Tile/Usage

Routine Cleaning

Heavy Duty Cleaning

Glazed Walls Countertops

Wipe with damp cloth or sponge using all-purpose cleaner. Use window cleaner for glossy surfaces. Wipe dry with cloth.

Clean with scouring powder, commercial tile cleaner, or all-purpose cleaner using non-metallic scouring pad or very fine grade stainless steel pad. Rinse and wipe dry.

Glazed Tile
Floors

Vacuum regularly to remove gritty particles. Damp mop using solution of water and "soapless" detergent.

Use a commercial tile cleaner or a strong solution of water and "soapless" detergent. If stained, use scouring powder paste. Let stand for five minutes, brush and scrub. Rinse and dry. For large areas and for areas that are difficult to clean, a power scrubber is recommended.

Glazed Tile
Showers

Use all-purpose or bathroom cleaner. Allow to stand for five minutes rinse and dry. May also use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar or a commercial tile cleaner.

Use chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide*. For stubborn stains, use scouring powder containing a bleaching agent. Let stand four to six minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly. To remove mildew, use a commercial tile cleaner, chlorine bleach or ammonia. DO NOT MIX.

Unglazed Tile
Walls

Sponge with a diluted solution of water and "soapless" detergent.

Use scouring powder paste. Let stand for five minutes, then scour with brush. Rinse and wipe dry.

Unglazed Tile
Floors

Vacuum regularly to remove gritty particles. Damp mop or sponge with water and/or a diluted solution of water and "soapless" detergent.

Use scouring powder paste. Let stand for five minutes, then scour with brush. Rinse and wipe dry. A small brush is suitable for small floors; consider a scrubbing machine for larger areas.

Natural Porcelain Semi-Polished Porcelain**

Vacuum regularly to remove gritty particles. Damp mop using a solution of water and "soapless" detergent, rinse and then wipe dry.

Use scouring powder paste. Let stand for five minutes, then scour with brush. Rinse and wipe dry. A small brush is suitable for small floors; consider a scrubbing machine for larger areas.

Commercial Applications

For smaller commercial areas, vacuum regularly to remove gritty particles. Using a "soapless" detergent, scrub with an inexpensive nylon brush (such as a "Doodle Bug"). Follow by using a dry/wet vac to remove water and soap residue. Note: After initial cleaning, replace nylon brush. Replace thereafter as it becomes worn. A clean scrubber makes for a clean floor. For large commercial settings, consider the use of a commercial floor scrubbing machine.

* With colored grout, test a small inconspicuous area first or follow grout manufacturer's instructions.

** A note on Semi-Polished Porcelain: Porcelain tile is virtually impervious to stains and wear. However, the polishing process opens microscopic pores in the surface of the tile. Therefore, it is recommended that a penetrating sealer be used 2 hours prior to grouting. Penetrating Sealers need only be applied once, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Remember, prompt clean-up of spills and regular cleaning will keep your ceramic tile surfaces looking their best.

Stain Removal Guide

Stain

Removal Agent

Grease and fats

Soda and water or commercial spot lifter

Inks and colored dyes

Household bleach

Blood

Hydrogen Peroxide or household bleach

Coffee, tea, food, fruit, lipstick, juices

Neutral cleaner in hot water followed by hydrogen peroxide or household bleach

* Caution: Vinegar may damage some tile glazes. Be sure to test this solution first in a small area to see if it etches the tile or erodes the grout.