Porcelain Tiles
Super-Polished Surface tiles
1. Sweep or vacuum the floor of loose dirt. An untreated, dry dust mop may be more effective than a soft-bristle broom.
2. Mop with a mild cleaning solution.
3. Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean, clear water.
4. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth or buffing pad to increase the shine and prevent water spots.
5. Do not use acid based detergent or cleaning solutions.
Matt Surface tiles
1. Sweep or vacuum the floor of all loose dirt and other foreign materials.
2. Saturate the floor with a mild cleaning solution and hot water, agitate, and allow it to remain on the floor for 5-10 minutes. Do not allow cleaning solutions to dry. It may be best to complete small areas at a time.
3. Remove the dirty cleaning solution and rinse the surface with clean, clear water.
4. Buff with a dry mop or towel.
If the surface is extremely dirty, a more aggressive cleaning method may be necessary.
Initial Cleaning and Maintenance
The single-most important step for future daily maintenance is the complete removal of grout and construction dirt after installation. Porcelain tiles can be cleaned successfully by scrubbing the installed tiles with hot water and detergent, followed by a thorough rinsing, then removing the rinse water with a wet vacuum or dry towelling. If grout residue still remains, further cleaning of the tile should be accomplished in consultation with grout manufacturer instructions. Some grout manufacturers distribute products which are recommended for the removal of their grout from the surface of tile.
Equipment recommended for more aggressive cleaning are floor scrubbers or floor buffing machines equipped with a nylon pad or brush. A wet vacuum should be used to pick up suspended grout residue and construction dirt completely.
Acid washing is rarely recommended, and is not usually necessary to successfully clean a new installation if the cleaning is done in a timely fashion. Caution should be exercised when using acid or acid-based cleaners as they can adversely affect the grout and/or adjacent finishes.
Once the initial cleaning has been thoroughly completed, a daily maintenance procedure can be followed for continuous and long-lasting appearance.
Daily Maintenance
General maintenance and cleaning of porcelain tiles will vary depending on the surface texture and soil load. General cleaning should be performed first by sweeping or vacuuming to remove loose soil or other surface contaminants, and then lightly damp mopping with clean water. Depending on the soil load, a more aggressive cleaning process may be required. This would include the use of a neutral cleaner or a general household cleaner, followed by a thorough rinsing. To successfully maintain porcelain tiles some critical steps should be remembered:
1. All spills should be cleaned as quickly as possible.
2. Follow the detergent manufacturer recommendation.
3. Allow enough time for the detergent solution to act on the soil load.
4. Scrub with a nylon pad or bristle brush.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean, clear water to remove the dirty detergent solution and emulsified soil. Rinsing is a critical step in the maintenance procedure. Remove the rinse water with a wet vacuum, dry mop or towelling.
Laminate
Routine cleaning requires only sweeping, vacuuming (preferably with an effective dust filter and suction nozzle for hard surfaces) or dust mopping as necessary to remove any loose dirt or grit, followed by wiping down with a well-rung damp mop or white cloth (avoiding excessive amounts of water) to remove any footprints or dirt, wiping parallel to the boards.
Most spills or other marks will wipe off quickly and easily with a clean, white cloth.
On a regular basis, use any non-abrasive, soap-free cleaner suitable for laminate floors. Do not use soap based detergents which can leave a dull finish on the floor. You can also use ready-to-use cleaning cloths or wet wipes.
Never use abrasive cleaners, nylon scouring pads, steel wool or scouring powder as they may damage the floor. Steam cleaners are not suitable for use with any type of laminate floor.
Never flood the floor with water. Excessive water can damage laminate floors. Promptly soak up bulk liquid spills, including pet urine.
Never wax, polish, sand or lacquer your floor.
Spillage/Mark Treatment Methods: Juice, wine, grease – use a non abrasive cleaner or warm white cloth and soap free household cleaner. Crayon, asphalt, nail polish paint – use denatured alcohol or nail polish remover then warm water and soap free household cleaner. Gum, candle wax – allow to harden then gently scrape free with a plastic scraper.
Timber & Bamboo
Just follow the easy steps below: Sweep, vacuum (preferably with an effective dust filter and suction nozzle for hard surfaces) or dust mop as often as necessary to remove any loose dirt or grit which could damage the floor. Vacuums with a beater bar or power rotary brush head can damage the floor and should never be used.
Wipe down with a well-rung damp mop or white cloth (avoiding excessive amounts of water) to remove any footprints or dirt, wiping parallel to the boards. You can also use ready-to-use cleaning cloths or wet wipes. Never use abrasive cleaners, nylon scouring pads, steel wool or scouring powder as they may damage the floor. Steam cleaners are not suitable for use with any type of timber/bamboo floor.
Use any non-abrasive, soap-free cleaner designed for Engineered Timber or Strand Woven Bamboo Floors (as appropriate) on a regular basis. Never use oil, soap, wax or other household products or polishes to clean the floor. These finishes may make the floor slippery and can leave a dull finish on the floor which is difficult to remove (sometimes impossible).
Never flood the floor with water. Promptly soak up bulk liquid spills, including pet urine.
Water can cause damage to wood floors.
Rotate mats, rugs and furniture where practical, as intense natural and artificial light can discolour these products.
