Ceramic Tile

Routine Maintenance

Tile Walls

Wipe glazed wall tiles using a cloth or sponge dampened with an all-purpose non oil-based household cleanser.

Unglazed wall tiles: use a soapless detergent instead of an all-purpose cleanser.

Tile Floors

• Sweep or vacuum regularly — keeping dirt and grit off your tile is the most effective way of prolonging its life.
• Damp mop or sponge, rinse thoroughly and wipe dry
• Glazed tiles: use all-purpose, non oil-based cleaner
• Unglazed floor tiles: use a solution of water and soapless detergent instead of an all-purpose cleaner.
• Do not use alkaline-based cleansers on a floor that has been sealed.

Tips

• Do not use cleansers containing acid or bleach for routine maintenance. Even vinegar can etch and damage some tiles.
• Do not use wax cleaners, oil-based detergents, or sealants to maintain your tile (sealants may be used on grout joints and natural stone).
• Do not use ammonia. It will discolor grout.
• Do not use harsh cleaning aids like steel wool pads or scouring pads made of metal.
• Do not use a cleaning agent that contains color on unglazed ceramic tile or natural stone.
• Test all cleansers, particularly scouring powders, on a small area first.
• Do not use alkaline-based products on sealed tile.
• For heavy cleaning, use a scouring powder and scrub with a white nylon pad. Make a paste and let sit for five minutes before scrubbing for heavier stains. Rinse and wipe dry.

Preventative Maintenance

One of the key benefits of tile is the low maintenance requirements. With proper routine maintenance no additional preventative maintenance is required. In the event that your tile has been damaged or soiled to the extent that it needs to be replaced, we recommend contacting your builder or a professional to make the repair.