C E R A M I C T I L E

C A R E

I N S T R U C T I O N S

Barana ceramic floor tile product experts provide step-by-step instructions for the best way to care for and maintain ceramic tile flooring.

ALL WALL TILES

ALL WOOD TILES

R O U T I N E C A R E A N D C L E A N I N G

Glazed tile products should be cleaned routinely with an all-purpose, low VOC, household or commercial cleaner. The product chosen should also be grout joint cleaning compatible. The type of product may vary depending on the ceramic tile floor application and use. A multipurpose spray cleaner, which removes soap scum, hard water deposits and mildew designed for everyday use can be used on wall tile areas in residential baths and showers. A cotton mop, cloth, sponge, or non-metallic brush should be used to apply and agitate cleaner. Rinse the area with clean water and dry thoroughly. Routine cleaners should never contain harsh chemicals as these can damage ceramic floor tile. Acids can damage grout and the glazed surface of the ceramic tile flooring. Ammonia can discolor grout.

Regular dust mopping, sweeping, or vacuuming is recommended prior to cleaning with liquid products.

Unglazed tile should be cleaned routinely with concentrated tile cleaners with a neutral pH for safe regular use. These cleaners are better suited for removing grease, oils, and normal spills from unglazed products. Again these products will vary depending on the application, amount of traffic and the use. The product chosen should also be compatible with the grout.

REMOVAL OF SEALERS, WAXES, FLOOR FINISHES

Glazed ceramic tile floor should not be sealed. It is recommended that grout be sealed.

If you need to remove a topical sealer or floor wax from a ceramic tile you should use a tile sealer and adhesive remover. Always test a small area first. Apply a liberal amount of undiluted sealer & adhesive remover to a manageable area. Allow it to set without drying until coating or residue softens. Reapply if necessary until sealer softens and can be removed. If necessary, agitate with white nylon scrub pad. Wipe up the residue with a cotton towel or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Do not use ceramic sealer removers on natural stone products.

G R O U T C A R E

Grout is the material used to fill the spaces between the individual ceramic tile floor. Grout comes in many colors. While color is important to the final finished look of the ceramic floor tile installation, it has little effect on the functionality of the grout. The purpose of grout is, simply, to fill the joint between the ceramic tile flooring and becomes a permanent, integral component of the finished installation. Grout darkens over time so we recommend that it be sealed regularly to preserve and protect it. Grout can be stained to normalize the color of older grout.

G R O U T I N S T A L L A T I O N

Immediately after ceramic floor tile has been installed and grouted, the new installation should be covered with brown paper to protect it from debris during the remaining construction process. The grout joints should be dampened daily with water using a clean sponge or mop during the first seven days. This procedure facilitates the grout cure and color lock. The paper will allow for two important things: (1) to protect the newly installed ceramic tile flooring grout and (2) to allow moisture to escape from the grout as it cures, further protecting the look and utility of the floor. This is an important step in achieving color consistency. Never use plastic or non-absorbent materials to protect freshly installed tile. These types of non-absorbent products will trap moisture, causing the grout to discolor during the curing period. The protective brown paper should remain until construction is complete and the floor is opened for intended (post-construction) use.

Following a curing period of at least 24 hours, grout haze can be removed with plain water or a grout haze remover, which usually contains Sulfamic acid. Sulfamic acid can also be purchased in powder form and mixed with water to different strengths by qualified professionals. Similarly, epoxy grout haze can be removed with an epoxy haze remover. These removers are formulated to safely and quickly remove cured epoxy haze from new tile installations. Their unique formulation will soften most epoxy hazes for easy removal without damaging the grout or ceramic tile floor, usually in one application. Sulfamic acid or grout removers should never be used on natural stone products.

P E N E T R A T I N G / I M P R E G N A T I N G S E A L E R

Most ceramic floor tile installations use cementitious grouts. This type of grout should be sealed after installation to prevent it from staining. The grout should be sealed with a penetrating/impregnating sealer (often called grout sealers), which does not contain silicone, as silicone can shorten the useful life of the sealer. Epoxy grouts, conversely, are chemically cured and acid resistant, and as a result, do not require a sealer. The application of a good quality penetrating/impregnating sealer into the grout joints of a cementitious grout will not change the natural color of the grout, but will prevent the penetration of moisture, simplify maintenance, and help prevent staining or discoloration. Only the grout needs to be sealed, it is not required for glazed ceramic tile flooring to be sealed. Grout can be sealed 72 hours after installation.

There are different grades of penetrating/impregnating sealers. Be sure you are aware of the life-span of your sealer. You may need to reapply the sealer on an annual basis depending on the sealer quality, traffic patterns, and maintenance routine. Some sealers have multiple year warranties. Refer to the manufacturer warranty, technical & product information for specific details on product installation, useful life, and product applications (including any warnings) before use.

G R O U T M A I N T E N A N C E

Neither sealing the grout nor using an epoxy grout will guarantee against surface buildup or discoloration of the grout. Grout needs to be cleaned on a periodic basis to remove any surface buildup. Routine grout cleaning can be done with a daily concentrated household or commercial cleaner depending on the application. When heavy-duty grout cleaning is required, you will need to use a professional strength ceramic floor tile and grout cleaner that is capable of removing grease, soap scum, body oil, mildew stains, algae, and synthetic or acrylic waxes from the grout joints. However, such a product should contain non-polluting chemicals and low VOC levels. This type of product can be purchased from most home centers, or through your local professional ceramic tile flooring covering dealer.

G R O U T C O L O R R E S T O R A T I O N

When grout has been stained to the point that it cannot be maintained or returned to its natural color, you can return the grout back to its original color or any other color through the use of a grout stain. Grout stains are epoxy-based products that are specifically designed to penetrate into the grout and seal the surface with a permanent color. Once the grout has been stained there is no need to seal it any further with a penetrating/impregnating sealer. Prior to staining, the grout joint should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any dirt, oils, grease, or sealers with a professional strength ceramic tile floor and grout cleaner.

D I S C L A I M E R

CARE AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE
Barana ceramic floor tile does not manufacture installation products or countertop cleaning/maintenance products. Barana ceramic tile flooring provides the information on this page to its customers as an information source only. Please contact an installation product manufacturer directly, prior to usage, to obtain proper handling instructions, application instruction and warnings concerning potential health hazards for any product contemplated for use.

To ensure your products will provide you with a lifetime of beauty and utility, proper maintenance is crucial. Natural stone products are porous by nature and require a different maintenance program than traditional ceramic tile. Barana ceramic tile floor also strongly recommends testing a small area PRIOR to usage of any installation/cleaning/maintenance product to determine whether the product serves its intended purpose.

SAFETY PRECAUTION TO CUSTOMERS
The products described in this document may have chemicals that cause reactions in certain individuals. Barana ceramic floor tile strongly recommends the use of safety glasses, respirators (masks) and gloves in handling any materials that contain chemicals. Barana ceramic tile flooring recommends the proper disposal of any scrap ceramic tile floor/stone, installation and/or maintenance products discussed herein.