Care and Cleaning

Ceramic & Porcelain Tile Care 

For newly installed ceramic, porcelain tile, and grout, Mees Distributors, Inc. in conjunction with Van Hearron, Inc., recommends the following care and maintenance program.

Sealing Ceramic and Porcelain Tile & Grout

Ceramic and porcelain tile is a kiln-fired product. Available in glazed or unglazed and baked under high heat making it very hard and often highly resistant or impervious to liquid stains. Ceramic and porcelain tile is available in a multitude of colors, textures and shapes and is often designed to mirror natural stone surfaces and generally is easier to take care of than most natural stone surfaces.

The surface of most ceramic and porcelain tile does not need to be sealed, although some require a light application of a penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile. However, the grout joint between the tiles is usually very porous and generally made of a cement-based material.

Therefore, grout joints typically will need to be sealed and maintained properly to prevent stains and discoloration. There are a wide variety of sealers available, so you need to select one for your specific needs. Impregnating sealers go into the grout joint and protect against water- and oil-based stains.

Cleaning Ceramic and Porcelain Tile & Grout

Keeping your ceramic, porcelain tile, & grout free of dust and dry, sandy soil will minimize scratches, wear patterns, and grout soiling that can develop from everyday use and traffic. Sweep, dust, or vacuum surfaces regularly to remove loose soil and dust.

Clean your tile & grout using warm water and a clean nonabrasive cloth sponge or mop. Use a neutral cleaner that is specially formulated for ceramic, porcelain tile, & grout to help remove soils that sweeping, dusting, vacuuming, or damp mopping leave behind.

Do not use ordinary household cleaners, as you may degrade the sealer that was applied to the grout to protect against stains. This includes not using acidic or alkaline cleaners, bleach, abrasives, or ammoniated cleaners.

Countertops and Vanities

Use a pH-balanced cleaner to keep surfaces clean from everyday soils and stains. Cleaning products with protector are also available, which not only clean but also reinforce sealer on grout.

Floor Surfaces

Vacuum or dust frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt, and grit may scratch your tile or build-up on your grout joint leading to discoloration. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help minimize the potential damage from these particles.

Damp mop your tile floor with a diluted solution of neutral cleaner. Try to stay off the floor until it is completely dry, as wet tile floors may be slippery.

Bath and Other Wet Areas

For daily maintenance cleaning, use a neutral, pH-balanced cleaner to clean everyday soils and stains. In the bath or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can help minimize this build-up.

Restoring Ceramic and Porcelain Tile & Grout

For cleaning and restoring old ceramic, porcelain tile, & grout to like new condition, we recommend using an acidic cleaner designed for this surface. This will remove tough soap scum, hard water deposits, grout haze, and efflorescence. If you have heavy grease and oil stains, pre-clean using an alkaline cleaner formulated for ceramic and porcelain tile. This will cut through tough grease and soil stains.

After restoring your tile and grout, remember to seal with an impregnating sealer to guard against future stains

Natural Stone Care & Maintenance

New Installations:
For newly installed natural stone, Mees Distributors, Inc. in conjunction with Van Hearron, Inc., recommends the following care and maintenance program.

Pre-Grouting Sealing:
Pre-grouting sealing will help protect all natural stone from grout pigment staining during the installation and grouting process. Grouting with a contrasting color is not normally recommended due to the possible staining or picture-framing of the stone. If grout color must contrast with stone color, pre-grouting sealing will help protect the surface from grout pigment staining.

Sealing: A breathable, impregnating sealer will help protect natural stone from sub-surface staining. For a color enhanced look, we recommend a stone enhancer.

Ongoing Maintenance: Dust mop floors frequently to remove sand or grit that can cause abrasion to the finished stone surface. Cleaners containing acid, bleach, or those that are highly alkaline should never be used for routing maintenance. Acids, even a light solution of vinegar and water, will etch and eventually damage most natural stone and degrade the sealer. Acids will also cause cementitious grout to deteriorate and strip the pigmentation from colored grout.

Stone Care Do’s and Don’ts

A quick list of basic stone care do’s and don’ts.

• DO use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
• DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes or cookware.
• DO use place mats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that may scratch your stone’s surface.
• DO place a small rug or mat at entryways to trap dirt and sand from normal foot traffic.
• DO dust countertops, islands, vanities and floors frequently.
• DO blot up spills immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone.
• DO clean surfaces regularly with neutral cleaners designed for stone.

• DON’T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, other general purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners or tub and tile cleaners.
• DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
• DON’T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for stone.