Care Guide
Tile should be maintained regularly to prevent the build-up of soil, grease, residue, soap, sealers, and moisture. A clean surface also helps reduce slippery conditions.
Unsure which products suit your tile? Ask our team before cleaning or sealing.
Most glazed ceramic wall tiles do not require sealing. However, crackled or crazed ceramics should be treated with a penetrating sealer before grouting to help prevent staining. Periodic resealing is necessary for crazed ceramics in wet areas such as showers. For regular cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleanser or hot water with a soft cloth.
Clean glossy glass tiles regularly with products designed for glass and a soft, lint-free cloth. Never use abrasive cleaners or pads on matte or glossy glass. Sanded or matte glass should be thoroughly degreased and cleaned with denatured alcohol using a soft, lint-free cloth. Murphy's Oil Soap can be used to restore lustre to sanded or matte surfaces.
Most glazed tiles need a regular cleaning schedule using pH-neutral cleansers or hot water and a soft cloth. Change the water frequently to prevent dirty mop water building up in textured areas of the glaze and along grout lines.
Cement tiles must be pre-sealed with a suitable penetrating sealer before installation. Acids, citrus juice, citrus cleaners, red wine, and oils may etch concrete surfaces, so clean spills immediately. Use a pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleanser for routine cleaning.
Protect stone floors, walls, and counters with a suitable penetrating sealer. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners, particularly those containing phosphoric or glycolic acids. Acidic materials such as vinegar and lemon juice can etch stone surfaces such as limestone.
For maintenance, use only pH-neutral cleansers or hot water. Occasional deep cleaning may be required to restore and maintain the stone's original finish.
Tile & Grout Sealers
Sealer technology falls into two broad categories: penetrating or impregnating sealers, and coating or surface sealers.
Penetrating
Premium stone, tile, and grout sealers use higher-quality active ingredients to fill gaps in the stone and provide better stain resistance across different levels of porosity and density.
Dense stone needs smaller sealer molecules to enter its smaller pores. Water-based sealers use water as the carrier, while solvent-based sealers penetrate with a solvent-based carrier.
The right carrier depends on the application. With a premium sealer, the active ingredients bond with the surface and fill its pores; any product that does not penetrate is wiped away.
Surface
These sealers form a film over the surface to provide chemical and stain resistance. They are generally used on matte, textured, porous materials such as terracotta, slate, and concrete.
Coating sealers can alter a material's appearance and slip resistance, and are generally used only indoors. Always check the manufacturer's directions and confirm the product is appropriate for your surface before application.
New collections, project inspiration and practical design updates from KW Tiles.