A hand cleaning tiled stairs with a yellow sponge.

Tile Care

Tile Care & Maintenance according to American Olean

American Olean Maintenance
With thousands of design possibilities, ceramic tile boasts a variety of looks that endure. And with little more than dusting and damp mopping, it will maintain its original quality for years to come.

Routine Ceramic Tile Care
Wipe glazed wall tiles periodically using a cloth or sponge dampened with a non oil-based household cleaner. Vacuum glazed floor tiles regularly to remove dirt and other gritty particles, then damp mop or sponge with an all-purpose, non oil-based cleaner. Remember not to use ammonia, as it will discolor grout. Clean unglazed wall and floor tiles in a similar manner using a solution of water and soapless detergent instead of an all-purpose cleaner.

Grout Care
Once the tile has been cleaned and dried (shortly after installation), grout joints should be treated with a silicone sealer. Grout, the material used to fill the spaces between tiles, is porous, and sealing it at this time will simplify maintenance in the future (Epoxy grouts do not require a sealer). We recommend you apply a sealer at least twice a year for maximum stain protection.

Heavy Duty Cleaning
Neglected or heavily trafficked tile may require more intensive cleaning. Clean glazed wall tiles with a scouring powder or all-purpose cleaner applied to a non-metallic pad. Rinse and wipe dry. For glazed floor tiles, use a commercial tile cleaner, or apply a strong solution of an all-purpose, non oil-based cleaner or scouring powder paste. Let stand for five minutes, brush and scrub. Then rinse with clean water and wipe dry.

For heavy-duty cleaning of unglazed wall tiles, make a paste of scouring powder. Apply to surface and let stand for five minutes. Scour with brush, rinse and wipe dry. Unglazed floor tiles can be cleaned in the same manner. Though a small brush is suitable for most floors, you may want to use a scrubbing machine for large areas.

To clean badly soiled countertops, apply a solution of scouring powder and very hot water. Let stand for five minutes, scrub with a stiff brush and rinse. Soap scum, mildew stains and hard-water deposits may be removed from ceramic tile using cleaning products that are commonly available at your local supermarket or home improvement store. With soft water, use an all-purpose, non oil-based cleaner. Allow to stand for five minutes before lightly scrubbing with a sponge. Rinse well.

Purchasing Maintenance Products
Ceramic tile and Natural Stone cleaning products and sealants may be purchased at your local home center or floor covering store. Consult the manufacturer of the cleaner, sealant or wax for usage instructions and more detailed information about how its specific cleaning solution or sealant may impact the safety, maintenance or appearance of your ceramic tile product.

Do's & Don'ts
DO...

  • Test scouring powders on a small area first (not recommended for natural stone).

  • Use a sealer on grout joints.

  • Have any damaged or broken tiles removed and replaced only by a qualified contractor.


DO NOT...

  • Use cleansers containing acid or bleach for routine maintenance.

  • Use wax cleaners, oil-based detergents or sealants to maintain your tile (sealants may be used on grout joints and natural stone).

  • Use ammonia (it will discolor grout).

  • Use harsh cleaning aids like steel wool pads or scouring pads containing metal.

  • Use a cleaning agent that contains color on unglazed tile.

Please contact F-M Flooring at (701)235-8096, when the floor shows signs of wear.

            ** The information in this publication represents generally accepted guidelines.  However, follow your flooring manufacturer's instructions.  Kensoks and F-M Flooring accepts no risk or liability for application of the information contained in this publication.