Porcelain, solid glaze ceramics:

Routine care (daily/weekly) – There are two product lines we recommend for routine cleaning of porcelain and glazed ceramics: 

1. TileLab^® Grout & Tile Cleaner – “Spray-and-wipe cleaner that cuts through grease, stains and soap scum without damaging grout or tile” Available at Home Depot.
2. Stone Tech Professional Stone & Tile Cleaner – Also spray and wipe for use on “natural stone such as marble, granite, limestone, travertine, slate, terrazzo & sandstone. Ceramic tile, porcelain tile & grout.”  Available on-line through their website http://www.stonetechpro.com/ . 

Scheduled maintenance (6-12 months) – Porcelain and solid glazed ceramics do not need to be sealed.  Their surface is not porous, so applying a sealer will usually result in spotting once the sealer dries.  However, you may want to seal the grout initially (wait at least 72 hours after tile has been grouted).  Depending on how heavy traffic is on the area, you may want to reseal the grout every 6-12 months.   The product we recommend is:

1.      CBP Grout, Concrete & Masonry Sealer – “CBP Grout, Concrete & Masonry Sealer is a clear, invisible sealer that provides protection for grout, concrete or masonry. Economical, easy-to-apply, general-use sealer that resists efflorescence on grout and concrete block walls. Penetrating sealer that resists most common oil and water-based stains. Will not leave a residue. Low odor, water-based formula. Use interior or exterior.”  Available at Home Depot.

Stone Tech Professional also offers a sealer, but it is more labor intensive to apply.  Please see their website at http://www.stonetechpro.com/products/protect/gs/ for a description of the product.

Heavy cleaning / Restoration – We recommend using Stone Tech Professional’s KlenzAll product.  It is strong, but gentle enough to use near natural stone and metal.  For particularly stubborn stains in the grout, you can also try their Restore product.  Do not allow Restore to come in contact with any natural stone or metal!!!  It is safe on glazed porcelain and ceramic tiles only.  We also do not recommend it’s use on crackle ceramics.  Restore will remove hard water deposits, soap scum and efflorescence.

Crackle glazed ceramics, handmade ceramics:

Routine care (daily/weekly) – We recommend the following for routine maintenance:

1.      TileLab^® OneStep™ Cleaner & Resealer – “Contains SurfaceGard^® Penetrating Sealer to seal as it cleans. Inhibits mold and mildew growth.

2.      Stone Tech Professional Revitalizer™ Cleaner & Protector – Cleans and seals, also protects against mildew.    

Scheduled maintenance (9+ months) – The tile will probably have been sealed initially with the following sealer.  Depending on traffic, you may want to reapply a new coat every 12-18 months if you have been cleaning with one of the products recommended above.  If not, you may want to reapply sooner, or whenever you notice that mildew is beginning to build up in the shower regularly or if dirt is not lifting as easily as before.

1. Stone Tech Professional BulletProof™ Sealer – Keeps natural look of tile and stone, protects against stains.

Restoration – We recommend using Stone Tech Professional’s KlenzAll product.  It is strong, but gentle enough to use near natural stone and metal. 

Marble, slate or any stone that is not granite:

Routine care (daily/weekly) – We recommend the following for routine maintenance:

1.      TileLab^® OneStep™ Cleaner & Resealer – “Contains SurfaceGard^® Penetrating Sealer to seal as it cleans. Inhibits mold and mildew growth.

2.      Stone Tech Professional Revitalizer™ Cleaner & Protector – Cleans and seals, also protects against mildew.    

Natural stone is more sensitive than porcelain and glazed ceramics.  Take care not to allow abrasive or acidic materials to come in contact with your natural stone.  Products that may stain such as hairspray, lotions, nail polish, coffee, dark sodas, etc. should be kept away from your natural stone products.

Scheduled maintenance (9+ months) – The tile will probably have been sealed initially with one of the following sealers.  Depending on traffic, you may want to reapply a new coat every 12-18 months if you have been cleaning with one of the products recommended above.  If not, you may want to reapply sooner, or whenever you notice that mildew is beginning to build up in the shower regularly or if dirt is not lifting as easily as before.

1. Stone Tech Professional BulletProof™ Sealer – Keeps natural look of tile and stone, protects against stains.
2. Stone Tech Professional Enhancer or Enhancer Pro™ - Enriches the color of the stone and protects against stains.

Restoration – We recommend using Stone Tech Professional’s KlenzAll product.  It is strong, but gentle enough to use near natural stone and metal  Oil stains can sometimes be removed with mineral spirits.  For oil stains that are deep in the stone, several applications of Stone Tech’s Oil Stain Remover may be needed.

Granite:

Routine care (daily/weekly) – Granite is usually very easy to clean.  A rag with warm or hot water will remove most dirt from the surface.  Granite can also be maintained using the products recommended for marble and slate. 

1.      TileLab^® OneStep™ Cleaner & Resealer – “Contains SurfaceGard^® Penetrating Sealer to seal as it cleans. Inhibits mold and mildew growth.

2. Stone Tech Professional Revitalizer™ Cleaner & Protector – Cleans and seals, also protects against mildew

Scheduled maintenance  – The polish on granite does not usually need any maintenance.  The grout may need to be re-sealed or maintained.  Use one of the products listed in the routine care section.

Restoration – Granite is virtually indestructible.  However, some varieties are porous and can be susceptible to stains. You can try Stone Tech Professional’s KlenzAll product, or for oil based stains Stone Tech’s Oil Stain Remover.  Mineral spirits may work if the oil stain is on the surface.  Some vendors recommend acetone for the removal of stains such as coffee stains, but it is best to contact the stone vendor first before trying to use household chemicals to remove stains.

Saltillo, talavera:

For unsealed, unglazed products, treat as natural stone.

For sealed and glazed products treat as ceramic tile.