MaintenanceProper maintenance is the key to a trouble-free tile & stone floor. Damp mop weeklyWipe down your ceramic floor with a damp mop at least once a week (or more often for heavy traffic areas) with R2X Hard Surfaces Flooring Cleaner from Shaw's line of Floor Covering Care Products. If R2X Hard Surfaces Flooring Cleaner is not available, make certain that any cleanser you have chosen is compatible with grout cleaning, (neutral pH), and will not stain the grout. Never use a detergent or soap, because it can dull the surface or promote the growth of mildew. Routine cleaners should never contain acids, vinegar, chlorines or ammonia, as these chemicals can damage and discolor the grout or the surface of the stone or tile.
Caution: Wait at least 72 hours after installation (to allow new ceramic tile and grout to dry) before damp mopping. Use protective matsGood 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 furnitureProtect 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. Check cure time before adding grout sealerUnless noted otherwise on its packaging, grout should cure for at least 28 days before applying a sealer. Use a penetrating sealer on quarry tilesShaw's quarry tiles are the only Shaw tiles that 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. None of Shaw's other tiles will need a sealer, as they are not porous enough to absorb it.
To see more specific information on ceramic cleaning, click here.
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