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We asked the experts at Mesa Tile & Stone, Boise ID for the best ways to maintain these surfaces. Here are their answers:
Granite: For daily maintenance, a solution of a mild non-abrasive cleaner or clear non-sudsing ammonia and water is recommended. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of cleaning solution. Dry with soft white cloth to prevent streaking.
Spills should be wiped up immediately; spills left on the surface for an extended period may leave residual staining. These stains will usually dissipate with time, but if immediate removal is desired a poultice powder and chemical reducing agent, depending on the stain, can be applied that draws the stain out of the stone.
One way to reduce the amount of staining is to make sure the stone is sealed with a penetrating stone sealer once every six months to one year depending on usage. Weekly application of a "revitalizer" or "revitalizing product", sometimes provided by the installer, may help keep the seal intact so yearly re-sealing is not required.
Natural Stones (Travertine & Limestone): Natural stones can be cleaned using a neutral or slightly alkaline non-abrasive cleaner with a pH between seven and 10. Rinse well and dry to prevent cleaner residue buildup. In shower areas, wipe down or squeegee the surface after showering to prevent mineral scale, mold and mildew.
On floors, dust mop or vacuum frequently to remove grit and dirt. Natural stone should also be sealed with a penetrating stone sealer once every 6 months to a year. A poultice may be used for stubborn stains.
Ceramic Tile: For routine maintenance of ceramic tile use a non oil-based all purpose cleaner, then rinse to prevent build-up. Sweep or vacuum floors regularly to remove dirt and grit. Wiping down or squeegeeing showers after use will minimize scale and soap scum buildup. Ceramic tile itself does not need to be sealed since it's a non-porous product, although keeping the grout in the tile joints sealed will help prevent staining.
With little more than dusting and damp mopping, ceramic tile will keep its quality appearance for many years.
Grout: Sanded and non-sanded grout joints (with the exception of epoxy grouts) can be sealed with a water based sealer shortly after installation and once a year thereafter to simplify the maintenance process. Do not clean with ammonia or bleaches due to possible discoloration of grout joints.
Periodically, during routine cleaning and to remove any ground-in dirt, directly agitate the grout with a scrub brush. Following these steps will reduce the need for heavy duty cleaning of your grout joints.
