Lea Ceramiche
Technical Info
Cleaning and maintenance information.
Make sure to do the following before cleaning any tiled surface:
1. Check the resistance to chemical agents of the laid tiles in the general catalogue;
2. Perform a preliminary test directly on the laid tiles by putting a detergent, to be used in contact with the tiles for a period that is equal to the
period that will be used later on the site;
3. Make sure that the detergents that are going to be used, do not contain hydrofluoric acid and/or any of its derivatives; these substances, by
their very nature, damage all ceramic products.
Listed below are some indications for cleaning after the installation (after laying the tiles), on a daily basis, for extra cleaning and to remove waxes
and polish glazes or for any extra maintenance that may be required.
CLEANING “AFTER THE INSTALLATION”
1. Cleaning “after the installation” helps remove residues of grout-joints, cement and lime. This is mandatory at the end of the installation, for
glazed tiles and unglazed tiles.
2. If the cleaning “after the installation” is not carried out properly or if it is not carried out at all, this can often result in marks that prevent the
floor from being cleaned properly even if good daily cleaning is performed.
3. Whenever possible, especially for medium to large surfaces, it is advisable to use a single-brush machine with soft disks (white or beige).
4. Cleaning cement-based grouts mixed with water.
This is carried out with specific detergents with buffered and diluted acids. The table below shows some of these detergents, which are available
on the market.
INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO CLEAN “AFTER THE INSTALLATION”:
1. Clean 4-5 days after grouting (the grout must be hardened); do not wait more than 10 days. Afer this period, cleaning can become very dificult.
2. Moisten the floor with water before cleaning. This way the groutings are soaked with water and the contact with detergents is reduced.
3. Let the detergents operate for limited periods, hence rinse out with water as soon as possible.
4. It must not be carried out if the tiled surfaces are very hot (i.e. exposed to the sun during very warm days); this must be avoided as the action
of aggressive chemicals become very harsh. In the summer, proceed with the operation during the coolest period of the day.
5. Make sure to always perform a precautionary test before using the product (on a tile that is not laid), especially for Honed or Polished products.
6. Cleaning for epoxy, bi-component and reagent grouts
In these cases the removal must be carried out immediately and carefully following the recommendations of the manufacturers, as these grouts
harden very quickly, even in a few minutes. Please carefully follow the cleaning mode specified by the manufacturer of the grout used; verify its
effectiveness (with back-lighting) with a preliminary cleaning test before grouting the entire floor/wall.
7. Antislip tiles
“Antislip” tiles that are made with rough and/or textured surfaces must be cleaned very well. Therefore, it is advisable to clean “after the
installation”, quickly and thoroughly, using a single-brush machine with white or beige disks.
EXTRA CLEANING
This procedure is carried out to remove stains or residues that are particularly old or stubborn. Make sure to always perform a precautionary test
before using the product (on a tile that is not laid), especially for Honed or Polished products.
The table shown below indicates the detergents that are effective according to the type of stains.
FOR REMOVING THE FOLLOWING RESIDUES
TYPE OF DETERGENT
DETERGENT’S NAME
MANUFACTURER
cement-based grouts
grout
cement
lime
buffered acid based
ultracare keranet
mapei
cement remover
faber chimica
deterdek pro
fila
trek
kiter
zementschleierentferner
lithofin
hmk r63
hmk
solvacid
geal
bonaclean / bclean
bonasystems italia
bonadecon / bdecon (*)
bonasystems italia
Unless otherwise indicated by LEA CERAMICHE, follow the instructions indicated on the manufacturer’s package very carefully. (*) Specific for products that are non-resistant to acids
(1) Perform a precautionary test on Honed or Polished materials. (2) Suitable for Honed or Polished materials. (3) Do not use it on Honed products, use with the utmost caution on Polished
products. Unless otherwise indicated by LEA CERAMICHE, follow the instructions indicated on the manufacturer’s packaging very carefully.
DAILY / STANDARD CLEANING
Use warm water and a high quality microfibre cloth, like MAGIC CLEAN by Bonasystems Italia.
If needed, use warm water and a very diluted neutral detergent (one cap in 5 litres of water) or warm water and a universal degreaser (4-5 sprays
in 5 litres of water). When finished, always rinse with water and a clean microfibre cloth.
CLEANING DECORATIONS
- Use NEUTRAL, diluted detergents
NEVER USE: Waxing and impregnating agents - Acid or alkaline detergents - Abrasive pastes - Abrasive brushes or sponges.
REMOVING GLOSSY GLAZE
Standard detergents that are available in the market sometimes contain waxes or polish additives that, wash after wash, deposit glossy glaze on
the floor and causes annoying marks. Patinas of this type can also be deposited by alcohol-based disinfectant detergents and grouting for joints.
When simple foods such Coke, wine, water, etc.., fall on the floor, they remove this type of glossy glaze and restore the original appearance of
the tiles (a more opaque look).
In the middle of the shinier floor, the areas without wax appear as opaque marks, but they are actually the only clean parts of the floor. In these
cases, the following must be done:
1. First of all, remove the glossy glaze from the entire floor (see table below);
2. Then, for daily cleaning, use neutral detergents that do not contain wax or polishing glaze (see the previous paragraph: “daily/standard cleaning”).
TYPE OF OPERATION
TYPE OF DETERGENT
DETERGENT’S NAME
MANUFACTURER
clean on a daily basis
neutral
floor cleaner
faber chimica
universal degreaser
cleaner pro
fila
pflegereiniger
lithofin
hmk p15
hmk
bonamain + / bmain +
bonasystems italia
bonatitania clean / btitania clean
bonasystems italia
belgres
geal
chanteclair sgrassatore universale
real chimica
smac expresse sgrassatore
bolton group
RESIDUES TO BE REMOVED
TYPE OF DETERGENT
DETERGENT’S NAME
MANUFACTURER
glossy glaze
weak acidic
tile cleaner pure (*)
faber chimica
(*) Do not follow the instructions on the package, just apply the pure detergent, follow the instructions shown in the video at the following link https://youtu.be/4Kqe-CJIb5s.
Do not use wax on LEA CERAMICHE porcelain stoneware.
SPECIAL MAINTENANCE
Remove the patina with detergent
(Faber tile cleaner, non-diluted),
and use detergent without wax for
everyday cleaning.
4
Simple foodstuffs (Coca-Cola,
wine, water etc) can remove the
bright patina. The original surface is
more matt.
3
Original floor.
1
2
After cleaning with detergents
containing wax.
Stain-resistant products for joints
PRODUCT NAME
MANUFACTURER
fugaproof
fila
ultracare grout protector
mapei
kf fugenschutz
lithofin
Unless otherwise indicated by LEA CERAMICHE, follow the instructions indicated on the manufacturer’s package very carefully.
caution:
1. Do not use these treatments on Honed or Polished surfaces; 2. Before the doing treatment contact Lea’s Customer Service; 3. It is advisable to carry out the treatment through
specialized companies.
POLISHED products can reach a grade of R9 (test DIN EN 16165-Annex B) with special laser treatments that may be carried out only on materials
that have not been laid: for this reason the request for R9 on Polished products must be specified at the time of placing the order with the sales
department.
Such laser treatments can be also be carried out on HONED surfaces (contact LEA CERAMICHE customer service for further information).
Useful contacts pag. 378
The manual “cleaning and maintenance” is available on the website leaceramiche.com
Antislip treatments
The slip resistance of floors laid with glazed tiles or non-glazed tiles can be increased by using specific products (see table).
Before applying the product perform a precautionary test on a tile that is not laid in order to find the most suitable contact time. If, on the one
hand, the longest period increases the griping grade, on the other, it will tend to whiten the colours of the tiles a little and make it slightly less
resistant to stains.
Technical Info
FOR REMOVING THE FOLLOWING RESIDUES
TYPE OF DETERGENT
DETERGENT’S NAME
MANUFACTURER
grease
dust footmarks
base cleaning
multipurpose, alkaline-based (1)
ps87 pro
fila
intensivreiniger
lithofin
hmk r55
hmk
taski r20-strip
johnsondiversey
deep degreaser
faber chimica
ultracare HD cleaner
mapei
bonadecon / bdecon
bonasystems italia
deterflash
geal
coffee
coke
fruit juice
multipurpose, alkaline-based (1)
coloured stain remover
faber chimica
ps87 pro
fila
super deterjet
geal
ultracare HD cleaner
mapei
bleach
various manufacturers
wine
oxidizing agent
oxidant
bleach
faber chimica
various manufacturers
calcareous deposits
acid-based (1)
viakal
procter & gamble
ultracare acid cleaner
mapei
rust
acid-based (1)
diluted muriatic acid
various manufacturers
ultracare acid cleaner
mapei
inks
felt-tipped pen
solvent-based
nitro dilutant, white spirit
various manufacturers
coloured stain remover
faber chimica
tire traces
stains from rubber
metals or pencils
abrasive paste (1)
vim clorex (2)
guaber
polishing cream (2)
faber chimica
strong remover (3)
faber chimica
detergum (3)
zep italia
tile joint stains
specific
fuganet
fila
ultracare grout cleaner
mapei
fugenreininger
lithofin
TYPE OF OPERATION
PRODUCT NAME
MANUFACTURER
antislip treatment
bonagrip
bonasystems italia
safe floor
faber chimica
Unless otherwise indicated by LEA CERAMICHE, follow the instructions indicated on the manufacturer’s packaging very carefully.
Lea Ceramiche
328
329
Lea Ceramiche
Technical Info
Cleaning and maintenance information.
Make sure to do the following before cleaning any tiled surface:
1. Check the resistance to chemical agents of the laid tiles in the general catalogue;
2. Perform a preliminary test directly on the laid tiles by putting a detergent, to be used in contact with the tiles for a period that is equal to the
period that will be used later on the site;
3. Make sure that the detergents that are going to be used, do not contain hydrofluoric acid and/or any of its derivatives; these substances, by
their very nature, damage all ceramic products.
Listed below are some indications for cleaning after the installation (after laying the tiles), on a daily basis, for extra cleaning and to remove waxes
and polish glazes or for any extra maintenance that may be required.
CLEANING “AFTER THE INSTALLATION”
1. Cleaning “after the installation” helps remove residues of grout-joints, cement and lime. This is mandatory at the end of the installation, for
glazed tiles and unglazed tiles.
2. If the cleaning “after the installation” is not carried out properly or if it is not carried out at all, this can often result in marks that prevent the
floor from being cleaned properly even if good daily cleaning is performed.
3. Whenever possible, especially for medium to large surfaces, it is advisable to use a single-brush machine with soft disks (white or beige).
4. Cleaning cement-based grouts mixed with water.
This is carried out with specific detergents with buffered and diluted acids. The table below shows some of these detergents, which are available
on the market.
INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO CLEAN “AFTER THE INSTALLATION”:
1. Clean 4-5 days after grouting (the grout must be hardened); do not wait more than 10 days. Afer this period, cleaning can become very dificult.
2. Moisten the floor with water before cleaning. This way the groutings are soaked with water and the contact with detergents is reduced.
3. Let the detergents operate for limited periods, hence rinse out with water as soon as possible.
4. It must not be carried out if the tiled surfaces are very hot (i.e. exposed to the sun during very warm days); this must be avoided as the action
of aggressive chemicals become very harsh. In the summer, proceed with the operation during the coolest period of the day.
5. Make sure to always perform a precautionary test before using the product (on a tile that is not laid), especially for Honed or Polished products.
6. Cleaning for epoxy, bi-component and reagent grouts
In these cases the removal must be carried out immediately and carefully following the recommendations of the manufacturers, as these grouts
harden very quickly, even in a few minutes. Please carefully follow the cleaning mode specified by the manufacturer of the grout used; verify its
effectiveness (with back-lighting) with a preliminary cleaning test before grouting the entire floor/wall.
7. Antislip tiles
“Antislip” tiles that are made with rough and/or textured surfaces must be cleaned very well. Therefore, it is advisable to clean “after the
installation”, quickly and thoroughly, using a single-brush machine with white or beige disks.
EXTRA CLEANING
This procedure is carried out to remove stains or residues that are particularly old or stubborn. Make sure to always perform a precautionary test
before using the product (on a tile that is not laid), especially for Honed or Polished products.
The table shown below indicates the detergents that are effective according to the type of stains.
FOR REMOVING THE FOLLOWING RESIDUES
TYPE OF DETERGENT
DETERGENT’S NAME
MANUFACTURER
cement-based grouts
grout
cement
lime
buffered acid based
ultracare keranet
mapei
cement remover
faber chimica
deterdek pro
fila
trek
kiter
zementschleierentferner
lithofin
hmk r63
hmk
solvacid
geal
bonaclean / bclean
bonasystems italia
bonadecon / bdecon (*)
bonasystems italia
Unless otherwise indicated by LEA CERAMICHE, follow the instructions indicated on the manufacturer’s package very carefully. (*) Specific for products that are non-resistant to acids
(1) Perform a precautionary test on Honed or Polished materials. (2) Suitable for Honed or Polished materials. (3) Do not use it on Honed products, use with the utmost caution on Polished
products. Unless otherwise indicated by LEA CERAMICHE, follow the instructions indicated on the manufacturer’s packaging very carefully.
DAILY / STANDARD CLEANING
Use warm water and a high quality microfibre cloth, like MAGIC CLEAN by Bonasystems Italia.
If needed, use warm water and a very diluted neutral detergent (one cap in 5 litres of water) or warm water and a universal degreaser (4-5 sprays
in 5 litres of water). When finished, always rinse with water and a clean microfibre cloth.
CLEANING DECORATIONS
- Use NEUTRAL, diluted detergents
NEVER USE: Waxing and impregnating agents - Acid or alkaline detergents - Abrasive pastes - Abrasive brushes or sponges.
REMOVING GLOSSY GLAZE
Standard detergents that are available in the market sometimes contain waxes or polish additives that, wash after wash, deposit glossy glaze on
the floor and causes annoying marks. Patinas of this type can also be deposited by alcohol-based disinfectant detergents and grouting for joints.
When simple foods such Coke, wine, water, etc.., fall on the floor, they remove this type of glossy glaze and restore the original appearance of
the tiles (a more opaque look).
In the middle of the shinier floor, the areas without wax appear as opaque marks, but they are actually the only clean parts of the floor. In these
cases, the following must be done:
1. First of all, remove the glossy glaze from the entire floor (see table below);
2. Then, for daily cleaning, use neutral detergents that do not contain wax or polishing glaze (see the previous paragraph: “daily/standard cleaning”).
TYPE OF OPERATION
TYPE OF DETERGENT
DETERGENT’S NAME
MANUFACTURER
clean on a daily basis
neutral
floor cleaner
faber chimica
universal degreaser
cleaner pro
fila
pflegereiniger
lithofin
hmk p15
hmk
bonamain + / bmain +
bonasystems italia
bonatitania clean / btitania clean
bonasystems italia
belgres
geal
chanteclair sgrassatore universale
real chimica
smac expresse sgrassatore
bolton group
RESIDUES TO BE REMOVED
TYPE OF DETERGENT
DETERGENT’S NAME
MANUFACTURER
glossy glaze
weak acidic
tile cleaner pure (*)
faber chimica
(*) Do not follow the instructions on the package, just apply the pure detergent, follow the instructions shown in the video at the following link https://youtu.be/4Kqe-CJIb5s.
Do not use wax on LEA CERAMICHE porcelain stoneware.
SPECIAL MAINTENANCE
Remove the patina with detergent
(Faber tile cleaner, non-diluted),
and use detergent without wax for
everyday cleaning.
4
Simple foodstuffs (Coca-Cola,
wine, water etc) can remove the
bright patina. The original surface is
more matt.
3
Original floor.
1
2
After cleaning with detergents
containing wax.
Stain-resistant products for joints
PRODUCT NAME
MANUFACTURER
fugaproof
fila
ultracare grout protector
mapei
kf fugenschutz
lithofin
Unless otherwise indicated by LEA CERAMICHE, follow the instructions indicated on the manufacturer’s package very carefully.
caution:
1. Do not use these treatments on Honed or Polished surfaces; 2. Before the doing treatment contact Lea’s Customer Service; 3. It is advisable to carry out the treatment through
specialized companies.
POLISHED products can reach a grade of R9 (test DIN EN 16165-Annex B) with special laser treatments that may be carried out only on materials
that have not been laid: for this reason the request for R9 on Polished products must be specified at the time of placing the order with the sales
department.
Such laser treatments can be also be carried out on HONED surfaces (contact LEA CERAMICHE customer service for further information).
Useful contacts pag. 378
The manual “cleaning and maintenance” is available on the website leaceramiche.com
Antislip treatments
The slip resistance of floors laid with glazed tiles or non-glazed tiles can be increased by using specific products (see table).
Before applying the product perform a precautionary test on a tile that is not laid in order to find the most suitable contact time. If, on the one
hand, the longest period increases the griping grade, on the other, it will tend to whiten the colours of the tiles a little and make it slightly less
resistant to stains.
Technical Info
FOR REMOVING THE FOLLOWING RESIDUES
TYPE OF DETERGENT
DETERGENT’S NAME
MANUFACTURER
grease
dust footmarks
base cleaning
multipurpose, alkaline-based (1)
ps87 pro
fila
intensivreiniger
lithofin
hmk r55
hmk
taski r20-strip
johnsondiversey
deep degreaser
faber chimica
ultracare HD cleaner
mapei
bonadecon / bdecon
bonasystems italia
deterflash
geal
coffee
coke
fruit juice
multipurpose, alkaline-based (1)
coloured stain remover
faber chimica
ps87 pro
fila
super deterjet
geal
ultracare HD cleaner
mapei
bleach
various manufacturers
wine
oxidizing agent
oxidant
bleach
faber chimica
various manufacturers
calcareous deposits
acid-based (1)
viakal
procter & gamble
ultracare acid cleaner
mapei
rust
acid-based (1)
diluted muriatic acid
various manufacturers
ultracare acid cleaner
mapei
inks
felt-tipped pen
solvent-based
nitro dilutant, white spirit
various manufacturers
coloured stain remover
faber chimica
tire traces
stains from rubber
metals or pencils
abrasive paste (1)
vim clorex (2)
guaber
polishing cream (2)
faber chimica
strong remover (3)
faber chimica
detergum (3)
zep italia
tile joint stains
specific
fuganet
fila
ultracare grout cleaner
mapei
fugenreininger
lithofin
TYPE OF OPERATION
PRODUCT NAME
MANUFACTURER
antislip treatment
bonagrip
bonasystems italia
safe floor
faber chimica
Unless otherwise indicated by LEA CERAMICHE, follow the instructions indicated on the manufacturer’s packaging very carefully.
Lea Ceramiche
328
329
