual tiles, or stone. It’s purpose is
simply to ll the joint between the tiles and become a
permanent, integral part of the oor.
2. Neither sealing the grout nor using a 100% Epoxy
Grout will guarantee against surface build up or
discoloration of the grout.
3. Grout needs to be cleaned on a periodic basis to
remove any surface residue build up.
4. This routine cleaning can be done with a neutral pH
balanced daily-use household or commercial cleaner
depending on the application.
5. When heavy-duty grout cleaning is required, you can
use a professional strength tile and grout cleaner that is
capable of removing grease, soap scum, body oil, mildew
stains algae, and synthetic or acrylic waxes from the
grout joints.
Post Grouting Installation Clean-Up
1. Grout haze is a lm left behind on the surface of the
tile as part of the nal grouting process; it is usually
buffed off the surface after the grout has achieved its
initial 12 to 24 hour cure, with the use of a cheese cloth
material. If after 48 hrs a grout haze still exists, then use
a “grout haze remover” which usually contains Sulfamic
Acid. Sulfamic acid cleaners should ONLY be used on
Ceramic and/or Porcelain tiles. IMPORTANT NOTE:
Never use acids on natural stone tiles; this could lead to
permanent etching. Instead use a Natural Stone Cleaner
and a cheese cloth for grout haze removal.
2. In cases where you have used Epoxy Grouts, you may
need to use an “Epoxy Haze Remover”. These cleaners
are formulated to quickly and safely remove Epoxy
grout haze, without damaging the grout or the tile face
of your newly installed ceramic oor.
Routine Maintenance
1. You should allow your new ceramic tile and grout to dry
for at least 72 hours after installation, before any type of
maintenance occurs.
2. Cleaning your new oor with a damp mop once a
week is the best thing you can do to maintain your
ceramic oor.
3. A simple sweeping or vacuuming of your tile oor prior
to mopping will remove any dust or debris.
4. Make sure that any cleanser you have chosen is
compatible with grout cleaning, (neutral pH), and will
not stain the grout. We recommend Shaw’s R2X Hard
Surface Cleaner.
5. Heavy trafc areas should be mopped more often than
once a week.
6. Never use a detergent or soap because it may dull the
surface.
7. When cleaning, the entire area should be cleaned or
scrubbed with the cleansing solution, through the use of
a cotton mop, cloth, sponge, or non-metallic brush.
8. The entire ooring area should then be rinsed with
clean water to remove any cleaning solution residue.
9. Cleaning unglazed tiles should be done on a regular
basis using cleansers that have a neutral pH for safe
regular use; these cleaners are better suited at removing
grease, oils, and normal spills from unglazed products.
10. Remember: Routine cleaners should never contain
acids, vinegar, chlorines or ammonia as these chemicals
can damage and discolor the grout or surface of the
stone or tile.
11. Always thoroughly rinse the ooring surface after
cleaning, using clean clear water, to avoid any periodic
residue build up or mold and mildew growth.
Protecting Your Ceramic Floor
1. Protect your ceramic tile by afxing felt or similar pads
to the legs of any metal, iron, wood or plastic furniture
that could scratch and dull the surface.
2. Exterior metal furniture which rests on the tile oors
or patios may rust and cause staining.
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