TILE & FLOORING M A I N T E N A N C E
G U I D E
CONTENTS CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 3 Tile Cleaning and Maintenance 3 Flooring Cleaning and Maintenance 6 WARRANTIES
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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TILE CLEANING & MAINTENANCE Thank you for purchasing Tile Depot Tiles for your lovely new home or renovation. Tiles are one of the most hygienic and easily maintained wall and floor surfaces you can choose. However, there are a few tips that can make cleaning and maintenance even easier: 1. Seal the grout. 2. Clean with a Tile & Grout Cleaner. SEALING GROUT Grout (excluding epoxy grout) is porous and should be sealed. to prevent staining and make future cleaning easier. We recommend Aquamix Grout Sealer. Aquamix Grout Sealer is a water based penetrating sealer, that needs only one application. This will reduce the porosity of the grout, improving both its stain resilience and cleanability. In preparation, surfaces should be dry, clean and free of waxes, sealers or finishes. When applying, use a small paint brush and apply one coat to grout. Wipe dry any excess from the tile with a cloth. You may wish to conduct a test to determine if the surface is completely sealed by applying water droplets to the surface. If water is absorbed, apply an additional coat. New grout must be allowed to cure for 7 days prior to application. Older cleaned grout in showers and wet areas must be dry for 24hrs before applying. CLEANING GENERAL Less is more when it comes to cleaning tiles and grout. A general vacuum or sweep removes most dirt and grit, followed by wiping it down with a damp (not too wet) mop or cloth. Be sure not to use too much water and flood the tiles as this will wash dirt into the grout. Extensive use of some cleaning products can in fact make it harder to keep your tiles clean over time and if not rinsed thoroughly, can leave a thin film of “soap scum” that can trap dirt and grease, building up over time to the point where the tiles appear to change colour. We recommend Aqua Mix Concentrate Stone & Tile Cleaner or Lithofin Vitra-Clean for regular tile cleaning. These are concentrated formulas that are very economical to use and won’t build up any residues on the tiles. We would suggest utilising small spray bottles to put the product in to clean your wall tiles. Always read the manufacturer’s directions carefully. If you require something a bit stronger for problem areas, we recommend Aquamix Concentrated Stone and Tile Cleaner, or Lithofin Intensive Cleaner. A good all-purpose cleaner, a plastic scrubbing brush or white magic sponge and a little elbow grease will remove most regular build-up. Cleaning once a week will often be enough, rinsing thoroughly with water after using cleaners.
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TILE MAINTENANCE TIPS Tiles are a popular choice for flooring and wall surfaces due to their durability, stain resilience, and aesthetic appeal. To ensure tiles maintain their beauty, regular cleaning and maintenance is essential. Follow these guidelines to properly care for and maintain porcelain and ceramic tiles: Address Spills and Stains Promptly: • Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining. Blot liquids and use a damp cloth to wipe off any residue. • For stubborn stains, use a pH-neutral tile cleaner such as Aquamix Concentrated Tile Cleaner and a soft brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as they may damage the tiles’ finish. Grout Care: • Grout lines can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Regularly clean the grout with a grout cleaner and a soft brush to keep it looking fresh. • Consider applying a grout sealer every year or as needed to prevent staining and make future cleaning easier. Prevent Scratches: • Place doormats at entryways to trap dirt and grit from footwear before it reaches the tiles. • Use felt pads or glides under furniture legs to prevent scratching when moving furniture. • Avoid dragging heavy objects across the tiles to prevent dents and damage. Avoid Impact and Pressure: • While porcelain and ceramic tiles are relatively durable, they can still crack or chip if subjected to heavy impact. Be cautious when handling heavy objects near the tiles. • Never use the tiles as a work surface for activities like hammering or cutting. Protect from Moisture: • Promptly repair any damaged or cracked tiles to prevent water seepage. Regular Inspection: • Periodically inspect the tiles and grout for any cracks, chips, or other damage. Address any issues immediately to prevent further damage. Avoid Wax and Oil-Based Cleaners: • Avoid using wax-based or oil-based cleaners on tiles, as they can leave a residue that dulls the tile’s appearance. By following the above guidelines, you are ensuring that your tiles remain in excellent condition for years to come, retaining their beauty and functionality. Regular care will not only keep your tiles looking great but also help preserve the investment in your home.
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FLOORING CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Neptune SPC, Tenacity and laminate flooring are fantastic alternatives to hardwood flooring without all the maintenance issues associated with natural wood. However in order to keep it looking as good as new for many years to come follow these basic care and cleaning tips: REGULAR CLEANING • Clean your floor regularly with a simple sweep or vaccum. Accumulated soil may lead to scratching. Use a soft broom and NEVER any rotating powerhead, floorscrubber, or jet mop. • Mop or wipe with a well rung mop or cloth.Never use excessive moisture as this will damage your flooring. • Use lukewarm water with a neutral cleaning agent for most stains and regular cleaning. Soap, oil cleaners and restorative products must never be used. We recommend Bona Tile and Laminate Cleaner and Spray Mop. • Do not use aggressive or abrasive cleaning products, bleach, wax, oil, high % non-diluted vinegar, acetone or harsh chemicals to maintain the floor. • Use nail polish remover or denatured alcohol applied to a clean cloth for harder to remove stains, such as nail polish, tar, markers, crayon, lipstick, ink and cigarette burns. Rinse the surface with a clean rag soaked in cool water. • Clean up spills and excessive liquids immediately. • Pet stains (including urine, faeces, and vomit from domestic cats or dogs) need to be cleaned within 24 hours. • Do not pour chemicals directly on floor. 6
SPOT REMOVAL • Spots must be removed immediately using a well-wrung, slightly damp cloth. To reduce spotting, do not allow liquids to stand or remain on the surface of the flooring. • For stubborn spots use low odor mineral spirits or denatured alcohol applied to a clean cloth. • For chocolate, grease, juice and wine stains, use lukewarm water, a non-abrasive cleaner on a damp cloth. • For candle wax and chewing gum, scrape carefully with a blunt plastic scraper. FLOOR PROTECTION • Avoid bringing dirt, sand, grit and substances such as oil or asphalt indoors. Use non staining mat at entrances (inside and out). • Do not use rubber backed mats as long term contact with the rubber backing can cause permanent stains. • Do not allow hot items to come into encounter the floor as this may cause permanent damage. • Do not drag or slide heavy furniture or other objects across the floor. When moving appliances or heavy furniture it is always wise to lay a plywood panel, or similar, on your floor and “walk” the item across it. This protects your floor from scuffing, gouging and tears. • Use proper floor protection devices such as non-staining felt protectors and furniture cups. Felt pads should be regularly maintained. • Apply freely rotating, non-rubber wheels to chairs with casters and/or use protective matting. • Pets with sharp nails can leave deep scratches on the floor, keep pet nails trimmed to minimize scratches. • Use appropriate window coverings, such as drapes, window-treatments or UV-tinting on windows, to protect the product from direct sunlight as long-term exposure to direct sunlight can potentially lead to discoloration or buckling.
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SUPPLY & INSTALLATION WARRANTY Not all tiles are created equal! At the Tile Depot, you can trust us, we have been doing this since 1995 and we are now the only New Zealand tile importer to hold Consumer Trusted accreditation. We only import quality first grade tiles from leading manufacturers. We guarantee that our tiles will meet or exceed the performance standards outlined in International Grading Standards ISO 13006. All our suppliers implement extensive quality control measures in order to meet high quality assurance standards. SAMPLE TILES All sample tiles provided are indicative only. Ceramics are batch produced and warehouse stock is constantly changing. There can be variations in size, shade, colour and texture from samples to supplied stock. HAND OVER INSPECTION International tile grading standards permit minor imperfections and tolerances in the tile manufacturing process. Tilers will generally identify these and use them for offcuts or in discreet locations. It should be understood that tiles are a natural product, and that variation in size, shade, colour and texture are an inherent characteristic of ceramics. Please notify your builder within six months of hand over if you have concerns relating to the visual appearance of your tiles. TILE WARRANTY We provide a 10-year warranty on the performance of the tiles through fair wear and tear. Users are expected to take reasonable care of their tiles by installing suitable gliders on furniture, using mats at entries, and avoiding abrasive or corrosive cleaners. This warranty does not extend to defects or excessive wearing caused by abuse, severe wear or impact from other conditions and will not cover issues that arise from irregular cleaning and maintenance. WORKMANSHIP Should poor workmanship be identified within six months of installation please inform your builder to discuss potential remedial action. This does not affect your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act. WATERPROOFING Where possible, all tiles are to be installed with a Sika approved installation system. This gives everyone peace of mind we know what materials are being used under every tile. Sika System warranties are for a period of 10 years. This Warranty does not cover the effects of movement in any horizontal or vertical joint or joints, beyond the capability of the product (as defined in the Product Data Sheets) or any visual effects of such movement.
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GROUT AND SILICONE Grout and silicone require long term maintenance, as cleaning products and settling of the building can affect them over time. We offer a 2-year warranty on silicone and a 4-year warranty on grouting. However, this warranty does not cover damage caused by harsh chemicals, improper care and maintenance or damage caused by excessive movement of the substrate. We are happy to facilitate any maintenance requests related to grout and silicone, but these will be at the client’s cost. GENERAL Tile imperfections, grout widths, lippage, scratches, quality of workmanship and what is deemed acceptable will be determined using the Ministry of Business and Innovation ‘Guide to Tolerances’ handbook. All imperfections must be visible from a distance greater than 2m, from a standing height and with non-critical lighting. FLOORING Damage arising from not following relevant care & maintenance instructions will be excluded from warranty. Damage arising from improper installation such as, but not limited to installation on an unlevelled subfloor, installation when there is not sufficient perimeter expansion zone will also be excluded unless installed by the Tile Depot. If the flooring was originally installed by a certified professional installer and if there is a justified claim within the first 36 months from the date of the original purchase, we will also pay the reasonable labour costs to perform the repair or replacement. If the claim is made 3 years after purchase on flooring warranted for 15 years, then 80% of the flooring cost will be considered. CONTACT In the event of a problem, to discuss your Tile Depot flooring or for further warranty terms and conditions, please contact your builder.
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FAQS Q: What to do if I have a query or claim? A: We recommend contacting your builder and providing as much detail as possible for an efficient and hasty resolution. This should be a detailed explanation of the claim and or query, with corroborating images of the area. Q: Where should I buy cleaning and maintenance products from? A: We only recommend cleaning and maintenance products designed specifically for tiles and flooring; these are available from your nearest Tile Depot store. Present this document and receive a 10% discount. Q: How long will my grout and silicone last? A: Because of movement and moisture, grouting and silicone require long term maintenance. Your silicone should last at least two years, and grout should last at least four years. Grout life can be extended with the use of grout sealers which also aid in cleaning and prevent staining. Q: Should I keep spare tiles? A: Tiles and flooring are made in batches, and shades can vary from batch to batch, it is always recommended to keep spares. Q: Can pets damage my flooring or tiles? A: For the most part, pets won’t damage your flooring or tiles. Keep your pet’s nails short and clean any mishaps immediately to keep your floor looking great for years to come. Q: How do I protect my flooring? A: If your flooring is exposed to direct sunlight, consider using curtains or blinds. Avoid using excessive moisture when cleaning your floor and don’t use wax-based cleaners. Q: My grout looks patchy, what should I do? A: If your grout is looking patchy, this may mean it is time to renew your grout joint by removing and replenishing your grout. You can find out more about this process from your local Tile Depot. Q: My silicone is falling out of its joint, is this normal? A: Yes, your silicone’s lifetime is expected to be around 24 months. Once you see your silicone giving way, this often means it is time to remove and replenish your silicone. You can find out more about this process from your local Tile Depot. Q: Water is not draining in my shower, what should I do? A: The most common cause of drain blockage is an accumulation of body hair over time. This can be mitigated by routine cleaning. Should your drain still not clear of water, we recommend consulting your builder for further action. Q: I Suspect there is water under my flooring, what should I do? A: If you suspect there is water under your flooring, we recommend locating the source and isolating it immediately, followed by contacting your builder. Q: Can I use a steam mop on my Neptune Floor? A: The use of residential steam mops on this product is allowed. Use at lowest power with a suitable soft pad, and do not hold a steam mop on one spot for an extended period (longer than 5 minutes). Refer to the steam mop’s manufacturer instructions for proper usage.
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