Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning "post-installation"

“Post-installation” cleaning helps remove residues of joint grouts, cement and lime. This operation is mandatory after installation both for glazed and unglazed tiles. Never clean tiles that are too hot (e.g. exposed to sunlight during hot summer months) since the reaction of aggressive chemicals may become harsher. In the summer, proceed with the operation during the coolest period of the day.

Grout used: Cement grout mixed with water

When to clean: after 4/5 days and within 10 days from grouting

What to use: Acid-based detergent

• Keranet (Mapei)
• Cement Remover (Faberchimica)
• Pavim (Panariagroup)
• Deterdek (Fila)
• Trek (Lithofin)
• Zementschleierentferner (Mapei)
• Hmk R63 (Hmk)
• Solvacid (Geal)
• Cpclean (CpSystems)
• Cpdecon - Specific for products that are not-resistant to acids (CpSystems)
   

Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer of the detergent. Test the product on the tiles before use. This applies in particular to honed or polished products. Before cleaning the surfaces must be dampened with water. After cleaning, dry up any remaining liquid (if possible using a wet vacuum cleaner) and rinse thoroughly and several times with water. Soak up any remaining rinsing water with a wet vacuum cleaner or a cloth.

If post-installation cleaning has not been performed correctly, repeat washing after installation as described, if necessary using the same detergents but in higher concentrations.

Grout used: Epoxy grouting, Two-component and reactive

This type of product must be removed immediately and diligently since these grouts harden very rapidly, even in just a few minutes. Strictly follow the cleaning methods recommended by the grout manufacturer and check if it is effective by performing a cleaning test before grouting the entire floor/wall.

Warning: once it has hardened, grout is very difficult or even impossible to remove. Contact the grout manufacturer.

Non-slip surfaces

Due to their particular non-slip, rough or structured textures, non-slip surfaces are more difficult to clean. Therefore pay particular attention to cleaning methods, in particular clean sooner and use motorised brushes
with white and beige discs.

Cleaning day to day care

Use warm water and a good quality microfibre cloth, such as CPMAGICCLEAN by Cpsystems. Every now and again, e.g. every 10-20 days depending on the state of the flooring, use neutral detergents diluted with hot water, that are wax-free, and do not deposit glossy films. When the cleaning process in finished always rinse with water, using a second good quality microfibre cloth.

What to use

Wax-free neutral detergent. DO NOT use alcohol, acids, solvents, abrasive detergents, steel wool or scouring pads.

Instructions

Diluted with plenty of hot water. Rinse thoroughly after washing. For all operations (washing, rinsing and drying), use good quality microfibre cloths.

List of detergents

• Floor Cleaner (Faberchimica)
• Fila Cleaner (Fila)
• Pflegereiniger (Lithofin)
• Bel Gres (Geal)
• CPMain Plus - do not use for cleaning decors (CPSystems)

Follow the instructions given on the package. Test the product before actual use. This applies in particular to honed or polished products.

If daily cleaning has been done using unsuitable detergents.

What do you see:

• Opaque haze visible. The floor is glossier than the spare pieces that have not been installed.
• Opaque haze visible when in contact with various types of liquid.
• Footprint marks. 

What can be done:

Use a detergent such as Tile Cleaner made by Faberchimica or CPDecon made by CPSystems. Use product undiluted and let it act for 5 to 10 minutes. Then rub with a white pad, rinse thoroughly with water, soak up any remaining rinsing liquid with a wet vacuum cleaner or a cloth and finally dry with a good quality microfibre cloth, such as MAGICCLEAN by CPSystems.

Cleaning heavy duty

Non-slip treatment

Non-slip properties of installed floors (glazed or unglazed) can be improved using specific products. Follow the instructions given on the package. The longer the product is left acting on the tile, the more this increases the non-slip properties. However, this can whiten the tiles a little and make cleaning a little more difficult.

Advice: Before applying the product make a precautionary test on a tile that is not laid in order to find the most suitable contact time.