Use And Care Manual

Mountain Morning GT06 tile shown
TILE CARE & MAINTENANCE PAGE 2 OF 7
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 specically 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 lm that has been left behind on the
surface of the tile as part of the nal 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 oor 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
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 oors 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 specically 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 specied amount of time (usually
3 to 5 minutes). Agitate with a sponge, synthetic
mop, soft bristle brush or through the use of a oor
scrubbing machine. Mop up dirty solution and bu dry.