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Tile Care And Mainenance
 
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Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic materials that have been heated. Most home tiles in the UK are made with local clay that contains a large amount of silicates. Tiles used in the home are set in a thin plaster-like substance called grout.

Tile may be purchased glazed or unglazed. If it has been glazed, it will be much easier to keep clean. Seal mortar between tiles. Vacuum regularly, and occasionally damp mop with plain water to remove soil. Occasionally for heavier soil use a mild detergent solution, rinse well, and wipe dry for more shine.

The best and easiest way to clean a ceramic tile floor is to scrub it with an electric floor washer or polisher-scrubber. The thorough cleaning action should brighten the tile and joints. Use a solution of 1/4 cup low-sudsing detergent, or 1-2 tablespoons of either washing soda or tri-sodium phosphate or commercial floor cleaning powder in 1 gallon water. Rinse well. When further treatment is needed, particularly for the grout, apply a solution of water and chlorine bleach (liquid or powdered). Let it stand for 20 minutes or so, then mop the floor, rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. Then wax the floor for protection and easier care.
  
     
 
If the tiles have been sealed there still may be white or gray dust track over both that surface and into carpeted floor areas. The whitish dust will be from the grout used in laying the floor. You may use muriatic acid to clean up floor surfaces. (Dilute the muriatic acid, 1 part acid to 10 parts water.) If the floor is not flushed thoroughly with water after clean up, the muriatic acid will continue to leach lime from the grout causing the whitish dust. Most tile installers today use a commercial product that is easier to wash off, but also more expensive.

Glazed tile should be treated like porcelain enamel, because it is easy to scratch: Avoid using harsh abrasive powders which will scratch the finish. Occasional bleaching will clean grout. Aerosol bathroom cleaners are effective to clean tile; follow directions on container.
  Devon Bathrooms Tile and Pine
 
     
 
To seal tile floors, place folded towels next to carpet areas adjoining tiled areas to absorb water. Using a scrub brush or large sponge and detergent, scrub the floor surface and rinse with clear water. Be sure any dirty wash water is completely removed from crevices. Allow floor to dry thoroughly.
 
 
     
Devon Bathrooms Tile and Pine  
From a shop, get a tile and grout sealer. It is a clear solution so it does not change the colour of the tile or grout, but it will give some gloss to the surface. Paint the sealer on the dry tile or grout, being sure to cover all crevices and cracks. Let it dry and apply a second coat. Thereafter, apply one coat about every year to maintain the seal. The sealer prevents dust from grout being tracked around the house, and makes cleaning very easy with a damp mop. Some people prefer to use a wax over the sealer. Experiment with a sample tile or an inconspicuous corner as some waxes leave a streaky undesirable finish.
 
     
 
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Tile • Bathroom • Kitchen • Tiling • Fitting • Installing • Grout • Mosaic