Care & Maintenance: Ceramic Flooring

Proper maintenance is the key to a trouble-free ceramic tile floor.

Damp mop weekly
You should damp mop your flooring at least one time per week (more often for heavy traffic areas) with a product specially designed for your floors, usually obtained from the company you purchased your flooring from. If not available, use a mixture of º cup of white vinegar to 2 gallons of clean tap water can be used. Never use a detergent or soap, because it can dull the surface or promote the growth of mildew.

Caution: You should allow your new ceramic tile and grout to dry for at least 72 hours after installation before damp mopping.

Use protective mats
Good quality entry and exit mats will help protect your ceramic tile from premature wear. They trap the dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that would otherwise be tracked onto your floor. Mats are also suggested at heavy pivot locations, such as in front of your kitchen sink or stove.

Add protective pads to furniture
Protect your tile by affixing felt or similar pads to the legs of any metal, iron, wood, or plastic furniture that will be placed on it. Exterior metal furniture which rests on tile floors or patios may rust and cause staining.

Use recommended sealers and cleaners only
Cleaners other than those designed especially for your floor or the vinegar solution described above are not recommended. They may cause unwarranted damage to your tile and/or grout.

Check cure time before adding grout sealer
Unless noted otherwise on its packaging, grout should cure for at least 28 days before applying a sealer.

Use a penetrating sealer on quarry tiles
Only certain types of tiles need a penetrating sealer. These sealers are absorbed into the tile, forming a stain resistant shield just below the surface. Most sealers will darken or change the appearance of the tile, and resealing is usually required every 12 to 18 months.

How do you clean ceramic tile?
Answer: Wipe the tile with a damp sponge mop using 1/4 cup of white vinegar to 2 gallons of clean tap water.
CAUTION: Never use a detergent cleaner or soap.

Why are soaps not recommended?
Answer: They leave a film that dulls the surface and promotes mildew growth.

Why are steel wool-type pads not recommended?
Answer: Because any loose particles of steel left on the grout will cause rust stains.

Why isn't an acid cleaner recommended?
Answer: It could affect the color of the grout.

Can vinegar and water be used?
Answer: Yes. White vinegar only, 1/4 cup to 2 gallons of water.