BUILDERS CLEAN
This should be undertaken prior to floor being used. The Builders Clean removes and cement residual film left over from the grouting process and is a one-off cleaning process.
It is important that this is carried out professionally and thoroughly as any grout residues left behind will act as a key for dirt.
CEMENTITIOUS GROUTS
The use of a mild acid decementing solution followed by thorough rinsing will remove all but the most stubborn of cement residues.
EPOXIDE GROUTS
It is essential that ALL residues from the grouting process are removed from the tile's surface before the resin cures.
If you don't do this, it will become a very difficult and expensive cleaning process using gel-type epoxide removers.
ROUTINE CLEANING
The regular use of detergents or other cleaning agents which are excessively acidic or alkaline could cause irreversible damage to the ceramic tile surface. Degreasing agents that contain wax, sodium silicate or other additives which leave sticky deposits and thus retain dirt should be avoided. Oil residues or build-ups of wax can be removed with a proprietary wax and polish remover.
MANUAL CLEANING
In normal conditions ceramic tiles require little
maintenance.
Un-glazed porcelain floor tiles can be maintained by sweeping and cleaning with warm water to which a neutral or nearly neutral detergent has been added. The cleaning solution should be allowed to remain on the floor for 5 to 15 minutes to allow it to penetrate and emulsify the dirt, after which it should be removed by rinsing thoroughly with clean water. It is the rinsing process which removes the dirt so the use of clean water is essential.
MECHANICAL FLOOR CLEANING
When cleaning large floor areas or areas of textured floor tiles mechanical scrubbing machines can be used – although they should not be used at over 450rpm. Rotary scrubbing machines fall into 3 categories, Rotary Action, Contra-Rotating and Cylindrical, and the choice of brush is important on all three. Union brushes are suitable for light washing and scrubbing whereas Polypropylene brushes are more suitable when dirt deposits are especially heavy. The cleaning solution should be allowed to remain in contact with the dirt for 5 to 15 minutes after which a secondary scrubbing action and clean mop or suction should be undertaken to remove the dirt and solution.
HIGH PRESSURE FLOOR CLEANING
This is not often required with modern porcelain floor tiles. While the process will not damage the tiles, care must be taken to avoid erosion of the grouting medium. It is important to ensure that the water beam is not allowed to concentrate on the joints but is moved side to side in a continuous flowing movement avoiding joints wherever possible. Water containing abrasives or steam cleaners must NEVER be used on any ceramic tiles.
PERIODIC DEEP CLEANING
Occasionally foreign matter may cause surface marks on tiles. If the surface mark cannot be removed with the normal cleaning procedures detailed above, other cleaning materials should be considered. It is advisable to try a small inconspicuous area first.
Paint – Paint Remover
Organic Stains – Bleach or a one-off treatment with washing soda
Rust – Masonry Cleaner
Rubber – abrasive powder or liquid but not on glazed tiles
Oil, Fat, Grease – Detergent or degreasers
Mould Growth – Household bleach or proprietary cleaner
Tea, Coffee, Ink - Household bleach or proprietary cleaner |
BUILDERS CLEAN
This should be undertaken prior to wall being brought into service. The Builders Clean removes and cement residual film left over from the grouting process and is a one-off cleaning process.
It is important that this is carried out professionally and thoroughly as any grout residues left behind will act as a key for dirt.
CEMENTITIOUS GROUTS
The use of a mild acid decementing solution followed by thorough rinsing will remove all but the most stubborn of cement residues.
EPOXIDE GROUTS
It is essential that ALL residues from the grouting process are removed from the tile's surface before the resin cures.
If you don't do this, it will become a very difficult and expensive cleaning process using gel-type epoxide removers.
MANUAL CLEANING
Glazed wall tiles can be wiped with warm water to which a neutral or nearly neutral detergent has been added.
PERIODIC DEEP CLEANING
Occasionally foreign matter may cause surface marks on tiles. If the surface mark cannot be removed with the normal cleaning procedures detailed above, other cleaning materials should be considered. It is advisable to try a small inconspicuous area first.
Paint – Paint Remover
Organic Stains – Bleach or a one-off treatment with washing soda
Rust – Masonry Cleaner
Oil, Fat, Grease – Detergent or degreasers
Mould Growth – Household bleach or proprietary cleaner
Tea, Coffee, Ink - Household bleach or proprietary cleaner
Abrasive powders or cleaners should never be used on ceramic tiles. |
BUILDERS CLEAN
This should be undertaken prior to the pool being brought into service. The Builders Clean removes and cement residual film left over from the grouting process and is a one-off cleaning process.
It is important that this is carried out professionally and thoroughly as any grout residues left behind will act as a key for dirt.
CEMENTITIOUS GROUTS
The use of a mild acid decementing solution followed by thorough rinsing will remove all but the most stubborn of cement residues.
EPOXIDE GROUTS
It is essential that ALL residues from the grouting process are removed from the tile's surface before the resin cures.
If you don't do this, it will become a very difficult and expensive cleaning process using gel-type epoxide removers.
WET AREAS
Wet barefoot areas may attract the build up of body fats, soaps, oil residues and organic growth. Regular use of a mildly acidic cleaning agent will help prevent this. If build-up has been allowed, a preliminary deep clean with a proprietary cleaner is required followed by regular use of a mildly acidic cleaning agent solution.
MANUAL CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Correctly specified and installed swimming pool ceramics require little maintenance. If you need to empty a pool for major refurbishment works it is strongly recommended that you take the advice of pool experts before the pool is emptied.
Minor pool repairs can be carried out using specialist diver repair teams. This removes the need to empty and re-fill the pool, reducing closure time, expensive water losses and re-heating costs.
To minimise the pool tank stresses during emptying and filling the pool it is important that the pool is filled or emptied at not more than 750mm depth per day and that the pool water is heater or cooled at no more than 0.25°C per hour. |