Congratulations on the purchase of your new Orchid Ceramics or Orchid Porcelain product! Our quality products will provide your space with years of enjoyment. The great news about your newly purchased glazed product is that it requires no sealing and very little care over the years to keep it looking like new! Please check with your grout manufacturer for information on sealing and maintenance of the grout.

Routine Maintenance

Regular cleaning is the easiest way to keep your ceramic or porcelain tile floor looking new and beautiful. Use clean, hot water combined with a household cleaner for more aggressive cleaning, (do not use products containing ammonia, bleach, or muriatic acid) and follow these five important steps:

1. Remove dirt and soil with a broom, non-oily dust mop, or vacuum thoroughly.
2. Saturate the floor with hot water combined with a small amount of cleaning solution.
3. Let the solution sit on the floor for 5-10 minutes so the cleaner does most of the work. Clean small areas at a time as you don´t want the cleaner to dry.
4. Mop up the water. Stubborn dirt and stains may be scrubbed with a nylon pad or bristle brush if necessary. Do not use harsh cleaning agents (such as steel wool pads) which can scratch or damage the surface of your tile. Be sure to test any scouring pad in a small area first before using.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all dirty wash water is removed.

 

Rinsing is critical: dry detergent residue forms a coating that is difficult to remove and entraps dirt. Remember, prompt clean-up of spills and regular cleaning will keep your tile surfaces looking their best.

Household Cleaners

Check with your local Orchid Ceramics and Orchid Porcelain distributor about the cleaners that they recommend with your specific purchase.

There are many excellent household cleaners on the market today. They should all do a good job for you, so use your favorite. Remember, read and follow the manufacturer´s instructions and recommended usage. Here is some general information about the cleaners which are mentioned above.

All-purpose cleaners including such products as Soft Scrub, Scrub Free, Mr. Clean, Top Job, Fantastik, Ajax Liquid, Liquid Comet and Dow Bathroom Cleaner.

"Soap-less detergents" are also commonly found on store shelves. They include such cleaners as Spic & Span and 409.

Scouring powders which are readily available include Comet, Bon Ami, and Ajax. Nylon scouring pads may also be used (such as Scotch Brite). Do not use steel wool pads.

Commercial cleaners such as Aqua Mix or Hilliard´s "Assurance” are suitable for heavy duty cleaning in commercial applications. These products are available from your Orchid Ceramics Distributor.

9/04/2010