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Tile Cleaning & MaintenanceHere are a few suggestions to help make cleaning easier and to protect the longevity of your tile work. Although professional cleaning and maintenance services such as stain removal or re-caulking tub surrounds are a part of what we offer at Powerhouse Tile, an ounce of prevention on your part is worth a pound of our cure.
• Always use plastic or natural bristled brushes. Never use metal or wire cleaning implements on any tile or stone product.
• Make sure your mop can reach to the bottom of the grout line. We find a string yacht mop or plastic scrub brush works best.
• Use a dry, clean untreated dust mop regularly.
• Always use a brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner. Plastic or metal attachments can sometimes scratch stone tiles or chip ceramic ones.
• Wash tile or stone with a mild neutral cleaner or stone soap (see Products section) and rinse thoroughly. Vinegar, lemon or other acids destroy grout and etch stone.
• Do not use products containing bleach, even if the product is supposedly formulated for tile! To remove tough stains, contact Powerhouse Tile for professional cleaning services.
• Squeegee shower tile after use to reduce mineral deposits. Open bathroom windows or keep fan on to keep mildew at bay.
• Remove and replace silicone caulking in wet areas every few years before it wears out to ensure a water-tight seal.
• Use a quality sealer on grout and natural stone to prevent staining. Re-apply sealer within the timeframe suggested on the label.
• Many foods and drinks, including alcohol, contain substances that will etch stone. Keep coasters under glasses and mop up spills immediately.
• Do not place hot items directly on stone surfaces.
• Abrasion damage to natural stone can be minimized with the use of area rugs and mats inside and outside entrances.
• Normally it takes about eight steps to shake the dirt from the bottom of ones shoes - make sure the rug is long enough and that the underside is a non-slip surface.
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