Cleaning, Sealing & Maintaining Granite & Marble Tiles with Tile & Floor Care Products

Remember Always
1. If in doubt phone Tile & Floor Care for free advice on 011 450-1774.
2. Understand that you have purchased a natural product and that it needs to be sealed AND maintained. Maintenance prolongs the life span of all types of tiles.
3. The sealing and maintenance differs for interior and exterior applications.

Cleaning after laying the tile
During grouting make sure all excess grout is removed from the surface with clean water. Attempting to clean the grout off the surface with dirty water and/or dirty cloth or sponge does not clean the surface. Two types of cleaners are needed to prepare the floor for sealing. The first to be used is Grout Off (for removal of grout and cement residues). The second is Easy Clean to remove any grease and oil type stains and to neutralize the surface before sealing.

Using Grout Off on granite must be done carefully. Incorrect application of the Grout Off will result in the granite being etched, and therefore a very expensive repair. The following directions must be followed exactly. Work on small, manageable areas at a time.

1. The Grout Off must be diluted at least 30 parts water to one part Grout Off.
2. Before you begin applying the Grout Off to the floor, have a solution of water with a little Easy Clean in close at hand.
3. Apply the Grout Off solution to the floor with a cloth, and then immediately neutralize with another cloth wet with the Easy Clean solution.
4. Rinse well with diluted Easy Clean, and then rinse repeatedly with fresh clean water until no chemical residues remain.

Choosing a Sealer

When sealing granite, there are generally two types of sealers you may use; they are Invisible Seal and Deep Seal. The sealers give different finishes to the tile and protect the tile in a different manner. It is imperative to check the features of the sealers before choosing.
Invisible Seal
Invisible Sealer is an invisible clear silicone sealer that will maintain the natural look of the tile. Invisible Sealer will repel water and most oils. Invisible Sealer is suitable for interior and exterior applications. Invisible Sealer penetrates into the tile and therefore maintains the anti-slip factors of the tile. Invisible Sealer is used on hard porous surfaces that can withstand relatively heavy traffic and that are hard enough to not need surface protection. Deep Seal
Deep Seal penetrates into the tile and protects from within. Deep Seal bonds and fills the substrate making it stronger and preventing stains from entering the surface. Deep Seal is a urethane sealer and will result in a matt finish and colour enhancement.

Sealing with Invisible Sealer
1. Ensure that the tile is clean and free from grout, cement, oil, wax and other stains. (Clean with the correct Tile & Floor Care product if necessary.)
2. Ensure that the tile is totally dry before applying the sealer. (Wait +- 48 hours after cleaning.)
3. Using a Sheepskin Applicator apply a thin even coat of Invisible Sealer.
4. Wait for the coat to dry for +- 2 hours.
5. Apply Seal to a test patch a second and third coat if necessary, until you can see that the tile is no longer absorbing the seal.
6. Allow to cure before trafficking (+- 12 hours).

Sealing With Deep Seal

1. Read the instructions on the label.
2. Wait 10 to 14 days after the tile has been laid and 48 hours after washing before sealing.
3. Inspect the floor before sealing to ensure that it is clean, as dirt may have settled after the last cleaning operation. If the floor is dirty and cannot be cleaned then phone Tile & Floor Care on 011 450-1774. Do not seal if there are any grout residues or any other type of dirt on the floor.
4. If it is necessary to clean the floor before sealing remember that you will have to wait 48 hours before sealing with Deep Seal.
5. Now that the floor is clean and dry, apply a thin coat of Tile & Floor Care Deep Seal so that the grouting is also sealed. DO NOT use a roller of any type, as they do not deposit enough sealer and cause bubbles. Suitable applicators are a sheepskin applicator, lint free cloth or a good quality paint brush respectively. Do not disturb and allow to dry for 4 to 6 hours.
6. Apply a second coat of Deep Seal in the opposite direction as the first coat, as this will help to avoid streaking.
7. A third coat may be necessary. Remember that Deep Seal is a penetrating sealer and is designed to sit within the tile, and not on top. Therefore you should stop applying the sealer when it begins to sit on top of the tile.
8. Do not disturb and allow to dry for 4 to 6 hours before trafficking the floor.
9. Do not allow water on the tiles for 48 hours after sealing.

Choice Of Finish
Matt - Once you have applied the final coat of sealer, leave to cure and matt down.
Gloss - Once the final coat of sealer is cured apply two coats of Maxi Shine, (not recommended for exterior floors).

Maintenance
1. For daily cleaning clean with Tile & Floor Care Quick Clean.
2. Heavy duty dirt and grime - use Tile & Floor Care Easy Clean diluted with water to the correct strength to remove dirt & grime:
1-50 for mild cleaning,
1-20 for medium dirt,
1-10 for heavy dirt.
ALWAYS rinse with fresh clean water after cleaning with Easy Clean.

GENERAL
If spillage occurs, then clean up as soon as possible. If staining occurs, contact Tile & Floor Care on 011 450-1774.