CERAMIC TILE CLEANING
Always Remember “Low
Maintenance is NOT No Maintenance”
To keep your ceramic or
porcelain tile looking its best from day one, please follow these
guidelines:
1. If you have not
already done so, have your grout sealed with an impregnating, breathable
sealer. This process will do little for the tile (for some porous
ceramics it works), but will keep your grout its original color longer.
It will still require cleaning, but it will protect from staining.
2. Dust mop floors frequently. Use a statically charged, no
treated dust mop to keep dust and grit to a minimum.
3. Spot mop or wipe
as needed. If you drop something, wipe it up immediately. Over mopping
is the number one cause for grout discoloration. Mop water holds dirt
after you wring your mop out for the first time, resulting in the mop
actually spreading dirt around. This dirty water sits in the recessed
grout lines. The water evaporates (or worse soaks in) leaving the dirt
deposited in the tiny micro pores in the grout lines, thus causing the
discoloring. If you require frequent cleaning, follow these
recommendations for regular cleaning of floors:
a. Dust mop
b. Wet floor with a
neutral cleaner (available through janitorial supply stores)
c. Agitate solution on
floor to loosen dirt
d. Remove solution
with a quality-wet vacuum with a janitorial grade wand (this will remove
almost all standing water and dirt). Cheap wands and vacuums will not
sufficiently remove water and dirt to prevent discoloring of the grout.
e. If floor were
extremely dirty, it would be wise to rinse with fresh water and extract
with your vacuum.
f. Wring out a
clean rinse mop so that it leaves no water on the floor. Use this to
remove any moisture (like a sponge) that the vacuum may have missed or
streaks.
4. Enjoy your tile! |
