Ceramic tiles are beautiful and are a common material used in bathrooms. Ceramic tiles are composed of clay, minerals and water, which are shaped into an object and then fired in a kiln until solid. When we remodeled one of our bathrooms, we chose ceramic tile for the floor and shower because it’s versatile, easy to clean, durable and there were many options to choose from. When choosing ceramic tile, you will notice that there are two major differences to choose from: glazed or unglazed. Glazed ceramic tile is easier to clean compared to unglazed ceramic. The glaze provides a glass coating for the tile which helps the tile to resist stains and scratches. Glazed ceramic is generally more durable than unglazed ceramic because it has to go through an extra firing process. There are many types of finishes; however the main ones you’ll hear of are gloss vs. matte. You will find semi-gloss and high-gloss ceramic tiles on bathroom walls, countertops and backsplashes.

You will find matte ceramic tiles on floors and showers. Unglazed ceramic tile is ideal for high-traffic areas. Although no floor tile is slip resistant, unglazed ceramic tile is generally considered less like likely to cause injury. Unglazed ceramic should be treated to resist stains, as they can absorb liquids fairly easily. Caution should also be used as unglazed ceramic chips more easily than glazed ceramic. Before choosing a cleaning solution, be sure to test the solution in an inconspicuous area to ensure colorfastness and suitability. Avoid using anything abrasive (steel wool, scouring powder, etc.) as they can damage the finish of your ceramic tile. Also, avoid using bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, as these are known for discoloring grout. Ceramic is generally considered low maintenance when it comes to cleaning. You should always use the solution recommended by your tile manufacturer. Many places recommend using “PH-neutral” cleaners as they won’t harm the finish on your ceramic or discolor the grout.

One of the most important things is to make sure you clean up spills immediately, as they could discolor the grout or damage the finish of your ceramic.Dirt is your biggest enemy when it comes to ceramic tile. If it is left to sit, the chances of it scratching your ceramic or getting embedded in any pre-existing scratches increases significantly. Countertops can also accumulate dirt and debris and need to be cleaned regularly too. A great preventative maintenance tool is a floor mat, especially for high-traffic areas. Note: Unglazed ceramic tile should only be cleaned with PH-neutral cleansers. They are specifically formulated to remove the grease, oil, and spills that accumulate on unglazed surfaces. If your ceramic tile hasn’t been cleaned in while, it could probably benefit from a deep cleaning. Follow all of the steps outlined in “Regular Care and Maintenance,” but instead of using plain water you can add a few drops of Dawn dishwashing liquid. It is important not to use detergents or soaps too frequently, as they can cause your ceramic to look dull.

After mopping with the soapy water, rinse (this is important!) with clean water to remove any leftover residue, and then dry. Hard water stains are normal; they develop when water has a high mineral content and is left to evaporate on a surface. Acid based tile cleaners are best for cleaning these stains, but use caution – wear gloves and make sure the area is well-ventilated.what is the best canister vacuum cleaner to buy Full strength vinegar (a mild acid) and elbow grease will help dissolve the hard water deposits as well.pool heat pump reviews 2012 The bathroom is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. miami hotel with largest pool

High humidity, minimal air flow and low light all contribute to the growth of these bacteria.Get your safety equipment (gloves and goggles) and in a well-ventilated area, do the following: After a long day and everyone’s in bed, slip into a nice warm tub and relax. Adura Care and Maintenance You can protect your Mannington Adura Floor by following these easy guidelines.carpet cleaning toronto west end Use doormats outside each entrance to your home to prevent dirt, sand, grit and other substances such as oil, asphalt and driveway sealer from being tracked onto your floor. best way to keep porcelain tiles cleanUse non-staining mats on your floor. luxury hotels in dallas with indoor pools

Do not put rubber-backed, latex-backed or coco fiber mats on your floor because they will stain or damage the surface To minimize potential staining from asphalt tracking, we suggest you use a latex-based driveway sealer on your driveway. Close your curtains or blinds where extreme sunlight hits the floor. A combination of heat and sunlight causes most home furnishings to fade or discolor. Support furniture with wide-bearing, non-staining floor protectors. Ideally, the protectors should be at least one inch in diameter, made of non-pigmented hard plastic, and rest flat on the floor. Non-staining felt protectors are also acceptable. Casters with a minimum 3/4" flat surface width or floor protectors are recommended for all moveable furniture. Make sure any metal protectors are rust-proof. Replace your narrow dome furniture rests with wide-bearing ones. If you need to move heavy furniture and/or appliances across the floor, always use strips of wood or hardboard runways to protect the floor.

Always use runways even if you have an appliance dolly, or even if the heavy objects are equipped with wheels or rollers. Sweep your floor regularly (at least once per week). Prevent stains by wiping up spills promptly. Occasional mopping with Mannington Award Series® Rinse-Free Cleaner is recommended when dirt builds up and sweeping alone is not sufficient. Use a solution of 2 to 3 capfuls of Award Series® Cleaner (or clear, non-sudsy ammonia) in one gallon of warm water. Use of more than the recommended amount of cleaning solution may leave a dulling film. Do not use soap or detergent products as they will leave a dulling film. Rinsing is not required when using Mannington Award Series® Rinse-Free Cleaner, but if time permits, rinsing will provide the best care. Adura® floors are low-gloss floors; use polish or "mop and shine" products only if you wish to make the floor shiny. After several applications of polish for a high-shine floor, an occasional stripping and reapplication of polish may be necessary.

We recommend the use of Mannington Award Series® Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper. After thorough cleaning, rinsing and drying, apply Mannington Award Series® High-Gloss Polish to restore the shine. Do not use wax. High-traffic areas may require more than one application of polish. Allow polish to dry "tack-free" between coats. Adura® Floors Stain Solver The overall stain resistance of our Mannington Adura® floors is excellent and most spills will wipe off quickly and easily with a clean, white cloth. Removing certain substances may take a little extra effort, as outlined in the chart below. Start with first step listed. Only do steps necessary to resolve the problem Always use a clean, white cloth for wiping up stains and turn it frequently to avoid spreading the stain. Rinse with clean water and allow area to dry between steps. If stain removal causes a change in gloss level, apply polish per recommended guidelines. For items not covered by the chart, call Mannington Customer Care at 1-800-FLOOR-US (1-800-356-6787).

If a substance is gummy, scrape off with dull knife. Clean using Mannington Award Series® Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper and a soft nylon pad or soft bristle brush. Saturate a clean, white cloth with bleach solution, cover stain and allow to stand for no more than 1 hour. Tar, Oil, Asphalt, Grease, Wax, Paint (oil-based) Scrape excess substance off with dull knife. Clean using Mannington Award Series® Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper and a soft nylon pad or soft bristle brush. Wipe with a clean, white cloth dampened with lighter fluid, painter's naphtha or isopropyl alcohol. Limit traffic over damaged area, cover with masking tape, contact your retailer or Mannington for advice. Scrape excess off with dull knife. Wipe with a clean, white cloth dampened with lighter fluid, painter's naphtha or isopropyl alcohol. Saturate a clean, white cloth with bleach* solution, cover stain and allow to stand for no more than 1 hour. Clean using Mannington Award Series® Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper and a soft nylon pad or soft bristle brush.