Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500368
06/24/03
Brick, Tile Floors - Sealer Treatment
Place folded towels next to carpet areas adjoining
tiled areas to absorb water. Using a scrub brush or large
sponge and detergent, scrub the floor surface and rinse
with clear water. Be sure any dirty wash water is
completely removed from crevices. Allow floor to dry
thoroughly.
From a reliable hardware or paint store get a brick
masonry sealer; sold in gallons only. It is a clear
solution so it does not change the color of the tile or
bricks and grout, but it will give a gloss to the
surface.
Paint the sealer on the dry tile or brick, being sure
to cover all crevices and cracks in bricks and grout.
Let it dry and apply a second coat. Thereafter, apply one
coat about every year to maintain the seal.
The sealer prevents dust from grout being tracked
into the house, and makes cleaning very easy with a damp
mop.
Some people prefer to use a wax over the sealer.
Experiment with a sample tile or an inconspicuous corner
as some waxes leave a streaky undesirable finish.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Georgia
Extension bulletin Buying and Caring for Smooth Surface
Flooring: Masonry.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .