HOW to CLEAN & MAINTAIN TILE?

- Important Instruction -

by MM-Mosaic

Mosaic tiles come in diverse design possibilities adding dimension and style to any space in your property. It is an all-purpose building material that is able to create numerous designs and add artistic aura to the overall look of your kitchen, bedroom, patio, pool, etc. To keep this decorative element in its original quality, routine cleaning & maintenance is necessary. It’s equally important being careful during installation and after all things have done. Bright and damage-free mosaic tiling needs your continuing care. Whether it’s made of ceramic, glass or stone, all of these options should be cleaned in a correct way due to their unique texture and color. Let’s check out the following insights that MM-Mosaic concludes from 10-year experience to help you maintain your investment.

Ceramic/Porcelain Mosaic Tiles

Ceramic/Porcelain mosaic tiles often cover with a thin layer of glaze, which is smooth and corrosion-resistant. It means just some simple maintenance methods can keep them glittering. It’s suggested cleaning at a regular routine: wet a soft sponge or cloth with oil-free mild cleanser, then wipe and rinse the glazed porcelain tile wall; use a vacuum cleanser or broom to remove loose soil and other debris on glazed floor tiles, then damp the mop with a mixture of water and rinse-free cleanser. High traffic areas or heavily stained places that have been neglected for a long time may need more intensive cleaning. Take great care when applying acid-cleansers, as they can adversely affect the grout; and not to use ammonia, as it will discolor the grout. Remember only use sulfamic acid or phosphoric acid in correct proportion to water in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction.

Glass Mosaic Tiles

Glass is regarded as one of the easiest materials to maintain in a good condition because of its non-permeable nature. Most stains are not absorbed and will stay on the surface. However, the stains had better be cleaned up as earlier as possible and do it in a regular routine so as to save your cost and time in stubborn stain cleaning. When cleaning glass mosaic tiles, check how awful the blot is. Normally speaking, just mild detergent and water are sufficient for cleaning most stains and dirt. Firstly wipe loose dirt from the surface with a clean paper towel or cloth. Dampen a rag with detergent-water mixture and clean down the glass mosaic tiles in the same direction to avoid leaving striated mark on the surface. Then all cleaning work is done by last rinse and dry-off with a separate cloth or paper towel to increase the shimmer.  

Stone Mosaic Tiles

Stone mosaic tiles feature in its durable nature and will look long-lasting new if maintained properly. Using correct sealer and cleaning methods are the two most important steps. Sealing stone mosaic tiles and grout in a right way can save them from scratch and stain to a largest extent. However, it does not mean there is nothing left to do. Although your stone tiles are firmly sealed, stains and dirt must be wiped up as fast as you can because sealers help resist stains but not to kill them. Avoid using cleaners like bleach, vinegar, ammonia and any other that are harsh ingredients included, for these types will damage the protective coating of sealers and corrode the stone tiles. A neutral pH cleaner is the best safe option. Standard cleaning routine of stone mosaic tiles is very similar to that of the two other tiles listed above. Sweep or vacuum dust and debris on the floor. For walls, also whisk away the dirt gently. Mop the floor with a combination of domestic detergent, cleansing agent or tile dirt solution. Dampen a sponge or cloth to brush the tiling mildly. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual cleaner. Last step is done with drying the surface.

Whatever the material of the mosaic tile is made of, there are some DO’S & DON’TS  you’re supposed to follow.

DO'S

1.       All stains or spills should be washes away immediately. For example, you will unavoidably splash oil or sauce on the mosaic tile backsplash while you’re cooking meals. When this occurs, you should take swift action to clean it up; After each use of shower, dry the tiled wall with a cloth and leave the curtain and door open for dehumidification.

2.       Use only cleansers that are pH neutral or the suggested mixtures. Cleansers of higher-concentration are not always better as they’re more difficult to rinse and will harm the grout and the tile itself.

3.       Let the cleanser stay on the surface of tiles before rinsing for a proper while in order to efficiently dissolve the stains. The best dwell time is 5-10 minutes.

4.       Get rid of dirt with a nylon pad or soft brush that can protect the surface to the greatest extent.

5.       Scrub carefully with clean water to remove the cleanser and emulsified residue. Dry up the rinsing part with mop or cloth. If soiled cleaning solution stays for a period it will cause chemical reaction with the tiles and air and develop an unsightly layer that is hard to remove.

DON'TS

1.       Apply any detergent that contains acid, oil, wax or bleach for routine maintenance as they have a bad effect on grout color and product durability. And sealants may be allowed to used on grout joints and natural stone but users have to be careful and stick to the instruction.

2.       Use harsh cleaning tools like steel wool pads, scouring pads or abrasive pads to handle heavily stained areas. These tools may damage your tiles. Particularly, the metal ones will loose metal particles and accumulate rust stains on the grout. This will age the overlook of the grout and tiles.

Use a cleanser that contains color on unglazed tile, natural stone or white grout, as it may color these absorptive surfaces.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONTACT MM-MOSAIC.