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Tile Care & Maintenance

CERAMIC TILE CARE & MAINTENANCE
Ceramic tile, glazed or unglazed, is easy to maintain. But there are a few simple do's and don'ts that can add extra life to your tile.

Minimum Maintenance
A little washing here and a little wiping there is all you need. To clean, just use water and/or a mild, non-soapy household detergent. Follow with a clear water rinse so sticky film won't form, then wipe the floor tiles dry. (Acid cleaners are a no-no, though.)

To reduce staining of your grout, seal it with a penetrating sealer one month after the tile is installed.

When further treatment is needed, particularly for the grout, apply a solution of water and chlorine bleach (liquid or powdered). Let it stand for 20 minutes or so, then mop the floor, rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. Then wax the floor for protection and easier care.

GLAZED TILE
Because it's easy to scratch, treat glazed tile like porcelain enamel. Don't use harsh abrasive powders, which will scratch the finish. Occasional bleaching will clean grout. Aerosol bathroom cleaners work well to clean tile.

Dingy grout between tiles can be brightened by scrubbing with hot suds, then apply a diluted solution of chlorine bleach. Repeat procedure, keeping tile wet 5 minutes.

BATHROOM TILE
If soap scum, mildew or a rough, white coating has built up, special cleaning may be needed.

Remove soap scum by sponging with a mixture of 1/2 cup packaged water softener plus 2 tablespoons rotten stone plus 1 cup hot water; or use a solution of 1-2 tablespoons trisodium phosphate in 1 gallon hot water. Then rinse.

Remove mildew by cleaning with a diluted solution of chlorine bleach in water, following label directions on bleach, then rinse. Or use a anti-mildew household spray.

The rough white coating is a buildup of mineral from hard water. Dissolve it with a commercial tile cleaner and wipe off.