Care and Maintenance of Ceramic Tiles

Identify Type of Usage of Tile

There are two basic types of ceramic tile-glazed and unglazed. The other surface that requires care is the tile grout, the material that is used when installing the tile. Each of these requires certain routine cleaning and may need heavy-duty cleaning, depending upon its use and the degree of traffic it gets.

Glazed tile is most often used on traditional walls, counter tops and floors. It has a tough, glasslike surface produced by kiln firing at extremely high temperatures. Glazed tile can have a glossy, matte or texture finished.

Unglazed tile is composed of natural clays, which are sometimes mixed with pigments. It can be used on floors, walls, counter tops, windowsills, fireplaces, swimming pools, etc. It may require more careful attention than glazed tile.

Tile grout is the material used to fill the spaces between tiles. It gives the installation its finished look. There are several types of grout, but all can be maintained by following the instruction listed.

Routine Care for Your Tile

Glazed-tile walls in your home will easily keep their lovely look with simple routine care. Using a nonabrasive household cleaner wipe regularly with a damp cloth or sponge. 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.

Clean unglazed-tile walls and floors in a similar manner. However, dampen mop or sponge with a solution of water and soap less detergent (see A word about cleaners).

Tiled surfaces in your bathroom (tub, shower, vanity tops, etc.) may require a more thorough routine cleaning because of a buildup of soap scum, body oil 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 form your local Tile distributor.)

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

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 counter tops should be cleaned with a scouring powder, commercial tile cleaner or all-purpose cleaner applied with a nonmetallic or very fine stainless steel pad. Rinse and wipe dry.

To clean badly soiled counter tops, cover with a solution of souring powder and very hot water. Let stand for about five minutes, and 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-tile floors, use a commercial tile cleaner, or apply a strong solution of all-purpose cleaner or scouring powder paste. Let stand for 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.

For heavy-duty cleaning of unglazed-tile walls, make a paste of scouring powder. Apply to surface and let stand for five minutes. Scour with brush, rinse and wipe dry.

Unglazed-tile floors can also be cleaned with a scouring powder paste. Let stand for five minutes, scour with a brush, rinse and wipe dry. A small brush is suitable for most floors, but you may want to choose a scrubbing machine for large areas.

You will find that many unglazed-tile floors will develop a patina as they age, giving them a soft shine which keeps the m looking better longer and reduces maintenance.

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

A Word About Cleaners

There are many excellent household cleaners on the market today. They should all do a good job for you, so use your favorite. Remember, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommended usage. They will perform as promised, if you use them as directed.

Here is some general information about the cleaners that are mentioned in this article.

All-purpose cleaners include such products as Soft Scrub, Scrub Free, Mr. Clean, Top Job, Fantastik, Ajax Liquid, Liquid Comet and Lestoil. You can find them at your supermarket.

Soap less detergents are also commonly found on supermarket shelves. They include such cleaners as Spic & Span.

Scouring powders, which are readily available, include Comet, Bon Ami and Ajax. Nylon scouring pad may be used (such as Scotch Brite), but steel wool pads are not recommended.

For bathrooms, several specialty cleaners may be used, such as Crew Bathroom Cleaner and Dow Bathroom Cleaner. They are very effective for routine maintenance.

Repairing Damaged or Loose Tiles

A damaged or broken tile should be removed and replaced by a good tile mechanic only. If the tile is simply loose, you should be able to repair it yourself. Just clean the back and sides of the tile of all grout and bonding material. Apply fresh mastic and set the tile into place. Let dry for 24 hours, then grout. If you have more than a few loose tiles, it's best to consult a professional tile mechanic to handle the job.

Tile Grout

Grout may be present a special cleaning problem because it is susceptible to many staining agents. It should be cleaned immediately if subjected to these substances. This table below lists some typical causes of stains as well as the recommended method of removal for each.

Stain Removal Guide

After the counter has been cleaned and dried, grout joints should be treated with a silicone sealer to help keep them clean. (Apply the sealer several times a year for maximum protection.)

In addition to keeping the grout clean, be sure to keep grout joints in good repair. Scrape out loose, cracked or powdery joints and refill with a good grout.

One common grouting trouble spot is the joint between the tub and tile wall in your bathroom. As the house or tub settles, the grout may crack and crumble. It's relatively simple to remedy. Remove the old grout with a sharp pointed tool, watching out that you don't scratch the tile or tub. Then dry the joint thoroughly and fill with a flexible caulking compound, such as silicone rubber caulking. (This is available in an easy-to-use tube at your local tile distributor or local hardware store.)

Do's and Don't of Ceramic Tile Care

Do not combine ammonia and household beaches.

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

Do not use a cleaning agent that contains color on unglazed tile. It has a relatively porous body and may absorb the color.

Do test scouring powders in a small area before using on tile.

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

Do read and follow label directions for all cleaners.

Do see your nearest Tile distributor for advise on special cleaning problem or if you have any question

Ceramic tile is one of the most durable and easiest to maintain surfaces you can choose for your wall, floors, counter tops, etc. With proper care and minimum maintenance, it will retain its original beauty and luster for many years.

Generally, all that's necessary to keep your tile looking as good as new is a quick wipe with a damp cloth or mop. Heavier cleaning may be called for periodically to refresh your tile, or to clean tile that's been neglected for a long time. No special or unusual treatment is ever required. And it never needs to be waxed or polished. To protect the long life of your tile, just follow the simple suggestions in this article. You'll see- it's as easy as 1, 2, 3.