“Porcelain tiles are maintenance-free.”
Porcelain tiles are very durable – and generally far more resistant to stains than a natural surface – but this myth is incorrect. They are not maintenance free.
A good cleaning regime with a suitable detergent is essential. It will not only maintain a tile’s aesthetic, but also its slip resistance; this is particularly important in areas like hallways, bathrooms and kitchens, and on paths and patios outdoors.
If dirt is allowed to accumulate in a textured porcelain surface, or on the face of a polished porcelain tile, it will become slippery and dull. In textured tiles, dirt often accumulates in the tile’s high/low surfaces and, once congested, the texture is lost along with the tile’s slip resistance. These issues can also be created by using an unsuitable, waxy cleaner, which will leave a residue behind. Any residue will also create a key onto which dirt will stick and the surface will be more difficult to keep clean.
Outdoors, tiles should also be maintained correctly. A blast with a jet wash may seem like the best option but it will only wash dirt off the surface, and over-use can in some cases damage and remove grout. A specialist treatment will react with ingrained residue and organic matter, ensuring that the tile texture and aesthetic is retained.
Inside, we recommend LTP Multipurpose Cleaner for general cleaning and aftercare, and for Indoors and outdoors, we recommend LTP Porcelain Floor Tile Cleaner.
For external porcelain, we recommend LTP Grimex for a deep clean and LTP Blackspot & Algae Remover for tiles stained with mould spores, black spot, lichen, fungus and moss.
For more advice on stone and tile protection and maintenance, please contact LTP’s Technical Team on tel. 01823 666213, email [email protected] or visit http://www.ltp-online.co.uk
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