1. Always seal grout after installation.
   A sealer protects your floor from stains by blocking the pores and small cracks in the grout lines, keeping spills and dirt on the surface where they can be easily removed. A word of caution, do not seal grout after it has been even lightly soiled. To be effective, the sealer must form ionic bonds directly with the grout. If the sealer adheres to a substance other than grout, it will eventually be wiped away causing a blotchy, non-uniform appearance.
2. Maintain your floors with a Ph balanced cleaner.
   When your grout lines are sealed, there is no reason to use harsh cleaners like bleach, ammonia, acidic, or alkaline based cleaners. Milder, cheaper, more earth-friendly chemicals can be used, saving you money and keeping you and your family safe from nasty chemicals.
3. Clean up spills immediately.
   While sealers provide protection against stains, acidic products such as soda, orange juice, wine, and coffee can etch and dull the sealed surfaces. Always clean-up these spills immediately and be sure to dilute and rinse the surface with sufficient clean water.
4. Sweep and vacuum regularly.
   Foot traffic can literally turn dirt and grit on your floors into sandpaper, many times permanently scratching tile, sealed grout, and stone. Regular cleaning will help eliminate this problem.
5. Use mats inside and outside entryways.
   Mats and area rugs will reduce the number of particles of dirt and sand that can be tracked in from outdoors. Be sure to maintain your rugs with a regular cleaning regime to keep particles from building-up and transferring to your floor.
6. Uses coasters or place mats.
   If you place drinks on a tile countertop or floor, use a coaster to avoid liquid spills and rings that may stain the surface. When placing live plants on the floor, be sure to have a catch tray to capture any water flowing through the plant. Always place a soft pad below the catch tray to avoid scratching the floor surface.
7. Use Sliding Pads.
   Sliding pads are self-adhesive felt pads that can be purchased at any home supply store. They are extremely inexpensive and should be installed on all furnishings, regardless of whether the piece is to remain stationary. These pads greatly reduce scratching and make moving furnishings much easier.
8. Consult professionals.
   With proper care, a ceramic tile surface can literally last decades. Always follow directions provided by your flooring professional regarding a regular floor cleaning regime. If an unforeseen accident occurs (i.e. large chip broken from a tile, or a spilled substance etches the grout or tile color) always consult a flooring professional regarding repairs and cleaning.