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Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Floor Care
and Maintenance
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Porcelain
tile and other ceramic tile is one of the easiest
surfaces to maintain. Basic cleaning tools, a common
household cleaner, and water are all that are necessary
to keep ceramic tile floors looking clean and new.
There are only a few considerations to consider when
choosing a cleaning product for ceramic tile floors.
Some types of ceramic tile should not be cleaned with
acidic or ammonia containing cleaners. Also, the
tile cleaning product should be compatible with grout.
Just ask your tile mechanic/tile installation expert
about tile flooring manufacturer’s recommendations in
regards to cleaning.
For light cleaning of ceramic tile, follow these typical
steps:
-
Remove loose dirt with a broom from the ceramic
tile. Vacuum cleaners are not generally recommended
because loose, exposed, or hanging metal parts may
scratch the ceramic tile, especially porcelain.
- Mix
a small amount of cleaner with warm water.
-
Cleanse the ceramic tile floor with a soft cloth,
not an abrasive one, and rinse the tile thoroughly.
Let dry completely before replacing rugs, as
otherwise mold and mildew might build up under the
rug.
Note: rinsing is very
important, since dried detergent not only dulls the
finish of ceramic tile, but can trap abrasive dirt
particles, which can scratch the ceramic tile,
especially porcelain. Also, if your ceramic tile has
a polished finish, you should dry it with a soft
towel to prevent water spots.
For heavily
soiled floors, let the cleaning mixture soak into the
dirt for 5-10 minutes before mopping or scrubbing. Clean
small areas at a time so that you are constantly rinsing
the cloth (and not dragging abrasive sand and other
particles across the ceramic floor) Also, do not let the
cleaning solution dry on the ceramic tile. Be sure to
rinse the ceramic floor area thoroughly before beginning
another section. More difficult dirt and stains on your
ceramic floor may require scrubbing with a soft nylon
pad or brush.
To reduce the likelihood of stains and heavy soil
buildup on your ceramic tile floor, follow these simple
steps:
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Clean up spills on the tile immediately, before they
soak into the porous surface and stain
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Place mats that catch dirt at every entrance into
rooms with ceramic tile
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Sweep and mop your ceramic floor often
These tips
and other recommendations by your ceramic tile flooring
manufacturer will keep that shine on your new ceramic
tile for a long time. |