Tile, Stone and Grout Care

Seal and protectUnglazed ceramic tile, natural stone and cement grouts are porous therefore need to be sealed. Proper sealing prevents staining and helps make routine cleaning much easier.Clean, Refresh, RestoreFor routine cleaning, always use a pH neutral cleaner specifically formulated for tile and stone. The right cleaner will be pH balanced, contain no abrasives or acids, yet have the cleaning power to cut through grease and oil.While pH neutral cleaners are great for everyday cleaning, an alkaline cleaner is best for tougher, organic stains such as built-up grease, fats, oils and mold. Some acidic cleansers will work on inorganic substances like lime, water spots and mineral deposits. There are some types of stone, however, that acidic cleansers should not be used for.If your grout has seen better days, consider a colorant. Grout colorants allow you to freshen up the look of your tile or stone as you seal walls, counter tops, showers or floors.Do's and Don'tsDo...
  • Seal with a penetrating sealer every 1-3 years for optimal performance
  • Promptly wipe up any acidic spills. Acidic substances such as juice, wine, mustard or soda can etch stone surfaces in particular
  • Routinely clean with a pH neutral cleaner
  • Dust or dry mop surfaces regularly to keep dirt and other particles from scratching the surface
  • Clean regularly to keep deposits from building up
Don't...
  •  Do not use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general purpose cleaning products that contain lemon, lime or other acids
  • Do not use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft "scrubbing" cleansers
All tile and stone cleaners are not created equally. Give us a call and we will help you select the right sealants and cleansers for your home.Source: TEC###