Ceramic Care and Cleaning

Proper care, cleaning and maintenance will help ensure your ceramic tile always looks its best, whether it's on the floor, wall, or countertop. Simply follow our maintenance and prevention steps outlined below.

Immediately after ceramic tile installation

• Remove loose dirt by sweeping or vacuuming.
• Following directions, use Aqua Mix heavy duty tile & grout cleaner* or prepare a cleaning solution using a neutral pH cleaner designed specifically for cleaning ceramic tile.
• Thoroughly clean the ceramic tile including the grout joints.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water and allow to dry. A second rinsing with clean water may be necessary to completely remove all the cleaning solution.
• The grout on your ceramic tile needs time to thoroughly dry after installation. Therefore, we recommend that you do not scrub or wash you ceramic tile for five days.
Routine ceramic tile care and maintenance
• Remove soil with a broom, non-oily dust mop or vacuum
• Damp mop or spot clean as necessary, using Aqua Mix heavy duty tile & grout cleaner * or a pH neutral tile cleaner.
• Thoroughly rinse all areas with clean, warm water.
• Ceramic tile floors, like other types of smooth floors, can become slippery when wet. Allow time for floor to dry after washing. Immediately wipe up wet areas from spills, foreign substances or wet feet.
• We recommend protecting your floor against abrasive dirt at entrances to buildings with dirt catching floor mats.

* Warning! Eye and skin irritant.

1.) With colored grout, test a small inconspicuous area first or follow grout manufacturer's instructions.

*A note on Semi-Polished Porcelain: Porcelain tile is virtually impervious to stains and wear. However, the polishing process opens microscopic pores in the surface of the tile. Therefore, it is recommended that a penetrating sealer (such as Aqua Mix "Penetrating Sealer", "Sealer's Choice" etc.) be used 2 hours prior to grouting. Penetrating Sealers need only be applied once, following the manufacturer's instructions. Remember, prompt clean-up of spills and regular cleaning will keep your ceramic tile surfaces looking their best.

DO's and DON'Ts of Ceramic Tile Care

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 pads in a small area first.
Do use a silicone sealer on grout joints if continuous staining is a problem.
Do read and follow label directions for all cleaners.
Do keep this brochure and refer to it when necessary.

Care and maintenance of Tile Grout

Grout may present a special cleaning problem because it is susceptible to many staining agents. Apply one coat of Aqua mix Sealers Choice to grout joints several times a year for maximum protection.

In addition to keeping the grout clean, be sure to keep grout joints in good repair. Scrape out loose, cracked or powdery joints and refill with a good grout.

Common grouting trouble spots are the joints between the tub and and the wall in your bathroom, outside thresholds and the perimeter walls of new homes. As the house or tub settles, the grout may crack and crumble. It's relatively simple to remedy. Remove the old grout with a sharp pointed tool, watching out that you don't scratch tile or tub. Then dry the joint thoroughly and fill with a flexible caulking compound, such as silicone rubber caulking.

A Word about Cleaners

There are many excellent household cleaners on the market today. They should all do a good job for you, so use your favorite. Remember, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommended usage. They will perform as promised, if you use them as directed.

Commercial cleaners such as Aqua Mix heavy duty tile & grout cleaner are suitable for heavy duty cleaning in commercial applications. 


Stain Removal Guide

Stain Removal Agent

Grease and fats Soda and water or commercial spot lifter

Inks and colored dyes Household bleach

Blood Hydrogen Peroxide or household bleach

Coffee, tea, food, fruit, lipstick, juices Neutral cleaner in hot water followed by hydrogen peroxide or household bleach

*Caution: Vinegar may damage some tile glazes. Be sure to test this solution first in a small area to see if it etches the tile or erodes the grout.