PROTECTING & CLEANING
The following is a protection and cleaning guide for all types of external porcelain. This includes the application of a protective sealer pre and post grouting to help with grout release. The cleaning products in the guide cover a number of staining issues and how to remove them helping to ensure that the future cleaning and aftercare is much easier.
SEALING…….
1. PROTECTING THE SURFACE OF THE PORCELAIN PRE & POST GROUTING/POINTING
LTP PORCELAIN TILE PROTECTOR
A natural finish water based impregnating sealer that dries without altering the appearance. Helps protect against staining. Treated surfaces strongly repel water, oil, grease cements and resins. This product allows surfaces to breathe. Ideal for protecting pre and post grouting. This product is non film forming.
DIRECTONS FOR USE :
SEALING (cont.)
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Ensure that any surfaces not to be treated are properly covered and protected before beginning. Ensure that gloves and eye protection are worn at all times. Some areas may look patchy following application, especially if the product is applied to surfaces that are still slightly damp. This is caused by retained moisture. This is normal. The impregnating sealer is breathable, so any damp patches caused by retained moisture should still dry to leave surfaces with an even appearance. This can sometimes take a further couple of days following application. Do not cover newly sealed surfaces with non-breathable membrane, cardboard, plastic sheets.
click here to purchase
CLEANING…
2. REMOVING MILDEW & ALGAE FROM THE SURFACE INCLUDING STEPS AND RISERS
Ready to use deep cleaning solution that works on a wide range of outdoor surfaces to keep your patio, garden path and driveway looking their best all year round.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: MANUAL APPLICATION FLOORS
CLEANING (cont)…
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: MANUAL APPLICATION STEPS
FURTHER INFORMATION – CLEANING:
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Low pressure sprayer, short haired stiff bristled brush, paint brush, rotary scrubbing machine with onboard water tank, stiff brush attachment for the machine, wet vac, buckets, sponges, absorbent towels (for spillage control), Plastic film and masking tape for covering and protecting surfaces not to be cleaned. Pressure washer or hose pipe for rinsing.
Ensure that any sensitive surfaces not to be cleaned are properly covered and protected before beginning. Ensure that gloves and eye protection and suitable water proof clothing are worn at all times.
Main walkways & terraces machine application…After spraying on the cleaning solution and leaving it to work in teams of two. One operator should agitate the surface using a rotary machine and stiff brush attachment. The other operator should use the wet vac for immediate extraction. This will prevent any released dirty residues re-absorbing into the pavers and greatly reduce the drying time of surfaces. Use cool water only within the tank on the scrubbing machine. Do not put intensive cleaning solution through the machine as this will impair it’s effectiveness.
Balustrades, steps and risers…start on the top of the steps/balustrades and work down. Try to work in manageable areas at a time and make sure to rinse well with plenty of water after each application. Rinsing should be repeated at least 2 times after cleaning. In areas where the staining is deep repeat the process until all of the stains have gone.
click here to purchase
Read This: Important Tips on Maintenance of Porcelain Paving
CLEANING (cont.)
3. REMOVING – GROUT POLYMER, PAINT SPOTS, SILICONE & EPOXY STAINS FROM THE SURFACE
LTP SOLVEX
A powerful non caustic stripper that softens most types of polymer, paint spots, silicone and epoxy residues for easy removal. Suitable for stone, travertine, sandstone, slate, marble, porcelain, ceramic, granite, terracotta, terrazzo, quarry, brick, concrete and masonry.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE MANUAL APPLICATION REMOVING RESIDUAL POLYMER: FLOORS
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: REMOVING PAINT SPOTS, EPOXY AND SILICONE RESIDUES: FLOORS
CLEANING (cont.)…
FURTHER INFORMATION – CLEANING TO REMOVE PAINT SPOTS, EPOXY, SILICONE:
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Micro-fibre cloths, black or white emulsifying pad, buckets, sponges, absorbent towels (for spillage control), Plastic film and masking tape for covering and protecting any surfaces not to be cleaned.
Ensure that any sensitive surfaces not to be cleaned are properly covered and protected before beginning. Ensure that gloves, eye protection and suitable water proof clothing are worn at all times.
After applying the cleaning solution check after 15 minutes to make sure it is not drying out. If it appears to be drying then apply a little more solution. If a stiff scrubbing brush is not available then a mildy abrasive emulsifying pad or microfibre cloth can be used to gently agitate the stain from the surface.
click here to purchase
Read This: How to Clean Outdoor Porcelain Tiles
4. REMOVING GENERAL DIRT AND GRIME…
LTP GRIMEX
LTP Grimex is a high performance product for stripping and cleaning of vitrified glazed ceramics, porcelain, travertine, natural stone, sandstone, slate, marble, granite, terracotta, quarry, brick, concrete, external paving, terrazzo and other mineral floors & walls. On larger areas scrubber drier machines can be used. For this project we would suggest using hand tools along the edges and then machinery on the open areas.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: MECHANICAL APPLICATION FLOORS
CLEANING (cont.)
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: MANUAL APPLICATION FLOORS
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: MANUAL APPLICATION WALLS
FURTHER INFORMATION:
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: rotary scrubbing machine with onboard water tank, micro-fibre cloths, black or white emulsifying pad, buckets, sponges, absorbent towels (for spillage control), Plastic film and masking tape for covering and protecting any surfaces not to be cleaned.
Ensure that any sensitive surfaces not to be cleaned are properly covered and protected before beginning. Ensure that gloves, eye protection and suitable water proof clothing are worn at all times. Spillages of un-diluted cleaner should be wiped up and rinsed several times immediately.
After applying the cleaning solution to larger floor areas work in teams of two. One operator should agitate the surface using a rotary machine. The other operator should use the wet vac or a sponge and water for immediate extraction. This will prevent released dirty residues from re-absorbing into the surface and greatly reduce the drying time of surfaces. Use cool water only within the tank on the scrubbing machine. Do not put intensive cleaning solution through the machine as this will impair it’s effectiveness. make sure underfloor heating is switched off and the surface of the tile is cool.
If applying to walls, steps or risers start on the top and work down. Try to work in manageable areas at a time and make sure to rinse well with plenty of water after each application. Rinsing should be repeated at least 2 times after cleaning. In areas where the staining is deep repeat the process until all of the stains have gone.
click here to purchase
CLEANING (cont.)
LTP CEMENT, GROUT & SALT RESIDUE REMOVER
LTP GROUT STAIN REMOVER
Rapid action cleaning agents for removing cement residues, grout stains, salts, efflorescence and other similar deposits. This product can be used in dilute or concentrated form, to assist removal of stubborn residues. LTP Cement, Grout & Salt Residue Remover is manufactured using acid replacement technology, which makes it ideal for use on surfaces that are acid sensitive such as limestone, sandstone, chrome and stainless steel. Ideal for porcelain and ceramic.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: MECHANICAL APPLICATION FLOORS
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: MANUAL APPLICATION FLOORS
CLEANING (cont.)
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: MANUAL APPLICATION WALLS
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: RESTORING PATCHY DISSCOLOURED GROUT JOINTS FLOORS
INTENSIVE CLEANING TO EVEN THE APPEARANCE OF THE JOINTS
Modern cement based grouts can occasionally dry patchy for a number of reasons…separation of ingredients, slightly too wet a mix, slightly too dry a mix, not mixed well enough, not mixed in the correct proportions…etc. The following is an intensive cleaning guide to help restore patchy grout to a more even appearance.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: RESTORING PATCHY DISSCOLOURED GROUT JOINTS WALLS
FURTHER INFORMATION:
USEFUL EQUIPMENT: Black emulsifying pad, rotary scrubbing machine with onboard water tank, stiff brush attachment for the machine, wet vac, buckets, sponges, absorbent towels (for spillage control), Plastic film and masking tape for covering and protecting any surfaces not to be cleaned.
Ensure that any sensitive surfaces not to be cleaned are properly covered and protected before beginning. Ensure that gloves and eye protection and suitable water proof clothing are worn at all times. After applying the cleaning solution to larger floor areas work in teams of two. One operator should agitate and scrub the surface. The other operator should use a wet vac or sponge and water for immediate extraction.
This will prevent released cement or salt residues from re-absorbing into the surface and greatly reduce the drying time of surfaces. Use cool water only within the tank on the scrubbing machine. Do not put intensive cleaning solution through the machine as this will impair it’s effectiveness. Never use warm or hot water. If applying to walls, steps or risers start on the top and work down. Try to work in manageable areas at a time and make sure to rinse well with plenty of water after each application. Rinsing should be repeated at least 2 times after cleaning. In areas where the staining is deep repeat the process until all of the stains have gone.
click here to purchase
5. REMOVING RUST STAINS LEFT BY TOOLS AND STANDING METAL OBJECTS/FURNITURE
LTP RUST STAIN REMOVER
A high performance rust stain remover for interior & exterior use. Removes stains in 15 minutes. Non-acidic formulation particularly suited for delicate applications such as polished marble, removing stains by acting directly onto the surface. Ideal for all types of polished and unpolished natural and artificial stone including marble, granite, travertine, split face stone cladding, sandstone, concrete, terracotta ceramic and porcelain.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE MANUAL APPLICATION: FLOORS
FURTHER INFORMATION – CLEANING TO REMOVE RUST MARKS:
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Black emulsifying pad, paint brush, paint kettle, rinsing water, sponge and absorbent towels (for spillage control).
Ensure that any sensitive surfaces not to be cleaned are properly covered and protected before beginning. Ensure that gloves, eye protection and suitable water proof clothing are worn at all times. Ensure that gloves and eye protection and suitable water proof clothing are worn at all times. Treated surfaces will initially turn purple. This will stop when all of the rust stain has been removed. Rinse well with plenty of water.
click here to purchase
Read This: Things to Know When Buying Porcelain Tile
AFTERCARE
DAILY/WEEKLY/MONTHLY CLEANING…
LTP PORCELAIN FLOOR TILE CLEANER
A gentle cleaner especially formulated to clean natural stone, porcelain and ceramic without damaging the grout or tile, leaving the floor with a fresh clean fragrance. Suitable for use on polished and unpolished surfaces. Can also be used in scrubber drier machines if necessary. For more information refer to the technical data sheet.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE SCRUBBER DRIER: LARGER FLOOR AREAS
DIRECTIONS FOR USE MANUAL APPLICATION: FLOORS
FURTHER INFORMATION – AFTERCARE:
One litre of product, when diluted correctly will provide up to 40 washes.
Always follow detailed instructions on the product labels.
Avoid using steam cleaners and strong alkali or acid based cleaning detergents on ceramic and porcelain surfaces, as they can compromise protection offered by grouts that offer resistance to mould and mildew. Also, If grout & porcelain protection has been applied then this can also be compromised. Many ordinary detergents can dry on the surface after cleaning and gradually build up a slight cloudy residue. When this residue is made wet it can be very slippery.
Cleaning surfaces routinely with a PH neutral cleaner should ensure that surfaces remain clean and free of any residue.
Neglected or grubby looking surfaces can be restored by intensively cleaning with LTP Grimex.
Heavier traffic levels and commercial floor areas subjected to hard footwear may require periodic intensive cleaning using LTP Grimex.
click here to purchase
Explore our premium porcelain paving range. Perfect for modern and traditional outdoor spaces alike.