Maintenance of Porcelain Tile

Product Quality
All tiles manufactured by Torino are produced using the highest quality standards and the finest available raw materials. Glazed and unglazed porcelain tiles marketed under the Old Euro, Aviator, Tuscan Travana, and Chateau names are fully vitrified, resulting in extreme durability, hardness, and low water absorption. These tiles are highly stain and wear resistant and are sold with unsurpassed guarantees. Products marketed under the under the Old Euro name include a 20-year guarantee, while commercial products marketed under the Aviator, Tuscan Travana, and Chateau names include a lifetime guarantee. However, as with every surface material, a basic cleaning and maintenance program should be followed in order to maintain a satisfactory appearance and an acceptable level of performance.

Care During Construction
These tiles are classified as a finish material. As such they should not be installed until after any heavy construction work has been completed.
In instances where these tiles are installed prior to the completion of construction special care must be taken to protect the tile until it is put into normal service. The general build up of dirt and debris present on any construction site may negatively affect the performance of the tile if it is left unprotected. The best way to protect the tile surface is to cover it with a protective layer of Kraft paper, carpeting, cardboard, plywood, or any other material that will not adversely affect the tile surface.

Initial Cleaning and Maintenance
The most important cleaning operation is performed immediately after the tile has been set. This involves the complete removal of grout residue and construction dirt from the newly installed tile floors. Grout manufacturers provide directions for the clean up of their products after installation has been completed. These directions should be followed. In many cases these products can be successfully cleaned by scrubbing with a mild detergent, combined with a thorough rinsing. It is critical that all rinse water be removed through wet vacuuming or dry toweling. Should any grout residue remain this process can be repeated several times as necessary.
For highly textured floor tiles, or when using a dark colored grout with a light colored tile, a grout release may be used prior to grouting to assist in the removal of the grout from the surface of the tile. Please follow the specific manufacturers’ instructions for the use of these products.

Surface Coatings
The inherent density and low water absorption of all Old Euro, Aviator, Tuscan Travana, and Chateau porcelain tiles ensure a product that is easy to maintain. These tiles do not require the use of sealers or waxes. These surface coatings may actually negatively affect the performance of the tile.
In some instances where an unglazed, polished porcelain tile is used in an area subject to excessive exposure to dirt, a penetrating type sealer may be used. A penetrating sealer is designed to fill the microscopic pores created during the polishing process. It is not designed to coat the surface of the tile. Please ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a penetrating sealer and do not allow the sealer to dry on the surface of the tile.

Regular Maintenance
The inherent technical characteristics of these porcelain tiles ensures that they will be relatively easy to maintain and should provide years of enjoyment. Many general purpose cleaners that are readily available are acceptable for use on our tiles. It is important that the cleaner has a non-oil, non-animal fat, non-soap base. These components can leave behind an invisible residue with can trap dirt. It is also important that the tile receive a thorough rinsing with clean water after the cleaning process has been completed.

The general cleaning steps for porcelain tile can be summarized as follows:
1. Remove all loose debris from the tile by sweeping with a soft bristle broom or vacuuming.
2. Any spills should be wiped up as quickly as possible.
3. Apply the recommended amount and dilution of the appropriate cleaner to the tile. Allow the cleaner to remain on the tile for short period of time (at least 5 minutes).
4. For unpolished tile, scrub with a nylon pad or soft bristle brush. For more heavily soiled floors a floor machine equipped with a nylon pad or bristle brush may be used. For polished tile, wipe or mop with a nonabrasive mop or cloth.
5. Remove the dirty cleaning solution and water with a wet vacuum or mop. Thoroughly rinse the tile with clean water and remove with a wet vacuum, mop, or towel. It is absolutely essential for all detergent residues to be completely removed from the tile. Any remaining detergent residue can dry on the tile and form a coating which can trap dirt and be very difficult to remove. The tile should be rinsed several times if necessary to remove all detergent residue.
The frequency and timing of any maintenance program is dependent on the specific characteristics of each tile application. Factors such as foot traffic, environmental conditions and product color should be considered when planning your maintenance schedule

A Word About Cleaners
There are many excellent cleaners on the market today which should provide you with satisfactory results. All purpose household cleaners such as Soft Scrub, Top Job, Mr. Clean, Ajax Liquid, Dow Bathroom Cleaner, Liquid Comet, and Fantastik are all suitable for general purpose cleaning of these products. Soapless detergents such as Spic & Span and 409 may also be used. For the removal of stains on unpolished tile, scouring powders such as Comet, Bon Ami, or Ajax may be used. These may be used in conjunction with a nylon pad or soft bristle brush. Steel wool is not recommended.
For heavier cleaning requirements or commercial applications, products manufactured by Aqua Mix, Hillyard Industries, Walter G. Legge Co., or CeramaSeal may be used. These products are available through your local ceramic tile dealer. In all cases please ensure you follow the manufacturers instructions. We also strongly recommend that all cleaners be tested first in a small, inconspicuous area before general use on the floor.