Routine Care for Your Tile

Heavy-duty Cleaning

Do's and Don'ts of Ceramic Tile Care

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Routine Care for Your Tile

Glazed-tile walls in your home will easily keep their lovely look with simple routine care. Just wipe regularly with a damp cloth or sponge, using a nonabrasive household cleaner. A window cleaner (such as Windex or Glass-Plus) is ideal for cleaning glossy tile surfaces.

For glazed-tile floors, vacuum regularly to remove dirt and gritty particles. Follow with a mop or sponge dampened with an approved household cleaner.

Tiled surfaces in your bathroom (tub, shower, vanity tops, etc.) may require more thorough routine cleaning because of buildup of soap scum, body oils, or hard-water stains. Use the usual "clean, damp cloth or sponge" with an all-purpose cleaner, but allow it to stand for about five minutes before rinsing and drying. (You may also use a solution of equal parts of water and white vinegar or a commercial cleaner available from your Traditions in Tile distributor.)

Here's a hint on how to keep shower walls mildew-free: clean regularly with tile cleaner or fungicide such as Lysol or ammonia. Dry with a towel after each use and leave curtain or door open between showers.



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Heavy-duty Cleaning
For high traffic areas or when tile has been neglected for a long time, heavy-duty cleaning may be required. Glazed walls and countertops should be cleaned with a scouring powder, commercial tile cleaner or all-purpose cleaner applied with nonmetallic or very fine stainless steel pad. Rinse and wipe dry.

To clean badly soiled countertops, cover with a solution of scouring powder and very hot water. Let stand for about five minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse thoroughly. If stain remains, apply bleach and let stand. Rinse well with clean water and dry after all cleaning.

For glazed floors, use a commercial tile cleaner, or apply a strong solution of all-purpose cleaner of scouring powder paste. Let stand five minutes, brush and scrub. Then rinse with clean water and wipe dry.

Use chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide for stained shower surfaces. If badly stained, it's best to try a scouring powder containing a bleaching agent, such as Ajax or Comet. Let stand for four to six hours before scrubbing and rinsing thoroughly.

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

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Do's and Don'ts of Ceramic Tile Care
Do not combine ammonia and household bleaches.

Do not use harsh cleaning agents (such as steel wool pads) which can scratch or damage the surface of your tile.

Do test scouring pads in a small area first.

Do use a silicone sealer on grout joints if continuous staining is a problem.

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