Hard Floor Care – Maintenance of Clay and Ceramic Tile Floors

Hard Floor Care – Maintenance of Clay and Ceramic Tile Floors Newly-laid quarry tiles are often stained with cement, giving an unsightly appearance. Cement can be removed with a solution of hydrochloric acid in water. Acid solutions, however, should not be used on glazed tiles as they sometimes tend to dull the surface. Quarry and other types of clay tile require little in the way of routine maintenance and are comparatively easy to keep in a clean and hygienic condition. Many floors are maintained perfectly satisfactorily with water containing a little neutral detergent and mopping equipment, along with the proper cleaning equipment. While upkeep of the tiles themselves is easy, incorrect maintenance materials and methods can destroy the grout between the tiles. This can result in a rapid deterioration in appearance, and perhaps discoloring of the face of the tiles. They may also become loose and eventually detach from the floor. Grout can be attacked by acids and harsh alkaline detergents, and they should, therefore, be avoided. Course abrasives may also damage the grout and tiles. Only mild abrasives should be used, but even these should not be used on glazed tiles as they may dull or scratch the smooth finish. Oily types of sweeping compound and oily mop dressing may stain the grout and cause discoloration. The tiles also may become discolored, particularly if they are unglazed. Oil may be removed with detergent crystals. If floor polishing/scrubbing machines are used on tile floors, only synthetic pads and not steel wool pads should be employed, as fragments left on the floor might rust and stain the tiles or grout. If rust stains appear, they can be removed with a poultice. Perhaps one of the most common cleaning problems is the removal of hard water deposits and soap scum from washrooms and shower floors. Both the deposits left by hard water and soap scum are alkaline, and due to the lime content it cannot be removed with normal types of detergent. They can, however, be removed with a mild acid solution, such as phosphoric acid in water. The solution should be allowed to act for a few minutes and the floor scrubbed, if necessary, with an old nylon web pad. All acid solution should then be thoroughly rinsed from the floor with clean, hot water. Rubber gloves should be worn and great care taken to protect the skin from splashing. Mildew and growth of fungus sometimes occur in hot, moist areas; for example, bathrooms and showers. These can be removed effectively by scrubbing with a detergent containing a quaternary ammonium compound, such as benzalkonium chloride. Regular application, approximately once every two or three weeks, will eliminate them completely. Products of this type are quite safe on the skin (without prolonged exposure) and are odorless and non-irritating. Recommended products for this task include disinfectants, shower cleansers and low acid cleaners. Sealing and Daily Care of Clay and Ceramic Tile Floors: The recommended procedure and janitorial equipment for clay and ceramic tile floors is the same as that given for “Hard Floor Care: Maintenance of Natural Stone Floors”.   Search For Cleaning Supplies And Cleaning Products On Our Online Store

Related Websites

Cleaning Supply Partner Sites Mop Buckets and Wet Mop Supplies Pet Stain And Odor Remover Vacuum Cleaners Floor Pads And Sand Screens Soap Dispensers National Super Service Parts

Accepted At Monsterjanitorial.com

Copyright ©2007 Monstercleaning.com Cleaning Supplies And Cleaning Supplies Specialists