Vitrified Tile Maintenance

About Vitrified Tiles

A Vitrified Tile is a tile that is created by the Vitrification process. The tile is processed in such a way that it has very low porosity (absorption), with tiles generally absorbing less then 3 percent moisture. As such, Vitrified Tiles are stain-resistant, strong and do not (generally) require sealing. Another feature of vitrified tiles is that because there is no surface glaze, the colour and texture are consistent through the whole tile. Unlike glazed ceramic tiles, if a Vitrified Tile is chipped, the affected area is the same colour as the reminder of the tile and is therefore less obvious. As a man-made product, quality is controlled during manufacture. Compared to natural stone, Vitrified Tiles posses much better mechanical strength, scratch resistance, chemical resistance and resistance to staining. They are suitable for high traffic areas and both internal and external application.

Cleaning Vitrified Tiles

Vitrified Tiles require regular cleaning with a PH neutral cleaner. Do not use bleach based or acid based products as with regular use, these may damage the grout in between the tiles. Tiles with a rough or textured surface may benefit from the use of a doodlebug rather than a mop for a more effective clean.

Common Cleaning Mistakes

• Using the wrong cleaning products – too harsh a chemical or too abrasive a cleaner.

• Using too much product – dilute as per instructions, more is NOT better.

• Applying too much water to the surface / flooding the area.

• Not changing the water or cleaning solution often enough.

• Not finishing with a rinse to remove any cleaner / chemical residue.

• Leaving residual moisture on the floors – make sure to dry mop, wet vac or dry with an old towel or rag so that there is no residual moisture left on the floors (especially in the grout joints).

Sealing Vitrified Tiles

Act NOW to Protect Your Vitrified Tiles & Grout…. Sealing of Vitrified Tiles is NOT usually necessary due to their low porosity. One method to check the porosity of a tile is to pour a small puddle of water onto a single tile in an inconspicuous area. Leave the water to sit for a couple of hours. Mop up the puddle of water with a clean rag. If the exposed tile has changed colour (looks wet) or there is a “tide-line” or “witness mark” where the puddle had been, this indicates that the tile is porous and requires sealing. This test will indicate moderate-high porosity levels. Tiles with a lower porosity may require alternate testing on a spare or sample tile. With the rare Vitrified Tiles that show higher than usual levels of porosity, Total TileCare strongly recommend that any newly laid Vitrified Tiles and grout be sealed immediately so that the area gains the full benefit of the protection.

1. Prevent unsightly stains
2. Prevent discolouration
3. Keep your tiled floors looking better for longer

About Grout

Grout is a porous product and should always be sealed. Once discoloured, regrouting or recolouring (using an epoxy based sealant) are the best options for renewing grout that has not been sealed previously.

How Total TileCare Can Help

Newly Laid Tiles

Professional Tile Cleaning – to remove grout residue or grout haze.

Professional Sealing – to protect the new Vitrified Tiles (if needed) & grout.

Existing Tiles

Professional Tile Cleaning – to remove build-up of dirt and other contaminants.

Professional Sealing or Re-Sealing – to protect the Vitrified Tiles &/or grout.

Tile Regrouting – for cracked, deteriorated or discoloured grout.