Welcome back to Heritage Ceramics Guides! Previously, we explored the various factors that impact the lifespan of porcelain tiles.
Today, we are excited to take a closer look at the essential practices for maintaining and caring for your porcelain tiles, ensuring they retain their quality and appearance for years to come.
Proper tile maintenance is just as important as choosing high-quality tiles. Let’s dive into this comprehensive guide to learn more about keeping your porcelain tiles in pristine condition.
During-Installation Care
The primary and crucial phase occurs during the tile installation process. When grouting, it is important to remove any leftover grout residue as soon as possible, before it dries fully. If not, cleaning the floor may become more difficult.
We recommend grouting in small sections, around 5 square meters at a time. Dampen a sponge with clean water and gently remove excess grout from the surface. Keep in mind that the grout is still wet at this stage, so clean with light, repeated, diagonal movements to avoid removing grout from the joints.
Post-Installation Care
Post-Installation Care holds significant importance in long term maintenance, yet it is occasionally underestimated or not carried out for various reasons.
For instance, neglecting or delaying the removal of grout residues may give rise to persistent halos that prove challenging to eliminate. The buildup of halos and stains may contribute to the creation of a concrete film capable of readily absorbing various types of dirt.
Therefore, without proper post-installation care, it will lead to potential surface issues overtime.
3 Easy Post-Installation Steps
1. Initial Wash
Start by washing a small sample area spanning a few square meters. If the outcome is good, proceed to clean the entire surface.
We recommend using diluted buffered acids in water, a proven and effective method to remove any process residues.
2. Diluted Acid Washing and Rinsing
If step 1 shows positive results, proceed to apply the solution to the entire surface. Let it work for a specified time, and then promptly rinse it off thoroughly. Repeat washing and rinsing until all residues are completely gone.
*Please note that the specific procedure may vary based on the cleaning product’s recommendations, so always check the instructions on the packaging for accurate guidance.
3. Basic Or Alkaline Washing
Lastly, it is crucial to perform a basic or alkaline cleaning using degreasing detergents. This step is vital because acid wash may leave a greasy residue on the floor, contributing to the accumulation of dirt.
Daily Tile Care
In your everyday upkeep of porcelain tiles, we suggest using a pH-neutral cleaner. These cleaners are gentle on diverse surfaces, including polished surfaces, effectively removing dirt and grime without causing any damage.
They are ideal for regular maintenance, contributing to the preservation of the tiles’ finish and appearance. Moreover, refrain from using abrasive cleaning tools to avoid any potential damage!
Quick Tips: Clean water is crucial throughout all cleaning stages. Otherwise, as the water evaporates, small particles of dirt present in the water may settle on the surface. To prevent this, ensure regular water changes to maintain cleanliness.
Difficult Stains Care
Clean stains quickly! The longer they stay, the harder to remove. First, figure out what the stain is (e.g. wine or ink) to pick the right cleaning method.
If a standard pH-neutral cleaner isn’t effective, experiment with specialized detergents designed for that particular stain and your tiles.
Quick Tips: Always test a small spot first!
Some stains need multiple cleaning attempts. Keep cleaning until the stain is much smaller or removed. If it persists, get help from the professionals.
Maintaining the Pristine Condition of Your Porcelain Tiles
We trust this guide will provide you with valuable insights on maintaining the pristine condition of your porcelain tiles for an extended period. Proper maintenance can be divided into two phases: care during installation and ongoing post-installation care. By consistently performing these upkeep routines, you will not only preserve the tiles’ original beauty but also contribute to environmental sustainability hand in hand.
Of course, tile quality also plays a crucial role. Heritage Ceramics porcelain tiles, particularly our Premium Series, Space, are of top-notch quality. Investing in higher quality tiles means less maintenance effort compared to lower quality options, translating into environmental protection and cost savings in the long term.
Curious to learn more about our products? Contact us for a consultation at info@heritageceramics.com.
Download the Guide here:
Heritage Ceramics Guide To Tile Maintenance
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