Part of the appeal of tile and stone is its easy upkeep. Like other surfaces, tile surfaces look their best and last the longest when they receive regular cleaning.

Granite, slate, marble, and other natural stone

• Dust mop often using a clean, untreated dry dust mop.
• You can safely vacuum as needed.
• Sweep up abrasives such as sand, dirt and grit, which do the most damage to these surfaces.
• Use mats or area rugs inside and outside entrances to minimize tracking in dirt.
• When needed, clean stone floors with a few drops of stone cleaner and warm water, using a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth on countertops. Rinse completely with plain water and dry with a soft, clean cloth. Change rinse water often.

Porcelain tile

• Dust mop floors frequently and damp mop occasionally using a neutral cleaner diluted to the manufacturer's recommendations. Use only non-oily, non-acidic, non-soap-based cleaners, such as Mr. Clean, Windex, Lysol and Spic 'N Span. Wipe down countertops with this same solution.

Ceramic tile

• Clean regularly with all-purpose cleaner. Daily spray-on shower cleaner works great on ceramic, porcelain and glass tile showers.
• Properly installed tile showers and bath surrounds will not become moldy. If you have mold on your bathroom tile, it indicates that you need to hire a quality tile setter to tear out the old tile, put up a waterproof base, then install new tile and grout. In the meantime, the best way to fight mold is to scrub it with detergent.
• Combat lime buildup by wetting tiles with diluted vinegar. Before it dries, scrub it with a brush. The best way to prevent lime buildup is to use a water softener.

Glass tile

• Clean the surface of the glass with mild soap and warm water. Wipe the entire surface completely dry with a clean, soft cloth. Daily shower cleaner works wonderfully in glass tile showers.
• If the surface of the glass becomes excessively dirty, you can use a general-purpose cleaner, such as Fantastik, Lysol Foaming Disinfectant, Dow Bathroom Cleaner Liquid, Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover, Mr. Clean or any other household glass cleaner.

For more information specifically for your floor, walls, countertops or other surfaces, check the materials that came with your tile or stone. You may also wish to check the Web sites of the tile or stone manufacturer.