ASTM G21 is an industry standard that uses an intensive testing protocol for determining if fungi, including mold and mildew, can grow on a polymeric material. MAPEI uses a third-party lab and the ASTM G21 standard for testing the antifungal effectiveness of MAPEI products containing polymer that incorporate BioBlock technology. The ASTM G21 test uses a mix of mold and mildew spores that are commonly found in household environments. Product samples are placed on nutrient-containing plates and sprayed with a mixture of these fungi. For 28 days, the test plates are kept at a constant temperature of 84.2°F (29°C) and exposed to high humidity, which are excellent conditions for fungal growth. The samples are then examined for fungal growth. If no growth is present, the product is considered to not support mold/mildew/fungal growth.
For homeowners and building owners, the advantage is after installation. MAPEI’s BioBlock products will not support the growth of mold/mildew/fungi – with adequate cleaning and maintenance practices.
The advantage for contractors and installers is that MAPEI’s BioBlock products do not support the growth of mold/mildew/fungi – with adequate cleaning and maintenance. Therefore, their use can increase the life of an installation, resulting in fewer callbacks for installers and contractors.
Since the introduction of the BioBlock logo in 2003, MAPEI has continued to develop and expand the range and depth of products that include this technology. The list of MAPEI products that carry the BioBlock logo is evolving with the technology and is constantly growing. Look for these innovative products across the following categories: Liquid membranes, adhesives, sealants, caulks, mortars, grouts and finishes.
The type of stone, tile and grout that you have will determine if sealing is necessary. Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles have almost no porosity and are highly resistant to staining; therefore, sealing is not required. However, it is beneficial to seal unglazed, polished porcelain floor tile. If either the tile or grout is considered porous, such as natural-stone tile, terra cotta, Saltillo, brick or cement-based grout, sealing is recommended.
Always test first! Your grout should withstand the occasional use of diluted bleach. One cup of bleach, mixed with one gallon of clean water, is usually sufficient for disinfecting. Regular use can discolor and weaken grout over time. Bleach should only be used when absolutely necessary and should never be used for routine maintenance of stone, tile and grout. For most installations and applications, the use of an appropriate cleaner, such as MAPEI's UltraCare Concentrated Tile & Grout Cleaner for floors, or UltraCare Everyday Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner; UltraCare Everyday Stone Clean & Polish; and UltraCare Everyday Stone & Grout Cleaner & Resealer for countertops and backsplashes, is recommended routine maintenance.
Regular cleaning is recommended, but the frequency depends on the usage in the area. For most installations and applications, the use of an appropriate cleaner, such as MAPEI's UltraCare Concentrated Tile & Grout Cleaner for floors, or UltraCare Everyday Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner; UltraCare Everyday Stone Clean & Polish; and UltraCare Everyday Stone & Grout Cleaner & Resealer for countertops and backsplashes, is recommended routine maintenance.
It is best to seal all porous stone before grouting the floor, and again after the grout has fully cured.
The best time to apply a sealer to the grout is after the grout has cured a minimum of 24 to 72 hours, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
Vinegar is acidic and can etch certain natural stone, such as marble, travertine and limestone. The occasional use of vinegar on porcelain or ceramic tile with cement-based grout should not cause damage. However, frequent or regular use can discolor and weaken grout and should not be used for routine maintenance. There are several professional-grade UltraCare acidic cleaners that are available when needed, including UltraCare Sulfamic Acid Crystals, UltraCare Cement Grout Haze Remover and UltraCare Acidic Tile & Grout Cleaner. For most installations and applications, the use of an appropriate cleaner, such as MAPEI's UltraCare Concentrated Tile & Grout Cleaner for floors, or UltraCare Everyday Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner; UltraCare Everyday Stone Clean & Polish; and UltraCare Everyday Stone & Grout Cleaner & Resealer for countertops and backsplashes, is recommended routine maintenance.
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