Care and Maintenance of Interstyle GLASS TILE (January 2018)
Interstyle GLASS TILE is made of 100% fused glass. Its hard, nonporous surface makes GLASS TILE simple to clean. In most cases, soap and water or a mild detergent is all that is required to maintain its luster. If necessary, apply common, non-abrasive, household soap and water directly on a damp cloth or sponge and wipe the surface, rinsing thoroughly after cleaning. To prevent streaking, apply a water and vinegar solution and wipe dry. To remove adhered material such as food, gum, or nail polish, first scrape away the excess material with a plastic putty knife and then clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any marks left behind and any residual dirt.
Interstyle GLASS TILE prides itself in providing our customers a virtually care-free surface, but as with any product, excessive abuse can harm its finish. With a small amount of care, your GLASS TILE surface will look as great as the day you bought it for years to come.
More detailed information regarding the use and care of GLASS TILE material can be found below in our FAQ.
How should I remove stubborn or dried spills?
Use a damp, soft cloth with warm water and soap. If needed, apply a solution of warm water and vinegar directly on a damp cloth or sponge and wipe the surface, rinsing thoroughly after cleaning. To avoid dulling the surface’s shine, make sure to use a non-abrasive cleaner, and rinse off any cleaner with water. To remove adhered material such as food, gum, or nail polish, first scrape away the excess material with a plastic putty knife and then clean the surface with warm water and vinegar to remove any marks left behind and any residual dirt.
How durable is GLASS TILE?
GLASS TILE is resistant to cracks, scratches and stains. However, like most materials, excessive force and/or pressure from objects can damage the surface.
GLASS TILE is resistant to most stains caused by fruit juices, liquid food coloring, coffee, tea, wine, grapes and soft drinks.
GLASS TILE’s non-porous nature provides maximum resistance to staining and fully eliminates the need for any sealing. The non-porous quality of the surface also greatly reduces the potential for bacterial growth.
GLASS TILE is hard glass but scratches can be visible against the glossy finish, especially on dark colors. Be careful not to drag abrasive objects such as the bottom of porcelain cups and saucers.
Hard impact from a blunt object could chip a corner. Repairs can be made using UV cured resins as described later in this guide.
Do I need to apply a sealer to GLASS TILE?
No. GLASS TILE is a non-porous surface, so you will never have to apply sealer to any GLASS TILE surface.
Can I cut on my GLASS TILE countertop?
GLASS TILE surfaces are highly scratch resistant; however, avoid using sharp objects such as sharp knives or screwdrivers directly on the surface. The use of a cutting board is always recommended.
How do I maintain GLASS TILE’s natural beauty?
Polished: Due to its high density and non-porous qualities, normal cleaning with a damp cloth and mild detergent will keep your GLASS TILE surface looking like the first day it was installed. To avoid dulling the surface’s shine, make sure to use a non-abrasive cleaner, and thoroughly rinse off with water after use. We recommend a thorough cleaning of your GLASS TILE surface on a regular basis (because of the patina that can develop on the surface from day from cooking, grease oils in the air) to keep the surface as beautiful as the day it was installed. Vinegar mixed with warm water is all that is needed to remove most cooking grease.
How does GLASS TILE withstand heat?
GLASS TILE is made with soda-lime-ash glass (ordinary float glass use in windows) and can potentially be damaged by sudden and rapid temperature changes, especially near the edges. Using inexpensive and readily available hot pads or trivets is always recommended, especially when using cooking units such as electric frying pans, crock pots, or roaster ovens. We do not advise putting hot cookware directly on the GLASS TILE surface.
Dark colors can potentially absorb a great deal of energy from the sun, and therefore we do not recommend dark GLASS TILE outdoors.
Are there any chemicals or cleaners to avoid using?
We recommend using simple vinegar and water to clean GLASS TILE. Only hydrofluoric acid or substances that contain hydrofluoric acid should be avoided as they are used to etch glass. Should your surface accidentally be exposed to any potentially damaging products, rinse immediately with water to neutralize the effect.
Abrasives and cleaning solutions that contain abrasives should be avoided.
Is caring for my GLASS TILE surface really this easy?
GLASS TILE’s care-free maintenance and everlasting benefits and performance allows more time for the things that matter most to you. Whether you selected GLASS TILE to be your surface of choice for food preparation or to simply beautify your home, you can enjoy the peace of mind knowing that GLASS TILE is completely worry and care-free.
Does GLASS TILE offer a warranty?
Yes, GLASS TILE offers a Lifetime Warranty for all residential purchases. Please click here to register your GLASS TILE purchase.
Can GLASS TILE be used outdoors?
While some customers have opted to install GLASS TILE in outdoor applications – our Lifetime Warranty does not cover this use. GLASS TILE resists prolonged UV ray exposure settings but dark colors can absorb vast amounts of energy (heat) that can lead to thermal breakage.
When something goes wrong, can I have it fixed?
Yes, there are a few common repairs that are not too hard even for a homeowner to completely.
1 – Surface scratches. To truly “fix” a scratch you would have to grind the surface down to the level of the scratch and re-polish the surface. That can take some time It is far easier to fill the scratch with a filler, but that may not be permanent because of how small it is.
Can I install fixtures over the glass tile?
No. Fixtures should be anchored directly to the structure and the glass tile should be installed around the flange of the fixture. Be sure to check that the fixtures do not flex or bend the wall in any way, as it may cause premature failure of the glass.