Care for Ceramic & Porcelain
CERAMIC & PORCELAIN TILE CARE & MAINTENANCE
Ceramic tile care and maintenance, for the most part, requires minimal attention. Glazed and unglazed tile, under normal residential situations, can be cleaned using clean water and a tile cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Always follow up with a rinse of clean water to completely remove all the cleaning solution. Regular maintenance is recommended to avoid build-up of dirt, residue, grease, soap, detergents, or other external contaminants.
Improper care of ceramic tile using maintenance and improper cleaning products can result in a build-up on the surface, causing the tile to be slippery. Wax cleaners and oil-based detergents may decrease the slip resistance and are not recommended for use on your ceramic tile.
CERAMIC & PORCELAIN TILE CARE
For basic cleaning, the following procedures are recommended in ceramic tile care:
- Sweep or vacuum surface
- Mix water with tile and grout cleaner per manufacturer's instructions and apply to surface
- Allow solution to sit for three to five minutes
- Agitate with sponge or mop
- Mop up solution
- Rinse mop and change cleaning solution at least every 500 square feet
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Dry mop floor to remove moisture or pick up residue with a wet-vac
- Wipe the floor dry
CERAMIC & PORCELAIN TILE MAINTENANCE
For tile with coarse or abrasive type surfaces, ceramic tile maintenance will need to be performed more frequently. Agitation will need to be more vigorous and water changes more frequent. Proper cleaning of these types of tile is necessary for the slip resistance value to be maintained. Grease or water accumulation may create slippery conditions. Be careful to avoid introduction of grease from dirty mops to your floor surface while cleaning.
Because the grout on your ceramic tile needs time to thoroughly dry after installation, we recommend you do not scrub or wash your ceramic tile for five days after installation. We also recommend protecting your floor against abrasive dirt at entrances to buildings with dirt catching floor mats.
Tile Care, Maintenance & Warranty Guide
Proper installation, care, and maintenance are essential to ensuring the long-term performance and appearance of your tile installation. Lint Tile recommends following established industry standards and best practices to protect your investment and maintain warranty eligibility.
Industry standards for tile installation and maintenance are primarily governed by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These organizations establish the methods, materials, and performance criteria used throughout the tile industry.
Essential Installation Guidelines
A successful tile installation begins with proper preparation and execution in accordance with ANSI A108 installation standards.
Substrate Preparation
• All surfaces must be structurally sound, clean, dry, and flat before installation.
• When installing over cement backer board, lightly dampen the surface prior to applying thin-set mortar. This prevents premature moisture loss that can weaken the bond.
Mortar Coverage Requirements
• Industry standards require:
• Minimum 80% mortar coverage in dry, interior areas
• Minimum 95% mortar coverage in wet areas, exterior installations, and showers
• Full coverage ensures proper bonding strength and minimizes voids beneath the tile.
The 1/3 Offset Rule
• Rectangular or plank tiles should never be installed in a 50% running bond pattern.
• A maximum 33% offset is recommended to reduce lippage (uneven tile edges) caused by inherent tile warpage.
Proper Application Technique
• Use the flat side of a notched trowel to “key in” mortar to the substrate.
• Comb mortar ridges in a single direction to allow air to escape as the tile is pressed into place.
• Periodically lift tiles during installation to confirm proper coverage.
Routine Maintenance & Care
Maintenance requirements vary slightly by material, but the following best practices apply to most ceramic and porcelain tile surfaces.
Initial Cleaning
• Remove grout haze within 24 hours of installation using clean water or a specialized grout haze remover.
• Avoid aggressive scrubbing tools that may damage tile surfaces.
Routine Cleaning
• Use pH-neutral cleaners designed specifically for tile and grout.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Avoid acidic, abrasive, or ammonia-based cleaners, as these can deteriorate grout and dull tile finishes over time.
Sealing
• Most porcelain tiles do not require sealing due to their dense composition.
• Grout sealing is strongly recommended to reduce staining and moisture absorption, especially in wet areas.
Job-site Protection
• During construction or remodeling, protect tile surfaces with breathable floor protection paper.
• Never use plastic coverings, as they trap moisture and may cause grout discoloration or surface issues.
Warranty Information
Lint Tile warrants that its tile products meet applicable industry manufacturing standards at the time of sale. This warranty covers material defects only and does not include labor, installation costs, or consequential damages.
Important Warranty Conditions
• Installation must follow TCNA guidelines and ANSI standards.
• Failure to follow proper installation methods, including mortar coverage requirements, substrate preparation, and movement joint placement, may void the warranty.
• Damage caused by improper maintenance, harsh chemicals, structural movement, or environmental conditions is not covered.
• Natural variation in color, shade, and texture is inherent in tile products and is not considered a defect.
Installers are responsible for inspecting all tile prior to installation. Installed tile is considered accepted, and no claims will be honored for visible defects after installation.
Industry Resources
For detailed technical guidance, Lint Tile recommends consulting the following resources:
• TCNA Handbook – The industry reference for approved installation methods
• ANSI Standards – Defines performance criteria and material specifications