Tile FAQs

Tile FAQs

-	Ceramic Tile Facts	-	Heavy-Duty Cleaning
-	Routine Care for Your Tile	-	Care & Maintenance of Tile Grout
-	General FAQs	-	DO's and DON'Ts of Ceramic Tile Care

Ceramic Tile Facts

Q: How is Ceramic Tile Made?
A: Powdered clays and sand are pressed under 2,400 psi (pounds per square inch) into the desired tile shape. Next, the tile is glazed with different colors and silk screens, then fired at temperatures reaching 1,180�� C or 2,500�� F. The finished product is a durable, maintenance-free ceramic tile.

Q: How does ceramic tile compare to other flooring for durability and cost?
A: Ceramic tile is unmatched in durability and long-term cost savings. In studies conducted by independent laboratories, ceramic tile proved to be far more durable and to have less long-term cost of any material tested including vinyl, carpet and wood. (Long-term costs include material, installation, replacement needs and maintenance.)

Caring for Ceramic Tile

Q: How hard is it to clean ceramic tile? Does it require a special cleaner?�
A: Wiping or damp-mopping regularly with water and an all-purpose cleaner will keep your ceramic wall and floor tile looking new. For heavy-duty cleaning of ceramic floor tile, use a scouring powder plus a nylon scrubbing pad. For really difficult stains, mop a scouring powder paste over the surface of the ceramic tile and let it stand about five minutes. Scrub it with a brush, rinse, and wipe dry. Ceramic wall tiles can simply be wiped clean. Avoid using steel wool pads and harsh cleaning compounds so your ceramic tile will maintain its luster.�

Q: Are ceramic tiles resistant to oils and acids?�
A: Glazes are highly resistant. The combination of hardness and low- moisture absorption rate make ceramic floor tile impervious to virtually all acids (except hydrofluoric), alkalines, oils, and other caustic and corrosive substances.

Routine Care for Your Tile

Glazed-tile walls in your home will easily keep their lovely look with simple routine care. Just wipe regularly with a damp cloth or sponge, using a non-abrasive household cleaner. A window cleaner (such as Windex or Glass-Plus) is ideal for cleaning glossy tile surfaces.

For glazed-tile floors, vacuum regularly to remove dirt and gritty particles. Follow with a mop or sponge dampened with an approved household cleaner.

Tiled surfaces in your bathroom (tub, shower, vanity tops, etc.) may require more thorough routine cleaning because of build-up of soap scum, body oils, or hard-water stains. Use the usual "clean, damp cloth or sponge" with an all-purpose cleaner, but allow it to stand for about five minutes before rinsing and drying. (You may also use a solution of equal parts of water and white vinegar or a commercial cleaner available from your Traditions in Tile distributor.)

Here's a hint on how to keep shower walls mildew-free: clean regularly with tile cleaner or fungicide such as Lysol or ammonia. Dry with a towel after each use and leave curtain or door open between showers.

Heavy-Duty Cleaning

For high traffic areas or when tile has been neglected for a long time, heavy-duty cleaning may be required. Glazed walls and countertops should be cleaned with a scouring powder, commercial tile cleaner or all-purpose cleaner applied with non-metallic or very fine stainless steel pad. Rinse and wipe dry.

To clean badly soiled countertops, cover with a solution of scouring powder and very hot water. Let stand for about five minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse thoroughly. If stain remains, apply bleach and let stand. Rinse well with clean water and dry after all cleaning.

For glazed floors, use a commercial tile cleaner, or apply a strong solution of all-purpose cleaner of scouring powder paste. Let stand five minutes, brush and scrub. Then rinse with clean water and wipe dry.

Use chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide for stained shower surfaces. If badly stained, it's best to try a scouring powder containing a bleaching agent, such as Ajax or Comet. Let stand for four to six hours before scrubbing and rinsing thoroughly.

Remember, prompt clean-up of spills and regular cleaning will keep your ceramic tile surfaces looking their best.

General FAQs

Q: Is tile appropriate for a kitchen?
A: Yes, tile is actually recommended for a kitchen. Its resistance to heat and moisture, durability, and ease of maintenance make it perfect for the kitchen.�

Q: Can tile raise the value of my home?
A: Yes. The National Association of Home Builders has found that the quality and style of the kitchen significantly impacts the value of a home. With little effort tile greatly enhances the appearance and practicality of the kitchen.

Q: Can tile make a small room look larger?
A: Yes, larger tiles give a cleaner look and can actually make a small area look larger. Depending on the room's size, a 12 inch or 13 inch tile will create the illusion of a larger room.

Q: Can tile be used on counter tops?
A: Tile is guaranteed not to scorch, burn, or melt if a hot skillet or pan accidentally sits on its surface. This makes tile a great alternative for countertops.

Q: Will tile fade over time if exposed to direct sunlight?
A: No. A tile's color and glaze are fired on at temperatures up to 2300 deg. F. This allows tile to be installed in sunrooms, outdoors, or any other sunny places without concern about fading.

Q: What determines the grout color?
A: You want to use a complementary grout color to create a more uniform, blended look. Contrasting grout colors tend to highlight each tile, creating a more dramatic grid effect. Ultimately, an individual's taste and style will determine the grout color selected.

Q: Will grout stain or get dirty easily?
A: No. Grout will look as good as new for years if a penetrating type sealer is used after installation and spills are cleaned up quickly.

Q: Is there any on-going maintenance with tile?
A: No. All that is necessary is damp mopping or sponging with a mild cleaner, if the tile is properly installed.

Q: Can tile be installed in the bedroom?
A: Yes. Tile is becoming a more popular choice for bedrooms. Tile offers natural comfort and easy maintenance. In addition, tile provides a tasteful, stylish feel to any bedroom.

Q: Is a tiled floor cold to the touch?
A: No. This is a common misconception. The temperature of the room determines the tile's temperature. If the room is cold the tile will be cold, if the room is warm the tile will be warm.

DO's and DON'Ts of Ceramic Tile Care

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 test scouring pads in a small area first.

Do use a silicone sealer on grout joints if continuous staining is a problem.