Care Guide
Not all tiles can be used for every purpose. To 
determine appropriate uses of the product, carefully 
inspect the specications section of the product 
page. Pay extra attention to the following factors: 
Every tile has a P.E . I.  rating that indicates how wear-
resistant a tile is on a scale of 0 to 5. The higher the 
rating, the more durable the tile is. For example, a 
P.E.I. rating of Class 0 shouldn’t have any foot trac 
at all; it’s strictly for wall installations. A tile with a 
Class 5 rating, however, can be used in pretty much 
any setting, commercial and residential alike. It would 
then follow that a Class 3 rating is somewhere in 
between: walls, countertops, and oors with normal 
foot trac.
Though ceramic and porcelain can have the same 
P.E.I. ratings, there are other factors that dierentiate 
the two materials. Porcelain tile is red in a kiln 
at a higher temperature and greater pressure than 
ceramic tile, so it’s denser and more water-resistant. 
This makes it ideal for exterior applications in harsher 
climates that see a lot of frost and colder weather. In 
milder climates, either material is suitable.
The C.O.F. rating (coecient of friction) is a value 
assigned to each oor tile designating its slip 
resistance in both wet and dry conditions. A lower 
combined C.O.F. rating (.4) means it is less skid 
resistant; any combined rating above (.6) complies 
with OSHA and Americans with Disabilities Act 
requirements.
Any tile can be used as a wall tile.
Water absorption is an indicator of whether a tile 
can be used inside or outside. If a tile has a low water 
absorption, that means it is water and frost-resistant. 
If a tile has a high water absorption, it is not frost-
resistant and more porous, which means it should 
only be used inside. This is because if a tile absorbs 
water, and then the surrounding temperature drops 
to below freezing level, the absorbed water will 
freeze and the tile may crack. However, in temperate 
climates, this is not an issue. The most important 
thing to consider is the use and location of the tile 
you’re considering.
Tile is a low-maintenance surface choice for your 
home. Its care is simple and cost-eective and will 
keep tile looking brand new, lustrous and scratch-
free. Here are some tips on how to maintain a tile 
installation:
Regular cleaning: Sweep the tile free of dirt and 
dust (or in the case of backsplashes/wall installations, 
wiping with a dry cloth) at least twice a week.
Deeper cleaning: Use soap and warm water–other 
products can dull the glaze! Make sure to use non-
abrasive materials, like cloth rather than the rough 
side of a sponge.
For grout lines: Use warm soap and water with a 
sti-bristled toothbrush. For particularly stubborn 
mold, mildew, or soap scum, use watered-down 
distilled white vinegar. We recommend one part 
vinegar and one part water, contained in a spray 
bottle. If need be, briey leave the mixture on the 
grout line before cleaning. 
USE
CARE
 TILE USE & CARE GUIDE
 TILE USE & CARE GUIDE

