Tile Care & Maintenance FAQs
The reason we choose tile is because it is resilient, practical and simply beautiful – with the right care & maintenance this never needs to change.
PORCELAIN & CERAMIC TILE
Porcelain tiles are composed of fine porcelain clay and fired at much higher temperatures than ceramic tiles. This process makes porcelain tile more dense, less porous, much harder and less prone to moisture and stain absorption than ceramic tiles…
NATURAL STONE
There is no other material on Earth like it. Formed from millions of years of geologic forces, natural stone is quarried from different parts of the globe to make its way into our everyday lives in the form of counter tops, floor tiles and many other building materials.
GLASS TILE
Beauty accents using mosaic and glass tile can help to complete your home masterpiece. The colors are virtually endless and there are an array of finishes, from silk, to gloss, to matte and even iridescent.
With the right products and knowledge – your tile will look like-new forever!
Selecting the right tile for your home or office is often a daunting and expensive task – however if you look after the tile correctly, it should last you a lifetime – or until you decide to remodel again.
What are the Maintenance Considerations for Porcelain Tile?
When selecting porcelain tile, the maintenance considerations are much less as it is a man-made product and fired at an extremely high-temperature during manufacture. This results in a product that is less porous and hence does not stain easily. The same can be said for using a stain-resistant grout, like power grout.
What are the Maintenance Considerations for Natural Stone Tile?
When selecting natural stone, careful consideration needs to be given to the tile care & maintenance otherwise you will have to get the tile professionally cleaned every year or so; and over a period of time, some of the stains will become so ingrained that you will probably need to replace the tile.
By following some basic care instructions, you should be able to keep your natural stone looking as beautiful as the day you installed it. The tile care instructions differ slightly, depending on whether the tile is installed inside or outside.
Interior Tile Care
How Do You Seal Natural Stone Tile?
Neutral/Natural Look
Natural look sealers, such as Clear Guard or Select Seal, provide oil and water stain repellency, while leaving the stone and grout’s appearance unaltered. It is recommended to re-apply this type of sealer every 3-5 years. In areas sealed with a natural look sealer make sure to use coasters and area rugs when applicable, and to clean up spills immediately.
Enhanced Look
Enhancement sealers enrich the colors already in the natural stone while giving maximum protection against oil and water based stains, as well as UV protection against fading. Use Reveal & Seal to enhance the beauty of your natural stone, such as marble, granite, slate, limestone, travertine, quartzite, and sandstone.
Glossy Look
Glossy sealers such as Shine & Seal give the stone a shiny wet appearance while protecting the stone from the harshest types of stains. With UV protection, this type of sealer can be used both indoors and outdoors.
How Do You Clean Natural Stone Tile?
Natural Stone Tile Floors
While sealers can help protect your natural stone it is also important to clean and maintain them properly.
- Vacuum and sweep frequently, being careful of attachments that could possibly scratch the surface.
- Use a cleaner specific to stone such as Modern Clean. Do not overuse the cleaning product.
- Use a string mop and avoid the use of sponge mops or any type of mop that will push the dirt down into the grout lines, pores, or other characteristics of the stone.
- Rinse mopped areas thoroughly, make sure to change the water frequently.
Natural Stone Counter Tops
Ensure that your natural stone is sealed. Use caution with any type of acidic products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, orange juice, and coffee, on and around your counter tops. Clean tough dirt and greasy areas with Modern Clean. For everyday cleaning, use Fusion which will add to the life of your sealer. To really bring back the shine to your polished stone surface, use Radiance periodically.
Natural Stone Tile Showers
To minimize build up of soap scum and water deposits, use a squeegee after use. Clean areas with Fusion.
SHOP HERE, PICK-UP THERE
With 3 tile stores across the county, you can now ‘Shop here, and Pick-up there’ — we have the reach and convenience to suit all our local customers.
WE STRENGTHEN YOUR TEAM
We work closely with your contractor and/or designer to ensure your project stays on schedule & your design concept becomes a reality for you to enjoy for many years.
WE CAN HELP YOU
With the help of our highly experienced sales or in-house tile design staff, we can help you select the right tile, mosaic, natural stone, deco, accent or anything in between.