Caring for your tiles

Step-by-step guide: Removing grout residue from tiles

If grout has been left on the face of the tile for too long, it will create a “film” or “haze” on the tile which goes away when water is applied and will re appear once it dries. This is more than likely a cement “film/haze”. The way to combat this and get rid of it once and for all is to use Lithofin Cement Residue Remover. (Please note not suitable for some natural stones).

1. Dilute the Cement Residue Remover in a clean bucket using clean water. (Dilution Ratio 1:4)
2. Wet down the tiles with clean water then apply the diluted Cement Residue Remover with a clean mop or white pad. Alternatively use a soft bristled scrubbing brush.
3. Go over the affected area a few times to allow the product to get full coverage.
4. Leave to work and soak into the grout residue for about 10 minutes. Then re-agitate the solution.
5. Rinse down with clean water and wipe down with a clean and dry cloth. If the problem still occurs, you can up the ratio to 1:15. Always test the product in the corner of the room to ensure that no damage to the face of the tile occurs.

Step-by-step Guide: Tile maintenance cleaning

General day to day cleaning of tiles is essential when it comes to keeping them looking clean and new. Daily stains, muck and general dirt can affect the aesthetic of the face of the tile if left long enough, which is why it’s essential to conduct maintenance cleans. Lithofin Easy Care is the product for the job.

1. Fill a clean bucket with lukewarm water and add a small amount of Lithofin Easy Care to the water. (roughly 20ml per 10 litres of water) If the surface is especially dirty, add more product to the same amount of water.
2. Apply the product to the surface of the tile with a clean mop/wipe or soft bristled brush.
3. Allow the product to work for 10 minutes before rinsing with clean water.
4. Buff any dry spots with a clean mop or cloth.

Lithofin Easy Care can be added to floor cleaning machines if necessary. Easy Care is only a maintenance cleaner and will not remove any deep stains. For tougher stains, we recommend either Lithofin Wexa / Lithofin MN Power Clean depending on the tile type.

Step- by-step guide: Removing stains & marks from tiles

Sometimes tiles get marked or stained with a lot of different types of dirt or other substances. Removing them can be tricky, but Lithofin have a select range of products available to aid in cleaning and removing stains. Two of the most common and most effective products a Lithofin Wexa and Lithofin Power Clean.

Note: Wexa can be used on most natural stones excluding Sandstone. MN Power Clean can be used for all natural and artificial stone including porcelain. Avoid splashing on sensitive areas such as wood / metal / painted surfaces when using both products.

1. For Both Wexa and Power Clean / Wax Off, a dilution ratio of 1:10 is required.
2. Fill a clean bucket with clean water and add the product into the bucket for dilution.
3. Apply the product to the surface of the tile and agitate with a soft bristled brush.
4. Leave to work for 10 – 15 minutes depending on the stain / dirt, but do not allow to dry.
5. Brush again before rinsing with clean water.

If the stain still remains when using Power Clean, you can cut the ratio to 1:5. However, do not do this for WEXA - instead just repeat the process with 1:10 solution.

Step-by-step guide: Sealing tiles

Sometimes tiles arrive from the factory unsealed and are porous - mainly natural stone but some porcelain can also be affected by this. Lithofin have a wide range of sealers available and they are all applied in the same way as each other.

1. The surface of the tile must be clean and free from any previous sealers / dirt and completely dry. A clean sponge / cloth / brush must be used when applying the sealer. Apply the sealer in the corner of the room to make sure that it does not react with the tiles.
2. If the sealer does not react with the tiles, apply the sealer to the tiles until they are wet in appearance and allow to work for 15 minutes.
3. Make sure that all puddles of the sealer are evenly distributed and are not puddling/drying in one spot. If the product is still on the surface of the tile after 30 minutes, wipe away the excess with a dry cloth and ensure that the tiles are fully dry

Lithofin’s various sealers are specifically made for different stone types:

• Lithofin MN Stainstop – All natural and artificial stones including porcelain
• Lithofin MN Stainstop ECO – limestone and similar stones
• Lithofin Protective Impregnator – Porcelain tiles ONLY
• Lithofin KF Stainstop – Quarry tiles