Cleaning tiles properly

Easy cleaning and lasting attractiveness are among the decisive advantages of ceramic floor and wall surfaces. But non-slip tiles with their rough surface and Hytect technology also retain their attractive look and function over very long periods of time if cleaned properly.

Non-slip tiles in classes A, B and C can be cleaned using cleaning machines with rotating, soft nylon brushes or microfibre fleece as well as with high-pressure or steam cleaners.

As a general rule, only cleaning agents included in the list of tested cleaning agents for ceramic surfaces in indoor swimming pools, published by the German Society for the Pool Industry, should be used. In any case, the instructions for use and hazard warnings provided by the respective manufacturer must be observed.

Cleaning agents containing hydrofluoric acid or fluorides are entirely unsuitable as they corrode the ceramic even when strongly diluted.

FIRST TIME CLEANING

During first-time cleaning following completion of structural work and removal of superficial dirt, cement residue usually needs to be removed. Only acidic cleaning agents (cement residue remover) are suitable for this but they are corrosive to cement-based joints. For this reason, such joints must be wetted beforehand and rinsed thoroughly after cleaning.

BASIC CLEANING

Stains also often need to be removed during basic cleaning or intensive interim cleaning. The most prevalent stains and suitable cleaning agents are:

Limescale, urine scale, rust marks, metal abrasion: acidic cleaning agents

Tar, bitumen, paint spots, expansion joint residue: cleaningalcohol, acetone or scouring paste

Epoxy resins: scouring paste or special cleaning agents

Oil, grease, wax: strongly alkaline cleaning agents, additional solvents if necessary

Rubber abrasion, pencil marks: mechanical removal byrubbing or brushing, possibly using scouring powder

In most cases, longer impact times and mechanical support by brushing can improve cleaning results.

ROUTINE CLEANING

Alkaline cleaning agents can be recommended for regular routine cleaning as they are best at removing everyday dirt. Depending on the hardness of the water, it will be necessary to alternate with acidic cleaning agents. As a general rule, the following procedure has proved its worth:

1. Spread or pour the diluted cleaning agent (depending on the degree of soiling) on the surface.
2. Allow to take effect for approx. 15 minutes while aiding the chemical cleaning process by mechanically brushingwith nylon brushes (without abrasive grain).
3. Then use plenty of water to soak up the dirt or rinse it off.
4. Thoroughly rinse the surface.

Combined preparations for cleaning and care are not necessary. On the contrary: they can even be problematic in the long run as sticky grease, wax and synthetic layers may form on the surface, which have a negative influence on the visual, hygienic and non-slip properties while also making the surface more difficult to clean. Disinfectants must be thoroughly removed from the surface after the impact time. Otherwise, they can react with moisture to form a smear layer which impairs non-slip safety.

HYTECT MINIMISES THE CLEANING EFFORT

Hytect technology involve significantly less cleaning effort as well as having an antibacterial effect and dissolving unpleasant odours. Hytect is not susceptible to attack by either strongly acidic or strongly alkaline cleaning agents. But we do not recommend using combined preparations for cleaning and care in this context either as the ensuing film not only impairs non-slip safety – it also has a negative effect on the coating function. Once the film is thoroughly removed, Hytect reveals its full effectiveness once again.