Ceramic Tile - Routine Care

Routine care and maintenance will keep your ceramic tile looking beautiful for years to come.

As provided by Dal-tile

Contaminants and spills on a glazed ceramic tile are generally easier to clean than other, more impervious surfaces. Glazed tile products should be cleaned routinely with an all-purpose, non oil-based household or commercial cleaner. The product chosen should also be grout-joint, cleaning compatible. The type of product may vary depending on the tile application and use. A multipurpose spray cleaner designed for everyday use, which removes soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew, can be used on wall tile areas in residential baths and showers.

The entire area should be cleaned and scrubbed with cleaner solution using a cotton mop, cloth, sponge, or non-metallic brush. The entire area should be rinsed with clean water to remove any cleaning solution residue. Remember that you should sweep or vacuum floor areas prior to cleaning to remove any dust or debris. Routine cleaners should never contain acids or ammonia. Acids can damage the grout and

Unglazed tile should be cleaned routinely with concentrated tile cleaners that have a neutral pH for safe, regular use. These cleaners are better suited at removing grease, oils, and normal spills from unglazed products. Again, these products will vary depending on the application, amount of traffic, and the use. The product chosen should also be compatible with cleaning the grout joints at the same time.

Removal of Sealers/Waxes/Floor Finishes:

If you need to remove a topical sealer or floor wax from a ceramic tile, you should use a tile sealer and adhesive remover. Always test a small area first. Apply a liberal amount of undiluted sealer and adhesive remover to a manageable area. Allow setting without drying until coating or residue softens. Reapply, if necessary, until sealer softens and can be removed. If necessary, agitate with white nylon scrub pad. Wipe up the residue with a cotton towel or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Do not use on natural stone products.

Glass Tiles

For routine cleaning, use any non-abrasive cleaning compound recommended for either glass or tile

Metal Signatures/Metal Ages/Urban Metals

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, or abrasives.
• Always test in a small, inconspicuous area while using a new cleaner to ensure compatibility.