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How do I clean and maintain ceramic/porcelain and stone tile?
Last Updated: 11/17/2009
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Cleaning and caring for ceramic/porcelain and stone tile typically depends on the style of tile you have in your home or place of business, and the amount of foot traffic. The popularity of ceramic/porcelain tile has driven manufacturers to produce and market numerous textures, patterns, glazes, and sizes to meet lifestyle needs and budgets. This article offers a few "general maintenance" tips and special precautions to follow regarding tile care.
- Sweep Regularly to remove loose surface dirt especially if your tile has a textured surface. A vacuum cleaner (w/o a "beater bar") can also be used to save time and energy when cleaning in between tiles.
- Use mats and rugs in the main entryway and entrance/exit points (i.e. garage, outside patio, mud room, etc.) to minimize dirt and debris from being tracked throughout the house. This reduces the possibility of loose dirt/debris from scratching into the tile surface and wearing the finish.
- Apply damp mopping for ceramic tile on a regular basis. Spot clean heavier-soiled areas using a sponge or clean cloth.
- Follow tile manufacturer recommendations for tile and grout cleaners specific to your tile style.
- Avoid the use of steel wool, scouring powders, or any other "abrasive" cleaners that may scratch tile finish.
- Do not use cleaners with a bleach or ammonia base -- these can cause discoloration to tile grout when used frequently.
- Do not use oil-based cleaners for glazed tile surfaces.
- Do not allow food or liquid spills to set too long, or tile may become stained.
DISCLAIMER: The information listed above is for "general knowledge purposes" obtained from several sources, and has not been provided by any specific vendor or tile product relating to product care. Please contact us by e-mail if you have a specific question regarding the care for or repair of your tile product purchased through either our retail showroom (Italgres Italian Ceramic Tile - Anaheim, CA) or our e-commerce web site www.italgresusa.com.
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