Cleaning and maintenance methods of ceramic tiles
2008-08-20

                                                                                                                                                            Tile information                                                                                                                          Chapter fifteen-cleaning and maintenance methods of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tile is one of the most durable and easiest to maintain surfaces you can choose from for your walls, floors, counter tops, etc. With proper care and minimum maintenance, it will retain its original beauty and luster for many years. No special or unusual treatment is ever required. And it never needs to be waxed or polished. However, the necessary cleaning and care make the tiles a lasting bright and clean. So check over the following advice and be a little smarter about smart and stylish ceramic tile. Different types of tiles to be treated differently. Glazed tiles: Glazed tile is most often use on traditional walls, counter tops and floors. It has a tough, glass-like surface produced by kiln firing at extremely high temperatures. Glazed tile can have a glossy, matte or textured finish. Glazed-tile walls in your home will easily keep there lovely look with simple routine care. Just wipe regularly with a damp cloth or sponge, using a non-abrasive household cleaner. A window cleaner is ideal for cleaning glossy tile surfaces. For glazed tile floors, vacuum regularly to remove dirt and gritty particles. Follow with a mop or sponge dampened with an approved household cleaner. Tiled surfaces in your bathroom may require a more thorough routine cleaning because of a build-up of soap scum, body oils or hard water stains. Use the usual "clean, damp cloth or sponge" with an all-purpose cleaner, but allow it to stand for about five minutes before rinsing and drying.

Unglazed tiles: Unglazed tile is composed of natural clays which are sometimes mixed with pigments. It can be used on floors, walls, counter tops, window sills, fireplaces, swimming pools, etc. It may require more careful attention than glazed tile. 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.

Nature stone tiles: To insure 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 different maintenance program than traditional 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 floors 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.

Grout care and maintenance: Grout is the material used to fill the spaces between the individual tiles. The purpose of grout is simply, to fill the joint between the tiles and becomes a permanent, integral component of the finished installation. Although sealing may not be necessary it will extend the life of the grout. Neither sealing the grout nor using a 100% Epoxy Grout will guarantee against surface build-up or discolouration of the grout. Grout needs to be cleaned on a periodic basis to remove any surface build-up.