 Maintenance
INITIAL CLEANING AFTER INSTALLATION
The installation contractor will have cleaned off the tile floor to remove the excess grout. It is common for the contractor to use an acid-based cleaner which reacts with the calcium in the grout and actually dissolves the grout film away. It also reacts with the grout line itself and this is why an acidic cleaner should not be used on a regular basis.
If you are not satisfied with the cleanliness of the floor because there is still a grout film left behind on the tile and the type of grout used was cement based, follow these instructions:
- Sweep the floor to remove all loose dirt and debris. Use a vacuum or a soft bristle brush.
- Mop a solution of 1 part Lithofin CIC to 10 parts warm water on the floor. Allow to stand or approx. 10 minutes and then agitate the solution with a 175 rpm floor buffer fitted with a stiff nylon or natural fiber bristle brush. Adopt a north-south and east-west cross- pattern to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Vacuum the dirty solution and thoroughly rinse with clean water.
- If the grout residue still remains, it will be necessary to rinse with an acid-based cleaner. Dilute 1 part Lithofin CFR to 10 parts water and mop the solution onto the floor. Follow the floor machine directions as outlined in section 2 above. Please note that all necessary safety precautions as prescribed on the material data safety sheet and the product label should be followed without exception when using acid solutions.
- Vacuum the dirty solution and thoroughly rinse with clean water.
- It is highly recommended that you always test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area before using them over the whole floor. Some colored grout may be bleached bv the acid wash.
SURFACE TREATMENT AND GROUT STAIN PROTECTION
As previously discussed on page 1, most matte porcelain tiles have a surface texture that traps and retains dirt which makes the tile difficult to clean using a conventional mop and bucket. This is because the mop glides over the surface of the tile and does not get into the small grooves, which hold the dirt. Only cleaning with a floor scrubber fitted with a stiff nylon brush will get into the small grooves and lift out the dirt.
It is now possible to address both the tile cleaning and the grout staining problems by using products from the Lithofin Ceramic tile range.
LITHOFIN CTI 'CERAMIC TILE IMPREGNATOR'
When CTI is applied to the clean and dry floor, it is absorbed by the porous grout, which after curing renders the grout stain resistant to water-borne contaminants. After the excess impregnator is removed from the surface of the tile by gently wiping with a terry cloth dampened with CTI and allowed to dry, a thin film of product is left behind over the entire surface of the porcelain, including the small grooves. The thin invisible film, which now occupies the small grooves, will prevent dirt from sticking in these hard to reach areas, making the floor a lot easier to keep clean. The foot traffic will abrade away the film off of the high points but the low points will remain untouched. The high point abrasion is inconsequential to the cleanability of the floor.
It is suggested that Lithofin CTI be applied on an annual basis. This would follow a deep clean using Lithofin SCS and a floor buffer fitted with a stiff nylon or natural bristle brush. If it is necessary to deep clean more than once in the annual cycle, Lithofin CTI should be re-applied to maintain the tile's cleanability.
Please note that the Lithofin CTI will render the tile and the grout easier to clean. It is very important to follow the dally maintenance program to keep the floor looking its best.
If the tile is polished, a different set of circumstances comes into play. Although the surface is appreciably smoother than the matte tile, the polishing process may expose some microscopic pores, which could make the tiles vulnerable to stains if exposed to excessive spills or dirt. In this situation, the use of CTI will fill the micropores and prevent stains from sinking in. After application and 15-minute dwell time, care must be taken to remove all excess impregnator from the surface of the tile. This is achieved using clean dry terry cloth.
If the tile has a textured surface, it is essentially a matte finish with a surface pattern impressed into it to simulate a natural slate cleft or a flame finished granite. This type of tile is very difficult to clean and Lithofin CTI helps to improve an already complicated situation. It is even more important to remove the excess CTI after the 15-minute dwell time as there are many places where the product can pool. Every attempt must be made to prevent pooling.
LITHOFIN CQI 'CERAMIC QUARRY IMPREGNATOR'
Lithofin CQI differs from Lithofin CTI from the aspect that it is specifically intended for use on porous ceramic tile products. CQI will protect the tile and grout against staining from both oil and water based contaminants, and is suitable for outdoor and indoor applications.
LITHOFIN CGI 'CERAMIC GROUT IMPREGNATOR'
Lithofin CGI is a product, which can be used on tile installations where a glazed tile has been used and protecting the grout against staining is the only consideration. CGI is a water-based impregnator which make it an ideal product for use in situations where using petroleum based may be difficult e.g. healthcare facilities etc. Water based impregnators are highly effective on grout because grout is very porous and readily absorbs the water based product. Following curing, the grout will resist staining against oil and water based contaminants.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
UNPOLISHED TILES
- Sweep or dust mop the floor to remove all loose dirt and grit.
- Clean the floor using a solution of Lithofin CDC "Ceramic Daily Cleaner" diluted in warm water at the ratio of 1oz of CDC to 1 gallon of water. Cleaning can be done using either a mop or an automatic floor scrubber fitted with a soft nylon bristle brush. (Please note that a floor pad will not dean grout lines)
- Special ingredients ensure an optimum cleaning effect, at the same time conditioning the surface without forming a film and leaving a streak-free finish. It is not necessary to wipe or rinse again unless the solution in the bucket becomes dirty.
- When cleaning with an automatic scrubber, fit brushes and operate the machine at a slow walking pace with the squeegee down and locked into position.
- Lithofin CDC is intended for use on moderately soiled floors. If the floor is heavily soiled, occasional intensive cleaning with Lithofin CIC is recommended
POLISHED TILES
- Sweep or dust mop the floor clean to remove loose dirt and grit.
- Wipe over the floor using a well-wrung out mop in a solution of Lithofin conditioning cleaner diluted in warm water at a ratio of 1oz of cleaner to 1 gallon of water.
- When cleaning with an automatic scrubber, operate the machine at a slow walking pace with the brushes and vacuum squeegee down and locked.
TEXTURED SURFACES
These types of textured surfaces provide much improved safety characteristics (slip-resistance) but require cleaning procedures which allow the lowest points in their surface to be reached Standard wet mopping is not sufficient to clean this tile; instead it is necessary to follow the following procedures:
- Sweep or vacuum the floor clean of loose dirt and grit.
- Clean the floor using a slow speed 175rpm floor scrubber fitted with stiff nylon or natural fiber brush and a solution of Lithofin conditioning cleaner diluted in warm water at a ratio of 1 oz of cleaner to 1 gallon of water. Vacuum well after using the floor machine.
- Due to the difficulty in cleaning these types of tiles, the use of Lithofin CIC may be needed more frequently. It is also necessary to use the machine in a cross action North-South and East-West to ensure adequate cleaning action, making a single-disc floor machine more suitable than an automatic floor scrubber in this application.
LITHOFIN CSC 'CERAMIC SANITARY CLEANER'
This is an acid based cleaner for the cleaning of soap film, limescale, skin oils, rust and urine deposits in the bathroom environment. CSC can be used on all surfaces that are not acid sensitive, which include plastic or fiberglass tubs/shower surrounds, porcelain fixtures and chrome. Lithofin csc is not to be used on marble or terrazzo.
LITHOFIN CGC 'CERAMIC GROUT CLEANER'
This is a highly effective grout cleaner which is alkali based and intended for use in kitchens and bathrooms. CGC helps to restore the natural color to old or dirty grout.
LITHOFiN CTP 'CERAMIC TILE POLISH'
This is a water based acrylic emulsion intended for use on unglazed ceramic quarry tile and pavers. CTP provides a silky gloss finish and enriches the color of the tile. The finish is resistant to scratching and scuffing.
For further details on the use and application of all the new Lithofin Ceramic tile products, please refer to the product data sheets.
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