Ceramic Tile - One of the greatest aspects about ceramic tile is that it is a true low maintenance material. Minimal effort will keep it looking great for years to come.

Most tile applications require only a periodic cleaning with a neutral pH cleaner to remove dirt and soil buildup. DO NOT USE A DISH DETERGENT; it will leave a soapy residue and cause dullness.

CAUTION: Chipping and cracking may occur if objects are dropped onto the surface or if objects are slid across it. Grit particles can scratch the surface as well.

Unglazed Floor Tile (Pavers) - are an unsealed, porous tile. It is suggested that a penetrating sealant be used to maintain this type of floor to prevent spills and stains from seeping into the pores. Resealing is required annually.

Porcelain Tile - The unglazed porcelain series can be maintained with normal wet mopping with a neutral liquid cleaner. As with most porcelains, spilled liquids may stain the light-colored products if not removed promptly. Sealing is not recommended.

Marble/Limestone/Travertine/Slate - Stone is a natural rock and not factory made or fired. No two pieces will be alike as there is inherent variance in all stone. Veining is natural and is not to be confused with cracking. It is recommended that a sealant be used to help resist the possibility of foreign liquids seeping in.

DO NOT USE cleaners that contain grit or high alkaline compositions. Use extreme caution when using an ammonia cleaner near stone. Ammonia will destroy the finish of your stone as can lemon juice, cola, soy sauce, pickle juice, ketchup, mustard and other acidic products.

Granite - Granite is not man-made. However, it is less porous and more dense than marble. A sealant is recommended to help eliminate the seepage of foreign matter.

Stain Removal for Stones - If staining occurs, a poultice-based powder mix is required. A poultice will actually draw out deep seated dirt and stains from the stone's pores.

Care and Maintenance of Tile Grout

Grout is extremely porous and it will not resist spills or stains and therefore will occasionally require a little more attention than tile. Upon the initial installation it is expected that you will see or feel a film residue over the entire hard surface area which is caused by the grout being applied. As grout cures or dries it may show shading variations within the installation. Grout can also change color over time. To remove ground-in dirt from the grout joints use the same type of neutral pH cleaner cleaner with a mop or scrub brush. Change your cleaning water often, most dirt buildup is caused by wiping dirty water onto the tile surface.

Sealing the grout is recommended upon completion of the install, however the grout needs to fully dry which can take anywhere from 10 to 14 days.

Re-apply a sealer to grout joints several times each year for maximum protection.

Do's and Don'ts of Ceramic Tile Care

• Do consider sealing tile and grout after installation. This will help the surface resist staining and make maintenance even easier. A sealer will also preserve or enhance the tile's appearance. Grout is a porous material which is subject to staining and should always be sealed even if the tile does not require it. Our Customer Service Representative can assist you in finding the best sealer for your specific installation.
  
  
• Don't use vinegar and water for cleaning tile. Vinegar is acidic and will damage grout and bleach its color. A neutral pH cleaner is a better choice.
  
  
• Don't use muriatic acid - it is dangerous to people, tile and grout. Phosphoric acid or sulfamic acid crystals are much safer alternatives.
  
  
• Don't use lacquer thinner to strip a tile finish - it is extremely flammable. a non-flammable solvent stripper is the best alternative.
  
  
• Don't use bleach on a tile application. It is acidic, corrosive and toxic and has the same effect on tile and grout as vinegar.
  
  
• Don't clean the surface of tile with abrasive cleaning powders. They will scratch the tile and wear down glazed and unglazed surfaces prematurely.
  
  
• Don't use steel wool on tile - this is another way to scratch the tile surface.

Remember . . . prompt clean-up of spills and regular cleaning will keep your tile and stone surfaces looking their best.