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• Care During Construction

Lexomo Worldwide products are classified as a finish material. As such they should not be installed until after any heavy construction work has been completed.

In instances where the Lexomo Worldwide products are installed prior to the completion of construction special care must be taken to protect the tile until it is put into normal service. The general build up of dirt and debris present on any construction site may negatively affect the performance of the tile if it is left unprotected. The best way to protect the tile surface is to cover it with a protective layer of Kraft paper, carpeting, cardboard, plywood, or any other material that will not adversely affect the tile surface

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• Initial Cleaning and Maintenance

The most important cleaning operation is performed immediately after the tile has been set. This involves the complete removal of grout residue and construction dirt from the newly installed Lexomo Worldwide products. Grout manufacturers provide directions for the cleanup of their products after installation has been completed. These directions should be followed. In many cases Lexomo Worldwide products can be successfully cleaned by scrubbing with a mild detergent, combined with a thorough rinsing. It is critical that all rinse water be removed through wet vacuuming or dry toweling. Should any grout residue remain this process can be repeated several times as necessary.

For highly textured products, or when using a dark colored grout with a light colored tile, a grout release may be used prior to grouting to assist in the removal of the grout from the surface of the tile. Before grouting, the contractor should test a small area of the tile to determine if the chosen color grout will discolor the surface of the tile, in which case a grout release should be utilized. Please follow the specific manufacturer's instructions for the use of any grout release product.

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• Surface Coatings

The inherent density and low water absorption of all Lexomo Worldwide porcelain products ensure a product that is easy to maintain. Lexomo Worldwide products do not require the use of sealers or waxes. These surface coatings may actually negatively affect the performance of the tile.

In some instances where an unglazed, polished porcelain product is used in an area subject to excessive exposure to dirt, a penetrating type sealer may be used. A penetrating sealer is designed to fill the microscopic pores created during the polishing process. It is not designed to coat the surface of the tile. We recommend that all sealers be tested in a small inconspicuous area before general use on the floor. Please ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a penetrating sealer and do not allow the sealer to dry on the surface of the tile.

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• Regular Maintenance

The inherent technical characteristics of Lexomo Worldwide products ensures that they will be relatively easy to maintain and should provide years of enjoyment. Many general purpose cleaners that are readily available are acceptable for use on Lexomo Worldwide products. It is important that the cleaner has a non-oil, non- animal fat, non-soap base. These components can leave behind an invisible residue with can trap dirt. It is also important that the tile receive a thorough rinsing with clean water after the cleaning process has been completed.

The general cleaning steps for LEXOMO WORLDWIDE products can be summarized as follows:

✔ Remove all loose debris from the tile by sweeping with a soft bristle broom or vacuuming.

✔ Any spills should be wiped up as quickly as possible.

✔ Apply the recommended amount and dilution of the appropriate cleaner to the tile. Allow the cleaner to remain on the tile for short period of time (at least 5 minutes).

✔ For unpolished tile, scrub with a nylon pad or soft bristle brush. For more heavily soiled floors a floor machine equipped with a nylon pad or bristle brush may be used. For polished tile, wipe or mop with a nonabrasive mop or cloth.

✔ Remove the dirty cleaning solution and water with a wet vacuum or mop. Thoroughly rinse the tile with clean water and remove with a wet vacuum, mop, or towel. It is absolutely essential for all detergent residues to be completely removed from the tile. Any remaining detergent residue can dry on the tile and form a coating which can trap dirt and be very difficult to remove. The tile should be rinsed several times if necessary to remove all detergent residues.

The frequency and timing of any maintenance program is dependent on the specific characteristics of each tile application. Factors such as foot traffic, environmental conditions and product color should be considered when planning your maintenance schedule. In high traffic areas, or in areas subject to excessive exposure to dirt, a more frequent cleaning schedule may be necessary.

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• A Word About Cleaners

There are many excellent cleaners on the market today which should provide you with satisfactory results. All purpose household cleaners such as Harpic, Lysol, Soft Scrub, Top Job, Mr. Clean, Ajax Liquid, Dow Bathroom Cleaner, Liquid Comet, and Fantastik are all suitable for general purpose cleaning of Lexomo Worldwide products. Soapless detergents such as Spic & Span and 409 may also be used.

For the removal of stains on unpolished tile, scouring powders such as Comet, Bon Ami, or Ajax may be used. These may be used in conjunction with a nylon pad or soft bristle brush. Steel wool is not recommended.

For heavier cleaning requirements or commercial applications, products manufactured by Aqua Mix, Hillyard Industries, Walter G. Legge Co., or CeramaSeal may be used. These products are available through your local ceramic tile dealer. In all cases please ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions. We also strongly recommend that all cleaners be tested first in a small, inconspicuous area before general use on the floor.