CERAMIC TILE

There are two basic types of ceramic tile– glazed and unglazed. The other surface which requires care is the tile grout. Each of these requires certain routine cleaning and may need heavy duty cleaning, depending upon its use and the degree of the traffic it gets.  

NOTE:  Standing water can deteriorate tile, and especially grout. We recommend that standing water always be removed.

 Glazed Tile Walls/Countertops:  Wipe with a clean, damp cloth or sponge, using a non-abrasive household cleaner. A window cleaner (such as Windex or Glass Plus) is ideal for cleaning glossy tile surfaces. For stubborn soil use a scouring powder, commercial tile cleaner or an all purpose cleaner applied with a non-metallic or very fine stainless steel pad. Rinse and wipe dry. 

Glazed Tile Floors:  Vacuum regularly to remove dirt and gritty particles. Follow with a mop or sponge dampened with an approved household cleaner or scouring powder paste. Let stand for five minutes, brush and scrub. Then rise and dry.

 Wet Areas:  Walls/Countertops—Use all-purpose cleaner or a soft cloth or sponge with an all-purpose cleaner or medium strong solution of soapless detergent. Use bleach if danger or fungal growth, (Athlete’s foot). Rinse well. For heavy duty cleaning try a scouring powder containing a bleaching agent, such as Ajax or Comet. Let stand for four to sic hours before scrubbing and rinsing thoroughly.

 Most tile used on countertops and vanities are glazed matte gloss and resist scratching. If you have a high gloss finish, beware that the surface is subject to scratching. 

Repair Loose or Damaged Tiles:  A damaged or broken tile should be removed and replaced but a good tile mechanic only. If the tile is simply loose, you should be able to repair it yourself. Just clean the back and sides of the tile of all grout and bonding material. Apply fresh mastic and set the tile into place. Let dry for 24 hours, then grout.

Tile Grout:  Grout may present a special cleaning problem because it is susceptible to many staining agents. It should be cleaned immediately if subjected to these substances. 

After the counter has been cleaned and dried, grout joints should be treated with a silicone sealer to keep them clean. (Apply the sealer several times a year for maximum protection). 

In addition to keeping the grout clean, be sure to keep grout joints in good repair. Normal settling will cause some cracking of the grout, particularly in corners and edges. This condition should be taken care of promptly. Scrape out loose, cracked or powdery joints and refill with a good grout. A siliconized acrylic caulk can be purchased to repair initial cracks and to insure proper maintenance of the grout.

Back to Tips