Maintenance and cleaning of tile works

The first important step is post-installation cleaning . Grout residue, construction dust, and thin layers of cement or grout can create a film that makes the surface duller, stickier, or more easily soiled. To remove this, use specific post-installation cleaners, typically buffered acid-based for stoneware (but avoid using on limestone and marble), carefully monitoring the dosage and contact times.

Once the initial cleaning is done properly, routine maintenance becomes simple. In most cases, a vacuum cleaner or soft broom is sufficient to remove dust and sand, followed by washing with diluted neutral detergents. The most common mistake is using excessively degreasing products or "2-in-1" waxes and detergents, which, over time, create a shiny, sticky film, retaining more dirt instead of reducing it.

For porcelain stoneware tiles with a natural or textured finish , it's important to rinse thoroughly and avoid leaving excess product on the surface. In high-traffic areas or kitchens, a slightly deeper periodic cleaning with specific stoneware cleaners helps remove grease buildup and organic dirt.

For natural stone , maintenance requires more attention: many materials are sensitive to acids, aggressive limescale removers, and overly alkaline products. This requires specific neutral detergents, periodic protective treatments, and extra caution when removing potentially corrosive stains (wine, lemon juice, vinegar, and the wrong detergents).

Grout deserves careful attention. Over time, it can darken or become stained, especially in bathrooms, showers, and kitchens. Regular cleaning with soft-bristled brushes and suitable detergents helps maintain a more uniform appearance. In cases of advanced deterioration, localized restoration or specific products to revive the color may be considered.

Outdoors, on textured stoneware floors or on balconies and terraces , maintenance primarily involves regular washing to remove smog, dust, and any organic deposits (moss, light algae). Here too, appropriate detergents and thorough rinsing keep the surfaces safer and more pleasant.

Managing everyday accidents —spills of colored liquids, oily products, paints, markers—depends on how quickly you intervene. In most cases, if you act immediately with absorbent cloths and specific detergents, porcelain stoneware tolerates these incidents well; stone and grouting are more delicate.