Care and Maintenance of Ceramic Tile

Ceramic Tile is one of the most durable and maintenance-friendly surfaces you can choose for your walls and floors. With proper care it will retain its original beauty and luster for many years. Generally, all that is necessary to keep your tile looking as good as new is a quick wipe with a damp cloth or mop. Heavier cleaning may be needed periodically to refresh your tile, or to clean tile that has been neglected for a long period of 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 that follow. 

Routine Cleaning 

Glazed tile walls in your home will easily keep their lovely look with simple care. Just wipe regularly with a damp cloth or sponge using a non-abrasive household cleaner. (Abrasive cleaners will cause scratching to shiny tile surfaces.) A routine cleaner such as AquaKleen™ 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 warm water. Porcelain tile can be most successfully cleaned by scrubbing with hot water and a mild detergent, then rinsed.  Tiled surfaces in your bathroom may require a more thorough routine cleaning because of a build-up of soap scum, body oils or hard-water stains. Use a clean, damp cloth or sponge with an all-purpose cleaner, but allow it to stand for about five minutes before rinsing and drying. Hardwater stains can be removed easily with Phosphoric Acid Substitute. Clean your shower regularly, dry with a towel after each use and leave the curtain or door open between showers. 

Deep Cleaning 

For high traffic areas or when tile has been neglected for a long time, intensive cleaning may be required. Glazed wall tile should be cleaned with a non-metallic pad, warm water and a scouring powder. Care should be exercised to not use cleaners that contain colored dyes or bleach, as they may alter the appearance of the grout color. In common areas, a heavy duty cleaner such as Heavy Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner will provide excellent results. Refer to the chart below for additional cleaning suggestions.

These products, as well as a complete Tile & Stone Care & Maintenance Guide, are available at your local Mosaic Tile Design Center.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ceramic Tile

• Do not combine ammonia and household bleaches
• Do not use harsh cleaning agents (such as steel wool pads) which can scratch or damage the surface of your tile
• Do test scouring powders in a small area before using on tile
• Do read and follow label directions for all cleaners
• Do keep these instructions and refer to them when necessary
• Do contact Century Tile for advice on any cleaning problems or if you have any questions

Regarding Grout and Caulk 

It is very important that close attention be paid to the condition of grout and caulk in wet areas. All tub/shower wall tile is caulked any place where two walls come together (90˚ angles) as well as where the wall tile meets the shower pan or bath tub. These areas are caulked rather than grouted to allow for the normal movement that will occur between the two surfaces. Failure to perform regular inspections and maintenance of grout or caulk in wet areas can result in water damage.

Century Tile, Inc. warrants the original purchaser that it will repair or replace any loose, cracked, or otherwise damaged grout or tile which occurs from faulty installation for a period of one year from the settlement.  Century Tile, Inc. excludes from the above warrant, damage caused by the following:

• Objects dropped on tile
• Misuse or neglect
• Vandalism
• Fire or Flood

The original purchaser must notify Century Tile, Inc. immediately of any defects found. It is crucial to report any cracked grout or tile immediately and stop using the surface or shower area until repairs are made. Century Tile, Inc. will not be responsible for further damage that can occur due to negligent reporting and continued use of a damaged area. By nature, a void in the grouting is not uncommon due to normal settlement. Like caulking, grout should be periodically monitored and addressed. This would be considered normal homeowner maintenance after the first year.

Regarding Grout Sealers

You may choose to seal the grout in your new home. Although the grout used in every home built by us is the highest quality latex modified and has a very low absorption rate, you may still feel the need to seal the grout. The grout will be fully cured at the time of settlement and ready for a sealer.  Many grout sealers are available in the market place today. Most sealers are not only very effective, but are user-friendly as well. These sealers are easily applied. As with any cleaner or sealer, read the entire label before using. Test a small area with a 24 hour cure time to determine the ease of application and desired results. Mosaic Tile Company (several area locations) carries a complete line of cleaners and sealers from the two leading manufacturers.

Century Tile, Inc. hopes you find these care and maintenance instructions useful in caring for the ceramic tile in your new home. Should you have any questions regarding the ceramic tile in your new home, please do not hesitate to contact us at (703) 941-3005.

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