Regular and frequent maintenance of glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles is essential to prevent the accumulation of dirt, grease, residue, soap scum, 
sealers, moisture, and liquids. This helps keep the surface clean and reduces slipperiness. 

Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles have low maintenance requirements. They can be effectively cleaned with clear water and/or a 
pH-neutral liquid cleaner (without soap).  Afterward, rinse with clear water and wipe dry to prevent the formation of a film. It’s important to promptly clean up spilled liquids on light-colored tiles, as they may stain if left unattended. Avoid sealing or using acid-based cleaners on any glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles. 

Fully Polished Colorbody™ porcelain undergoes a similar process, creating micro-porosity on the tile’s surface. Despite the change in appearance, the tile retains the characteristics of high-quality impervious tile.  The surface, however, may possibly require added protection to assure cleanability and ease of ongoing maintenance under a range of conditions including but not limited to:

• grout haze removal
• construction chemicals and dirt
• maintenance/solvent based cleaning materials
• exposure to rubber containing solvent based materials
• acid based materials

All of the above can result in hazing, spotting, etching or general staining of the polished tile surface.

It is advised to apply a sealer on fully polished, impervious porcelain, and polished glaze porcelain tile before grouting. Using acid or solvent-based chemicals for cleaning or maintenance on these tiles is strongly discouraged as it may lead to surface damage. With correct installation, proactive care, and effective maintenance, these tiles prove 
to be durable, valuable, and long-lasting options for floors and walls in both commercial and residential spaces.

If you find the need to remove a topical sealer or floor wax from ceramic tile, it’s recommended to use a Tile Sealer & Adhesive Remover. Always perform a small test in an inconspicuous area first. Apply a generous amount of undiluted sealer & adhesive remover to a manageable section. Allow it to sit without drying until the coating or residue softens. If necessary, reapply until the sealer softens enough to be removed. If needed, gently agitate with a white nylon scrub pad. Clean up the residue using a cotton towel or sponge. Finish by thoroughly rinsing with clean water. Please note: This product should not be used on natural stone surfaces.

Unglazed Porcelain tiles with a matte or textured surface may have micro-textures for slip resistance and visual appeal. It is advised to apply a grout release before grouting these tiles to improve the ease of removing different types of grout, including latex-modified and epoxy grout commonly used in the market.

Dust-mop or broom can be used for daily maintenance. When necessary, clean with a moist cloth or mop and a neutral PH cleaner – heavy use of detergent cleaners will leave a residue and, over time, lead to a cloudy film.

Never use floor polish or floor cleaning wax, oil soaps, etc. These products can damage and/or leave a film on the flooring.

• Always use felt tip protectors on all furniture legs/feet 
• Entryway/walk off mats are recommended
• Never use rubber protective mats 
• Area rugs are recommended 
• Keep pet nails trimmed 
• Exposed nails on sharp shoe-heels (e.g. high-heels) may damage floors
• Never slide furniture across a floor without pads
• Keep floors clean

Maintaining Natural Stone products requires a specialized routine due to their porous nature.  Unlike ceramic tile, traditional cleaners can harm 
or blemish the stone. It’s important to avoid acid or bleach-based cleaners, as they can cause etching and long-term damage. Regular vacuuming or dust 
mopping is recommended to prevent abrasive agents from scratching the stone’s surface. Neutral cleaners are suitable for cleaning Natural Stone.

Use specialized stone cleaners that are acidfree and have a neutral pH. These cleaners are concentrated and won’t harm existing sealers or wax coatings. Begin by dampening the stone surface with clear water to enhance the cleaning solution’s effectiveness. Apply the cleaner mixed with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions using a sponge or mop. For vertical surfaces like walls or countertops, a spray bottle can be used. Let it sit for the recommended time (usually 3 to 5 minutes), then agitate with a  sponge, synthetic mop, soft bristle brush, or a floor scrubbing machine. Clean up the soiled solution and buff the surface dry.

After cleaning the stone, you can enhance its beauty and shine by periodically applying a spray-buff wax-type floor finish. Use a spray 
applicator and immediately buff with a white nylon pad. Reapply as needed based on surface traffic and maintenance routine. Note that this product is for maintenance, not restoration.

For heavy-duty stone cleaning, especially in neglected areas, use a non-hazardous, non-polluting stone cleaner and degreaser. 

Opt for a cleaner with low VOC percentages. These concentrated products effectively deep clean the stone without causing damage. Apply the solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions, let it sit for the specified time, then agitate with a sponge, synthetic mop, soft bristle brush, or a floor scrubbing machine.

After cleaning, ensure to change the cleaning solution every 100 square feet to prevent recontamination. Thoroughly rinse with clean water after cleaning. You can apply a spray-buff wax-type floor finish to enhance the stone’s natural shine.

For stain removal, use a stone poultice, a fine, nonacidic clay cleaning powder. It effectively eliminates deep-set oil stains, grease, and light cementitious grout haze from both polished and unpolished Natural Stone.

However, be cautious as poultice may dull the shine of polished stone. If this occurs, you’ll need to use a marble polish to restore the natural shine.

To restore a dull, scratched, or etched marble finish, utilize a marble polish. Kits with everything needed are available. Floor buffing machines can 
enhance the process. Typically, it involves a re-crystallization process to eliminate fine scratches and regain the stone’s original shine and polish. This is distinct from applying a topical sealer or wax to conceal damage or wear.

For newly installed marble and other Natural Stone, it’s highly advised to apply a sealant for optimal below-surface stain protection. After installation and grouting, cover the new installation with brown paper to shield it from debris during ongoing construction. Keep the protective brown paper in place until construction is finished and the area is ready for its intended use after 
construction.

A non-sanded grout is recommended to be used with Natural Stone. 

In Natural Stone installations with narrow grout joints, the fine particles in the grout, consisting of cement, polymers, and color pigments, can seep into the microscopic pores of the stone and create stains. To prevent this, it’s recommended to seal materials like travertine, slate, tumbled stone, and 
honed/flamed/unpolished granite before grouting.  A high-quality sealer should also be used as a grout sealer, and then applied once more as the final sealing step after the installation is complete.

To restore a dull, scratched, or etched marble finish, utilize a marble polish. Kits with everything needed are available. Floor buffing machines can 
enhance the process. Typically, it involves a re-crystallization process to eliminate fine scratches and regain the stone’s original shine and polish. This is distinct from applying a topical sealer or wax to conceal damage or wear.

Penetrating/impregnating sealers provide a natural look without a sheen and can be water-based or solvent-based, suitable for both interior and exterior use. They typically offer protection for several years. Stone enhancer sealers also offer a no-sheen finish, enhancing the natural color and beauty of stone products. They are suitable for both interior and exterior use, with protection 
lasting several years. It’s advised to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific details on the sealer’s duration of protection.

For polished natural stone floors, a stone floor finish can be applied to enhance the shine and provide a protective coating, especially for softer 
marbles. Ensure the finish is a wax-type designed for sealed and polished natural stone. Always test a small area first, as a topical finish may alter 
the stone’s appearance and performance. Avoid applying a topical sealer or wax to non-polished stone, as it may lead to maintenance issues or reduced slip resistance.

Premium Grouts prepels dirt and resists stains. Using a PH neutral cleaner is recommended for cleaning Premium Grouts. For grease and soap scum, use an alkaline cleaner. 

Penetrating/impregnating sealers are essential for cementitious grouts used in most tile installations to prevent color staining. It is important to use a sealer without silicone, as silicone can shorten the sealer’s lifespan. Applying a high-quality penetrating/ impregnating sealer to cementitious grout joints will not alter the grout’s natural color, but will protect against moisture, simplify maintenance, and prevent staining. It is crucial to note that only the grout, not glazed tiles, needs to be sealed. The sealing process can be done 72 hours after installation. The longevity and price of sealers vary based on their quality, potentially requiring reapplication on an annual basis.

Epoxy Grouts do not require sealing due to their chemical curing and acid resistance. While epoxy grout is highly resistant to moisture and stains, it is not impervious. Regular maintenance and care will help preserve its appearance and structural intergrity over time. 

Premium grouts, standard sanded or unsanded grouts, even epoxy grouts need regular cleaning to prevent surface buildup or discoloration. Daily cleaning can be done with a concentrated household or commercial cleaner. For tougher grout cleaning tasks, a professional strength Tile & Grout Cleaner is recommended. This should effectively remove various substances like 
grease, soap scum, body oil, mildew stains, algae, and waxes, but it should also have eco-friendly and low VOC components.

Grout Color Restoration involves using a “grout stain” when the grout is deeply stained and cannot be cleaned to its original color. These stains are epoxy-based and are formulated to permeate the grout, providing a lasting color. Once stained, further sealing with a penetrating/impregnating sealer is unnecessary. Prior to staining, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean the grout joint with a professional-grade Tile & Grout Cleaner to remove any dirt, oils, grease, or existing sealers.

Grout haze is a film that has been left behind on the surface of the tile as part of the final grouting process. Usually this is buffed off the surface after the 
grout has achieved its initial 12 to 24 hour cure.

Removing grout haze can be challenging, especially when using conventional methods like buffing with a clean rag or floor machine. For cementitious grout haze, Sulfamic Acid is effective in breaking down and removing cement smears. Many grout haze removers available on the market contain Sulfamic Acid. It can also be purchased in powder form and mixed with water by 
professionals at varying strengths. Additionally, 100% Solids Epoxy Grout haze can be tackled with an Epoxy Haze Removers specially designed to safely and swiftly remove cured epoxy haze from new tile installations 
without harming the grout or tile. It usually achieves this in a single application. It’s important to note that Sulfamic Acid or grout removers should never be used on Natural Stone products.