Routine Care and Cleaning 

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are easier to keep clean than most other surfaces and are resistant to many chemicals. However, cleaners used need to be specified as safe for use on ceramic tile installations (including the grout). 

-Sweep up or vacuum away loose dirt prior to mopping. Use microfiber mop head or cylindrical autoscrub machine fitted with soft to medium bristle brushes. Never mop with dirty water as will just redistribute the dirt through the whole floor. 

-Use a nonhazardous and low VOC cleaning chemical. Many cleaning products will require specific dilution rates and dwell time on the floor for maximum effectiveness. Always follow the cleaning product manufacturer’s recommendations. Avoid chemicals that contain fluorine compounds as these will damage ceramic, glass and stone. Daltile does not recommend cleaners that do not require rinsing; these can leave a residue that reduces slip resistance. 

-Heavy soiled areas may need 3 to 5 minutes dwell time, depending on cleaning agent recommendations. 

-Finish by rinsing with clean water then remove excess water. 

-For large problem areas and periodic heavy cleaning, such as weekly cleaning in commercial spaces, use a cylindrical autoscrub machine fitted with a soft to medium bristle brush and allow cleaning agent to dwell for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on cleaning agent recommendations. 

STEPWISE™ PRODUCT CARE 

StepWise is a technology infused into tile that makes it 50% more slip resistant than regular tile. Products with StepWise do not require any specialized care. They can be cleaned and maintained as you would any porcelain surface. 

 

PREVENTING STAINS AND SCRATCHES 

While porcelain is resistant to scratches, etching and stains, these surfaces are not damage proof. Special care should be considered on Polished Tiles, as they will be more prompt to fine scratches as well as stains. Avoid presence of dust and sand. Clean promptly any presence of it and use soft wear. Take care to avoid exposing the tile surface to permanent inks, dyes and other contaminants, as these might not be removable. If spills occur, rinse the area, then apply approved cleaning product 

To clean and maintain tile and grout, Daltile® recommends the use of products that are nonhazardous, low VOC and non- polluting (generally used by most tile professionals). Common household cleaners may be used within the guidance of this guide. See the chart for specific spot cleaning recommendations. 

Polished Porcelain 

For polished porcelain products, Daltile’s recommended stain removers and cleaning products can be found on page 7 of the Care and Maintenance Guide (Please follow all manufacturer application instructions). 

ADDITIONAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER 

-Care should be taken to ensure all dirt and cleaner residue is removed so that it does not compromise the slip resistance of the tile. Bleaches and alkaline cleaners can be especially problematic and may require multiple rinsing applications to remove. 

-Follow manufacturer’s instructions when using cleaning chemicals. Some of these can be hazardous when mixed together or otherwise misused. 

-Always use the specified personal protective equipment when using cleaning chemicals. 

-Commercial applications may require specialized equipment, chemicals, and procedures. 

-Squeegee, wipe, or vacuum the floor dry after rinsing. 

-Always test a small area first, prior to using chemicals on avlarger area. 

-Some cleaning products may leave a slick residue which should be removed. 

-Always use fresh water and rinse floor well after cleaning to remove soap residue. 

-Consult a cleaning chemical company for the suitability of products on ceramic tile. 

-End-use conditions may vary widely so these recommendations may not work in all situations. 

OTHER CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS  

MODERATE TILE CLEANING 

When heavier cleaning is required, use a professional strength tile and grout cleaner that can remove grease, soap scum, body oil, mildew stains, algae, and synthetic or acrylic waxes from tile. However, such product should contain non-polluting chemicals and low VOC levels. The use of a low-speed Swing Machine or Buffer may be needed. Begin with less aggressive pad moving to a more aggressive if needed. Always rinse with clear water. 

HEAVY TILE CLEANING 

Tile and Grout should be cleaned on a periodic schedule, depending on the use and environment this could be more frequent. More tailored cleaning solutions and equipment (Scrubbers with Vacuum system or alike) and/or commercial cleaning companies are used for Deep Cleaning. Kitchens, Entryways, Shared Workspace, Common Areas, Service Areas and Showrooms might require more often maintenance. Always rinse with clear water. 

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS 

The following installation recommendations pertain to most porcelain and ceramic products offered by Daltile®. In addition to these considerations listed, special requirements may be needed for select products. Please visit daltile.com for the most accurate product and installation information specific to purchased product(s).  

Daltile does not manufacture installation products. Daltile provides information to its customers as an information source only. The products identified in this catalog may have chemicals that cause reactions in certain individuals. Daltile strongly recommends the use of safety glasses, respirators (masks) and gloves in handling any materials that contain chemicals. 

Tile products should be installed only after any prerequisite heavy construction is completed. 

-Since there are variations in all fired ceramic and natural products, tile and trim supplied for your particular installation may not match samples. Final confirmation should be made from actual tiles and trim prior to installation. Manufactured in accordance with ANSI A137.1 standards.

-Random visuals enhance the natural beauty of tile with V4 shade variation. To achieve optimal results, all tile should be selected from multiple cartons and shading and graphic arrangement planned prior to installation.

-Water, oil, grease, improper drainage and certain footwear can create slippery conditions. Floor applications expected to be exposed to these conditions require extra caution in product selection.

-Latex modified thin-set is recommended for installation of all ColorBody™ and glazed porcelain products.

-For ColorBody™ Porcelain tiles, special care should be taken when grouting with dark pigmented colors. A grout release is recommended to prevent finely powdered pigments from lodging in the pores of the surface.

-Special consideration needs to be given when installing tiles greater than 15 inches. Please refer to daltile.com/LargeTiles.

-Special consideration needs to be given when installing tiles that are rectified. Please refer to specific recommendations at daltile.com.

-Cove base trim is intended to coordinate with floor tile in the standard 90-degree installation position.

-For additional information refer to “Factors to Consider” at daltile.com/Factors.

SEALERS FOR POLISHED PORCELAIN TILE 

Polished impervious porcelain tile is achieved by mechanically changing the surface from a natural to a light or high polished finish. This process creates a micro-porosity on the face of the tile. The tile itself is still technically sound porcelain with the same characteristics expected of high-quality impervious tile. The surface, however, may possibly require added protection to assure cleanability and ease of ongoing maintenance under a range of conditions including but not limited to: 

-Grout haze removal 

-Construction chemicals and dirt 

-Maintenance / solvent-based cleaning materials 

-Exposure to rubber containing solvent-based materials 

-Acid-based materials 

All of the above can result in hazing, spotting, etching or general staining of the polished tile surface. With proper installation techniques, preventive care and effective maintenance procedures, fully polished impervious porcelain and polished glaze porcelain tile is a durable, high value and long lasting flooring option for most commercial and residential spaces. We recommend the use of a penetrating sealer on fully polished, impervious porcelain and polished glaze porcelain tile PRIOR to grouting. 

GENERAL SEALER GUIDELINES 

For proper use of sealers with polished porcelain products, use these general guidelines in addition to the manufacturer instructions: 

-Ensure a clean surface prior to sealing. Sweep or vacuum the surface to remove loose debris. Use an approved cleaning solution and autoscrubber to clean the floor in accordance with the product guidelines. We strongly caution against the use of acid-based or solvent-based chemicals for cleaning of fully polished impervious or polished glaze porcelain tile. The use of such products may damage the tile. 

-Finish cleaning by using a clean tank of water and rinse surface, removing any excess liquid.  

-Sealers may require more than one application, depending on the tile and grout utilized. Prior to grouting, apply to a test area to validate. 

-Penetrating sealers usually require only one application and should not be left to dry on the tile surface. Remove any excess as material is being applied. 

-Remove excess sealer from the tile surface by buffing with a clean towel. 

-Allow grout sealer to properly cure on tile before grouting. 

GROUT RELEASE 

It is recommended to pre-seal or use a grout release PRIOR to installing or grouting all polished, matte or textured porcelain products to enhance the efficacy of removal of various types of grout, latex modified grout or epoxy grout. Tiles with a matte or textured surface may contain structure or micro texture for slip resistance and visual enhancement. Daltile's recommended cleaning and grout-releasing products can be found on page 7 of the Care and Maintenance Guide (Please follow all manufacturer application instructions). 

-Allow grout release to properly cure on tile before grouting. 

REMOVAL OF SEALERS, WAXES, FLOOR FINISHES 

If you need to remove a topical sealer or floor wax from the Tile, you should use a Tile Sealer/Adhesive Remover. ALWAYS follow the remover manufacturer recommendation and test a small area first. On some occasions, and for protection during transportation, tile surfaces might have a special wax that if can’t be removed with a regular Sealer Remover, Acetone can be used as well. ALWAYS follow the manufacturer safety instructions on personal protective gear to be used. 

GROUT MAINTENANCE 

Neither sealing the grout nor an epoxy grout will guarantee against surface buildup or discoloration of the grout. Grouts needs to be cleaned on a periodic basis to remove any surface buildup. Follow the Grout Manufacturer care and maintenance recommendations on cleaners and procedures that are required.