Ceramic tile provides a unique combination of beauty and durability. Its hard, non-porous surface provides a natural low-maintenance finish. Once properly installed, it essentially requires little more than dusting and occasional damp mopping.
Walls:
Wipe glazed wall tiles using a cloth or sponge dampened with an all-purpose non oil-based household cleaner.
Unglazed wall tiles need a soap-less detergent instead of an all-purpose cleaner.
Floors:
Sweep or vacuum
Damp mop or sponge
Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
Glazed tiles - use all-purpose, non oil-based cleaner.*
Unglazed floor tiles - use a solution of water and soap-less detergent instead of an all-purpose cleaner.
Do not use alkaline-based cleansers on a floor that has been sealed.
Tips:
Do not use cleansers containing acid or bleach for routine maintenance. Even vinegar can etch and damage some tiles.
Do not use wax cleaners, oil-based detergents or sealants to maintain your tile (sealants may be used on grout joints and natural stone).
Do not use ammonia (it will discolor grout).
Do not use harsh cleaning aids like steel wool pads or scouring pads containing metal.
Do not use a cleaning agent that contains color on unglazed ceramic tile or natural stone.
Do test all cleansers, particularly scouring powders on a small area first (not recommended for natural stone).
Do use a sealer on grout joints.
Do have any damaged or broken tiles removed and replaced only by a qualified contractor.
Do not use alkaline-based products on sealed tile.
Realistic expectations:
Due to dye lot variations, the tile you have purchased may vary in appearance from the sample you have viewed.
Your ceramic floor follows the contour of the existing substrate. If the existing substrate has high and low spots the ceramic tile will follow along those same high and low spots.
Some consumers expect ceramic tile floors to have the same precision as sheet vinyl flooring. Consumers must have realistic expectations with ceramic tile installations. Unlike vinyl flooring, there will be some variation/inconsistency in grout joint widths between ceramic tiles. Furthermore, some tiles will be higher/lower than adjacent tiles.Be prepared to see some visual imperfections.
Minor grout joint hairline cracks are common with ceramic installations. They result from normal expansion and contraction and usually do NOT indicate a faulty installation.
