Care and Maintenance

Tile and stone are easy to clean and maintain, and with very little effort can look great for years. The safest way to clean your tile and stone is with clean, warm water. If using a cleaning product, be sure to read the label first to ensure it is appropriate for the type of material you are cleaning. We have a large selection of cleaning products available in our showroom and our client representatives can help you to find the one that meets your needs.

How to care for your ceramic and porcelain tile floor

A dry mop and simple wipe of spills with a damp cloth will keep ceramic tile clean. The periodic use of a mild detergent and clean water on a mop will help to maintain its beauty. At Pembroke Tile & Stone, we carry a number of cleaners for all types of ceramic and tile floor.

Do

• Seal unglazed tile
• Use a broom or vacuum to remove dust, dirt & debris, especially prior to damp mopping
• Use clean water with a mild detergent, if desired
• Change water used for cleaning frequently to remove dirt and not just redistribute it.

Do Not

• Use soap, it leaves a film, dulls the surface and promotes mildew
• Use acids (including vinegar) or ammonia on tile
• Use an abrasive material such as steel wool to clean your tile
• Clorox or other bleach products as it can yellow grout and leaves a sticky film

Products available at Pembroke Tile & Stone Co. Ltd.

• Sparks
• Miracle Sealants

To Fix a Broken Tile

Tile can break due to excess wear and tear, incorrect installation or unnatural surface movement. When a tile breaks, it must be replaced with a new tile. Buying extra tile at the time of purchase ensures you will have replacements which match exactly to the rest of the surface. It is best to hire a professional to replace the tile to ensure damage is not done to the surrounding tile and that it is installed properly.

How to care for your natural stone floor

All natural stone should be sealed to protect the finish and extend the life of the stone. Once sealed, simple maintenance similar to tile will ensure its durability and beauty. The rule of thumb is to not use anything you wouldn’t use on your hands. You should always use sealers and cleaning products designed specifically for natural stone. At Pembroke Tile & Stone, we carry a selection of sealers as well as cleaners for natural stones.

Do

• Seal with a proper sealer for the type of natural stone you are using
• Clean up spills as soon as they happen by blotting with a clean cloth
• Use coasters and trivets under wet or hot items
• Use mats at inside and outside entrances to minimize dust, dirt and sand that can scratch the stone surface
• Use a neutral, stone soap or mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water and rinse thoroughly

Do Not

• Use any product that is acidic, such as soap, acids (including vinegar) or ammonia or many common liquid cleaners such as Windex as it will dull the polish and possibly etch the surface.
• Use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Even ”soft scrub” type cleaners contain pumice, which is powdered volcanic stone, and might damage your stone countertops or floors
• Use Clorox or bleach products as this may damage the surface.

Products available at Pembroke Tile & Stone Co. Ltd.

• Sparks
• Miracle Sealants

How to care for your grout

Grout must be sealed to protect it from moisture and debris. Once sealed, it should be cleaned similar to ceramic tile. At Pembroke Tile & Stone, we carry grout sealers as well as cleaners.

Do

• Use a broom or vacuum to remove dust, dirt and debris
• Use clean water with a mild detergent, if desired

Do Not

• Use soap, acids (including vinegar) or ammonia as they will affect the colour of the grout
• Use Clorox or other bleach products as it will cause white grout to yellow

Cracked Grout

Grout between ceramic tiles can become cracked, discolored and chipped. Cracks allow water to get behind the tile, causing more expensive problems, so it is important to have it fixed. Replacing old tile grout will also give your tile a fresh, new look.

Products available at Pembroke Tile & Stone Co. Ltd.

• Sparks
• Miracle Sealants
• Mapei