Benefits of choosing tile
Tile is the healthiest, most durable and one of the longest lasting flooring products on the market. Choosing tile is the right choice.
Stain Proof
Messes are a part of everyday life, and your floors better be able to handle them. Most times, tile only needs water for easy cleanup!
Waterproof
Tile is the only 100% waterproof system that makes installing in bathrooms and kitchens a no brainer.
Scratch-resistant
You’ll never have to worry about your floors getting cuts and scrapes again. Naturally scratch-resistant, tile continues to look good even after years of heavy traffic.
Family Friendly
Don't worry about gathering and making long lasting memories with your family, tile is the healthiest choice.
Easy to clean
Don't spend your days cleaning the floor, tile is low maintenance and a stress free decision.
Pet Friendly
Let your peach of mind extend to your furry family members, they deserve to chase their toys or eat their bones without worry.
Easy Care
Sweep
Step one in caring for your ceramic tile is to simply sweep away dirt and debris that may be tracked in by our feet (or paws) each day. If you are using throw rugs, it’s a good idea to clean throw rugs regularly, whether in the washing machine or by shaking them thoroughly outside. Likewise, for your ceramic tile countertops, be sure to brush off any crumbs or other debris from the counter, just as you would the floor.
Clean
From there, clear, clean water is often all that’s needed to clean your tile. If you find you must use something stronger, turn to a neutral cleaner made specifically for grout or tile, or a mildly alkaline detergent (i.e., Mr. Clean, Spic and Span)
Rinse
Always rinse with clean, clear water after cleaning to remove any residue. Any residual cleaner, soap, or detergent must be removed to prevent it from leaving the tile dull and susceptible to more rapid soiling.
TIP1
Stay away from using harsh cleaners on a regular basis. The effect of using cleaners with a high pH (bleach – alkaline) or low pH (vinegar – acidic) over and over is that they may break down some sealers which are there to help prevent soap scum, oils, and dirt from penetrating into the grout.
TIP2
Nylon or plastic scrubbers are handy and generally won’t scratch. These are great tools for helping care for your tile and grout.
Glazed Floor Tile
Alkaline, acidic, and neutral are the three categories of cleaners. Alkaline means that the pH is higher than 7, acidic is less than 7, and neutral pH is 7.
Alkaline Cleaners
Alkaline cleaners have a high pH of at least 12, which is very caustic. Use this type of cleaner when you need to remove stubborn grease or other substances that will not come off with water alone. With a pH of 12, bleach is an example of an alkaline cleaner and should not be used on tile and grout on a regular basis.
While alkaline cleaners will not harm tile or grout when used occasionally, they can strip away sealant from the grout over time and you may need to eventually rejuvenate your sealant. Alkaline cleaners may also chemically burn your skin so wear gloves and avoid splashing. Thoroughly rinse any cleaner from the surface and do not allow residue to dry on the tile and grout.
Acidic Cleaners
Acidic cleaners are corrosive, but in a different way than alkaline cleaners. The acid reacts with the alkaline cement in grout, dissolving a thin top layer and exposing the clean grout below. While these cleaners may appear to clean well, most manufacturers do not recommend them because of the eroding effect. Acidic tile and grout cleaners should only be used by professionals when removing and replacing grout.
Neutral Cleaners
Neutral cleaners with a pH of 7 (just like water) are the most gentle for tile and grout. Consider cleaners made specifically for tile and grout first when water isn’t enough, or turn to a mildly alkaline detergent (i.e., Mr. Clean, Spic and Span). Note that neutral cleaners are the only cleaners recommended for colored grout.
Unglazed Floor Tile
So, now you know that water is king when it comes to cleaning tile. But what if the grout has mildew or other stains despite your diligence? Scrubbers made of nylon or plastic do a great job of removing stains from grout.
If your grout has mildew stains that you cannot scrub out, water may have gotten into the grout, perhaps because the sealant has worn down. In cases like this, you can rent a steam cleaner that will bring the stains to the surface of the grout, where you can clean them off. The last resort is to remove and replace the grout, but consider consulting with an expert beforehand to determine the best course of action.
Glazed Wall Tile
Unlike many other surface materials, ceramic tile won’t fade or dull from harsher cleaning chemicals and disinfectants, should you need to use them occasionally. The Environmental Protection Agency has a list of registered cleaning disinfectants you can consult. Should you not have any of these registered products, some common household products—including simple soap and water—can also be effective disinfectants. Each cleaning agent may be more or less effective towards a particular virus or bacteria.
GLASS WALL TILE
For maintenance and cleaning, it is recommended to use a soft, clean cloth with warm water or with a non-abrasive cleaner formulated for use with glass. Do not use any cleaners with abrasive agent as these could scratch the tile surface.
Glass tile should not be installed in floor applications because it can fracture when exposed to extreme weights and is very susceptible to scratching.
Sealers
Unlike many other surface materials, ceramic tile won’t fade or dull from harsher cleaning chemicals and disinfectants, should you need to use them occasionally. The Environmental Protection Agency has a list of registered cleaning disinfectants you can consult. Should you not have any of these registered products, some common household products—including simple soap and water—can also be effective disinfectants. Each cleaning agent may be more or less effective towards a particular virus or bacteria.
Do's
- Dust mop floors frequently 1
- Clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap
- Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing
- Blot up spills immediately
- Protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats
Dont's
- Use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces
- Use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners
- Use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers
- Mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas
- Ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so
Benefits of choosing natural stone
When given the proper care, your natural stone floor is sure to last a lifetime.
Natural Stone Easy Care
Seal
All stone is porous to varying degrees. Using a high quality stone sealer to the manufacturer’s specifications will provide a barrier to resist moisture and staining. The act of sealing the stone does not make the stone impervious to moisture or staining. We should think of sealers as “sunscreen” (SPF, coats applied, and physical activity) and give you an opportunity to clean up spills or messes. A good saying to remember is “use a good sealer, seal it until it will not accept any more sealer, and you should have very few problems with your stone”.
Clean
It is a best practice to use a broom or dust mop to remove dust and debris. It is also recommended using a robot vacuum to provide a more carefree experience. When it’s necessary to mop your floor to clean up dirt or grime it is imperative to use cleaner specially formulated for your specific type of stone. It would be best to use a stone cleaner from the same manufacturer as the sealer used since these have been tested to work together without issue. Most household cleaners can be acidic or caustic and can damage the integrity of the stone’s natural fabric. Dry mopping should be the first option as stone cleaners can gradually degrade the sealer over a prolonged period of time.
Test
The effectiveness of a sealer can last anywhere between 6 months to 15+ years depending on quality of sealer used, traffic endured, and the specific cleaning program used. It is important to test the sealer’s effectiveness every 6-12 months by performing an easy water absorption test in a few high traffic areas. Place a few drops of water on the stone. If the stone is quickly darkened, the stone may need to be resealed. If the stone is not darkened within 5-10 minutes, wipe up the residual water, and try it again next year.
Natural Stone Disclaimer
The purchaser acknowledges that natural stones such as Travertine, Marble, Slate, Limestone and Granite are products
of nature and have been quarried from all over the world. As natural products, they are prone to variations in color,
texture, shade and veining that will differ from the samples shown. Dramatic variations in natural products are not
considered flaws of natural stone but may occur as a result of the type of stone being used, as well as the current
quarry conditions. No two pieces of natural stone are exactly alike and it is pertinent that the tiles are blended before
they are set.
Always request samples of present stock as variations in material may occur without notice. It is the customer’s
responsibility to inspect the material before installation. Interceramic does not warranty natural stone products for
shade coloration, size/ thickness variation, clefting, nor surface finish variation. Also, natural stone tiles are susceptible
to cracking and pitting. Absolutely no claim will be accepted for any reason after the material has been installed.
New Installation
Sealing is highly recommended on newly installed natural stones. Select a high quality sealer to provide maximum surface stain protection. All Interceramic Tile and Stone Galleries carry a complete line of care and maintenance products. Contact your local Interceramic Sales Representative for the appropriate product for your stone installation.
Pre-Grout Sealing
Pre-sealing natural stone prior to grouting can make the grouting application much easier and will help protect all natural stone surfaces from grout pigment staining during the installation and grouting process. All Interceramic Tile and Stone Galleries carry a complete line of care and maintenance products. Contact your local Interceramic Sales Representative for the appropriate product for your stone installation.
Sealing
Once the grout has properly cured it is recommended to seal the stone with a high quality penetrating sealer. Generally, stone sealers are designed to penetrate the stone leaving a no-sheen, natural look and provide protection from liquids that would otherwise absorb into and possibly stain the stone. Various maintenance products are available to enhance and highlight the character and beauty of the stone while sealing at the same time. All Interceramic Tile and Stone Galleries carry a complete line of care and maintenance products. Contact your local Interceramic Sales Representative for the appropriate product for your stone installation.
Regular Stone Care
Interior natural stone floors should be frequently cleaned using a non-treated dry dust mop to remove dirt and dust that may scratch the surface of the stone. Mopping with a stone cleaner is recommended for routine cleaning. It is important to use a stone cleaner that is specifically designed for your particular stone. Never use vinegar or cleaners containing acid or bleach. All Interceramic Tile and Stone Galleries carry a complete line of care and maintenance products. Contact your local Interceramic Sales Representative for the appropriate product for your stone installation.
Maintenance Products
Interceramic does not manufacture products for stone installation, stone cleaning or maintenance products. The information contained herein is intended as a general information source only. It is always recommended to test a small area before using any stone sealer, cleaner, or maintenance product. It is also recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear the appropriate protective clothing to provide a safe installation.
Do's
- Use high quality stone sealer and follow application instructions before traffic
- Dust mop or robot vacuum floors frequently
- Clean surfaces with stone specific cleaner
- Blot up spills immediately
- Test effectiveness of sealer every 6-12 months
Dont's
- Use acidic or caustic cleaner on Marble, Travertine, Limestone or Onyx
- Use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers
- Mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas