UNGLAZED FLOOR TILES OR QUARRIES

Use a Ph neutral cleaning agent. The regular use of detergents and other cleaning agents which are excessively acidic or alkaline can cause irreversible damage to the tile surface; acidity being less damaging than alkalinity.

The cleaning solution should be allowed to remain on the floor for sufficient time (five to 15 minutes) to allow it to penetrate and emulsify the dirt, after which it should be remove d by rinsing thoroughly with clean water.

IT IS THE RINSING PROCESS WHICH REMOVES THE DIRT.

GLAZED FLOOR AND WALL TILES

The routine cleaning of glazed ceramic floor tiles should present few difficulties. Any loose dirt or grit should first be removed from the surface with a dry cloth or brush followed by warm water to which a neutral, low sulphate detergent has been added. This should be followed by a final rinsing with clean water.

ABRASIVE POWDERS WHICH MAY SCRATCH THE GLAZE MUST NOT BE USED.

Most specialist tile outlets will stock cleaning and maintenance products for all forms of tiles. In addition there are companies offering specialist cleaning products and maintenance and repair services. You can find these and more information about specifying, fixing and caring for floor tiles on The Tile Association website at www.tiles.org.uk  

The Tile Association has published “The Cleaning of Ceramic Tiles”. For information on how to obtain it consult the website or phone 020 8663 0946.