CEMENT TILE MAINTENANCE GUIDE
Posted on April 5, 2019
If properly installed and cared for cement tile can be a long lasting and durable product imparting beauty and style. Cement tile cures naturally over time resulting in minor variations in color and tone. These variations are inherent in cement tile and are part of the beauty of the product. Variations in colors should be expected from lot to lot so order accordingly. Cement tile is porous and susceptible to staining if not properly sealed. Presidio Tile does not warranty stains or stain resistance. It is the purchasers responsibility to properly install, seal, and maintain this product. Cement tile requires expert installation and sealing. Presidio Tile does not warranty any tile installation and is not responsible for any installation costs that might result from a warranty issue. Your tile may have received a pre-seal for pre-installation protection however this does not constitute a final seal or stain resistance of any type. Cement tile may require multiple coats of a professional grade sealer approved for cement tile. There are multiple types of sealers for cement tile each with their benefits and risks including water-based, solvent-based, acrylic sealers, and wax sealers. Please consult an expert to find out what sealer is best for your individual needs. Presidio Tile is not a sealer manufacture and does not sell, supply, or warranty sealers. Do not let grout dry on the surface of a cement tile or it will be impossible to remove. Do not clean cement tile with an acidic grout remover as it will destroy the finish of the tile. Do not grout a light tile with dark grout. Do not clean cement tile with acidic or alkaline cleaners or harsh abrasives which can stain or etch the tile. Only use PH neutral cleaners on this product. If installed in a wet area, regular sealing with a sealer that prevents efflorescence may be required. Our thin cement tile is a veneer tile and is not intended to be structural. Do not install cement tile in submerged areas such as a pool. Do not install near open flames or smoke or high heat.
- Never use acid or alkaline cleaners for cement tiles. A PH neutral mild floor cleaner should always be used to maintain and mop your tile. Miracle Tile & Stone Cleaner, Bona Stone Tile Cleaner, Meyer’s Multi-surface Concentrate, YL Thieves Household Concentrated Cleaner, Zep Neutral Floor cleaner is are available at both Lowe’s and Home Depot. WARNING: Use of harsh abrasives including Clorox, Comet, Ajax, Pine Sol, Lysol, or any solvent stripper, acid based or alkaline based cleaner of any kind can damage or etch the finish of your floor.
- Mopping or applying Miracle Limestone & Travertine soap is recommended for daily or weekly maintenance of a cement tile floor and vertical applications. The coating that will build up is a natural non-toxic ‘sacrificial’ finish that will prevent scuff marks and scratching of both your sealer and your tile. It will also provide additional stain barriers to keep your tile looking beautiful. If needed, re-apply sealant to high traffic areas.
- Many stains can be removed by making a “paste” with Hydrogen Peroxide and baking soda or Clear Dawn Dish Soap and baking soda. Apply with a clean cloth or white paper towel and let it sit on the stain until dry. For deeper stains use a soft dish brush to pre-treat the stained area. Meyers Baking Soda Cream Cleanser removes many fresh stains as well. Always test on a small area before applying. Clean and re-seal once stain is removed.
Web Reference Guides:
Dry Treat Cement Tile Guide:
http://www.drytreat.com/assets/pdf/Surface%20Care%20for%20Sealing%20Cement%20Tiles.pdf
Miracle Sealants Encaustic Tile Stain Removal Guide:
https://miraclesealants.com/careguides/MiracleSealants-Encaustic-Tile-Care_2017.pdf
Aquamix Cement Tile Guide: