TILE & STONE CARE & MAINTENANCE

Hate Scrubbing Grout? We get it—grout lines can be a pain. But keeping your tile and stone floors looking fresh is easier than you think! With simple daily maintenance, proper cleaning solutions, and a few preventable tips and tricks, you can keep your floors looking like new without backbreaking scrubbing sessions.

tile & Stone

Tile | Brian's Flooring & Design

CLEANING Floor:
PORCELAIN TILE

Daily Maintenance: Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface.
Mop with Warm Water: Use a damp mop with warm water to keep the surface clean and prevent dirt from sticking.
Deep Cleaning: Use a pH-neutral Cleaner: Use a cleaner specifically designed for porcelain tiles for deeper cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach, as they may damage the grout or tile surface.
Microfiber Mop or Soft Cloth: Avoid abrasive materials. Use a microfiber mop or soft cloth to prevent scratching.
Avoid: Oil-based or wax cleaners, which can leave a residue that dulls the finish.
Harsh Scrubbers: Steel wool or hard-bristle brushes can scratch the porcelain surface.

CLEANING NATURAL STONE

Daily Maintenance: Dirt and grit can scratch the surface, so frequent sweeping or dry mopping is essential.
Careful with Water on Unsealed Stone: Use a damp mop instead of a wet mop.
Deep Cleaning: pH-Balanced Stone Cleaner: Always use a pH-balanced cleaner specifically formulated for natural stone. Acidic cleaners (like vinegar or lemon) can etch the stone's surface.
Soft Cloth or Sponge: Use non-abrasive tools to clean the stone to avoid surface damage.
Sealing: Periodic Sealing: Natural stone should be sealed to prevent moisture absorption and staining. The frequency depends on the type of stone, usage, and exposure to water and other elements.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Acidic or alkaline cleaners can damage stone. Avoid bleach, ammonia, or anything acidic.
Scrubbing Pads: Abrasive pads can scratch the surface of natural stone.

Tile | Brian's Flooring & Design
Tile | Brian's Flooring & Design

CLEANING PORCELAIN TILE

Daily Maintenance: Wipe Down After Use: Use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to wipe down tiles after every shower to prevent water spots and soap scum buildup.
Ventilation: Keep the bathroom well-ventilated to prevent mold and mildew.
Deep Cleaning: Non-Abrasive Cleaner: Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to remove soap scum and mineral deposits.
Grout Cleaning: Clean the grout with a brush and grout cleaner. For stubborn stains, apply a solution of STONETECH KlenzAll Cleaner to the damp grout, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a nylon pad. Repeat if necessary
Avoid Hard Water Build-Up: If you have hard water, use a descaling product regularly to avoid mineral buildup.
Abrasive Scrubbers: Like floors, avoid using hard scrubbers on porcelain shower tiles.

CLEANING SHOWER:
NATURAL STONE

Daily Maintenance: Wipe Dry After Each Use: Use a squeegee to remove excess water after every shower, which helps to prevent mold and mildew.
Avoid Standing Water: Ensure the stone doesn’t sit in water for long periods to avoid water stains.
Deep Cleaning: Stone-Safe Cleaners: Use cleaners specifically formulated for natural stone. Acidic or abrasive cleaners can damage stone.
Mold Prevention: Use a stone-safe mold and mildew cleaner if necessary.
Seal Regularly: Because stone is porous, it should be sealed regularly to resist water, soap scum, and mildew. Check the seal every few months to ensure it's intact.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using vinegar, lemon, or other acidic cleaners that can damage the stone's finish.
Scrubbing Pads or Brushes: Just like on floors, avoid anything abrasive that could scratch or dull the stone.

Tile | Brian's Flooring & Design
Tile | Brian's Flooring & Design

CLEANING BACKSPLASHES: PORCELAIN

Daily Maintenance: Regular Dusting: Use a dry microfiber cloth or a duster to remove dust and prevent buildup.
Damp Wipe: Clean with a damp cloth using warm water to remove light dirt or smudges. A simple wipe-down keeps tiles looking fresh.
Mild Cleaners: Use a pH-neutral or tile-safe cleaner for deeper cleaning. Harsh chemicals like bleach or acidic cleaners can cause damage over time.
Soft Scrub Brush: For tougher spots, use a soft brush to gently scrub without scratching the tile surface.
Avoid Oil-Based Cleaners: These can leave residue and attract dirt.
Abrasive Pads: These may scratch and dull the tile’s finish.

CLEANING BACKSPLASHES: NATURAL STONE

Daily Maintenance: Wipe down the backsplash with a damp cloth after cooking or food prep to prevent grease and food stains from setting.
Use Mild Soap: A few drops of mild dish soap on a damp sponge will easily cut through grease and keep the surface clean.
Deep Cleaning: Use a stone-safe pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for natural stone to prevent etching and staining.
Soft Brush for Grout Lines: Clean grout with a soft brush and a grout cleaner to remove any discoloration or grime.
Sealing for Natural Stone: Natural stone backsplashes should be sealed regularly to prevent stains from food splatters, oil, and water. Check periodically to ensure the seal is intact.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners on natural stone, as they can etch or damage the surface.
Scrubbing Pads: Use non-abrasive cloths or sponges to prevent scratching.

Kitchen | Brian's Flooring & Design
Tile care | Brian's Flooring & Design

CLEANING OUTDOOR
TILE & STONE

Routine Maintenance: Sweep or hose off debris regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
Deep Cleaning: Use a mild detergent or a tile-specific cleaner diluted with water. Scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush or mop.
Pressure Washing: Porcelain tiles are pressure-washer safe, but use a low to medium setting to avoid damaging grout lines.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid acidic or oil-based cleaners as they can damage grout or leave unwanted residue. Metal scrubbers can scratch the tile surface.

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