QUESTION:
I know everyone recommends pH neutral cleaners as suitable cleaners for tile and grout. In our showroom we have been using a disinfectant cleaner that we like because it leaves a slight gloss. The gloss makes the tile color deeper and gives it a uniform gloss. Is this cleaner acceptable to recommend for tile and grout cleaning?
ANSWER:
I suggest you and your staff review the NTCA Reference Manual Care and Maintenance section in pages 286 -294 of the 2023/2024 NTCA Reference Manual for suitable cleaners for tile and grout. There is a lot of good information included in this section.
I am quoting from Care and Maintenance Glossary (page 317) of the 2023/2024 NTCA Reference Manual:
Neutral Cleaner: A cleaner that has a neutral pH, usually defined as 6-1/2 to 7-1/2 on the pH scale. Neutral pH is considered the safest type of cleaner for routine cleaning of tile, stone and grout.
Alkaline cleaner: A cleaner that has a high pH of 8 to 14. These alkaline or “base” cleaners have stronger degreasing capabilities for heavy-duty cleaning, yet are still considered safe for use on tile, most stone and grout.
Please make sure to also read the “MAINTENANCE” paragraph on page 318.
A product that leaves a gloss sheen on the tile may build up over time. On floor tile it might potentially reduce the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (slip resistance) and possibly cause the tile to be slippery.
Ask the Experts Q&As are culled from member inquiries to NTCA’s Technical Team. To become a member and make use of personal, targeted answers from NTCA’s Technical Team to your installation questions, contact Jim Olson at [email protected].
