Caring for your tile floors

• Sweep or vacuum at least once a week to remove dirt, sand, and other abrasive materials.
• Damp-mop your tile floors regularly with a cleanser recommended by the manufacturer. After mopping, be sure to rinse the floor with plain warm water.
• Do not use ammonia or bleaches to clean tile flooring. Cleansers containing these agents can discolor the grout.
• Don't use steel wool or any other abrasive substance on tile surfaces; these materials can dull or scratch your tile.
• Do not wax tile flooring.
• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining grout. If necessary, clean up the spill with a clean dry cloth and a cleanser recommended by the manufacturer.
• Place mats on the tile floor at each outside door. You should also use mats on heavy traffic areas, such as doorways and the areas in front of sinks. Mats will help protect the flooring from dirt and grit as well as excess wear.
• Place protective pads or "feet" under the legs of iron and other metal furniture. Metal furniture can rust, staining your tile floors.

Caring For Your Tile Showers, Walls, And Countertops

Use a soft cloth or a squeegee to wipe down the surface of a tiled shower to prevent chemical buildup, mold, and mildew.

After cleaning tile countertops, you can wipe them down with a soft dry cloth to prevent streaking and increase the shine.

Apply or re-apply sealant to tile surfaces every 6 to 12 months to prevent the build up of dirt and residues; this also helps prevent staining.