One of the wonderful things about ceramic, porcelain and stone is that they are truly low-maintenance materials.  By following the steps listed below, you will maintain that beauty for years to come.

Routine Tile Care:
Wipe glazed wall tiles with a neutral cleaner, using a cloth or sponge.  Rinse well.  Avoid acid-based cleaners.
When cleaning floor tiles, vacuum first to lift dirt from the grout joints and tile.  Damp mop, using a string mop (not a sponge mop), using a water based, neutral cleaner.  Do not use ammonia, vinegar, bleach, or anything with acid, as it will damage your grout and tile.  Rinse well.
Clean unglazed wall and floor tiles using a solution of water and soapless detergent, instead of an all-purpose water-based cleaner.  Rinse well and wipe up any standing water to prevent spotting.
Note:  Continue changing out dirty water when mopping your floors.
Hint on keeping shower walls clean and mildew-free:  wipe down after each use and leave shower door or curtain slightly open to dry out. to dry out.

Grout Care:
Grout joints should be treated with a silicone sealer once the grout has dried.  Grout is porous and sealing will simplify maintenance in the future (epoxy grouts do not require sealing).  Sealing grout also helps in the maintenance of the color of the grout joint.  It does not eliminate the maintenance of your grout.  Grout can be scrubbed with a stiff brush and scouring powder (test first in a concealed area to make sure it does not discolor the grout).
In addition to keeping the grout clean, keep grout joints in good repair.  Scrape out loose, cracked or powdery joints and refill with new grout.  Cracked grout in wet areas may cause moisture problems if not repaired immediately.

Stone/Marble Care:
Stone requires special care and is especially vulnerable to acids, which can etch the surface.  Do not use alkaline solutions.  Clean with a cleaner specifically made for stone products.  Rinse well.
Stone should be sealed with either a penetrating or surface coating type sealer, depending on preference of the look.

Heavy-Duty Cleaning:
Neglected or high traffic areas may require heavy-duty cleaning.  Ceramic tile should be cleaned with a scouring powder, commercial tile cleaner or an all-purpose cleaner applied with a non-metallic pad or stiff brush.  Rinse and wipe dry.
Stone/Marble products require special care and cleaners specifically made for stone/marble should be used.
This may be the time to call on professionals to assist in getting your ceramic, porcelain and/or stone back to its original state.

Do’s and Don’ts:
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 not use a cleaning agent that contains color on unglazed tile or stone.
Do test scouring powders in a small area before using on tile.
Do use a silicone sealer on grout joints.
Do read and follow label directions for all cleaners.
Do use a string mop and change out dirty water often.
Do call ADVANCED SYSTEMS to handle all your professional needs!