A good protection and maintenance regime is essential for retaining a tile’s aesthetic and performance features.
Aiming to simplify each step – from protection to routine cleaning – Mapei has developed the UltraCare range of cleaners and protectors. Formulated in the company’s Research Laboratories and designed for the professional and consumer sector, the range reportedly provides solutions for all types of surfaces in private, commercial and industrial settings, with many now included within Mapei’s Zero Line of carbon offset * products. Treatments are said to be formulated for all types of natural and engineered stone and tile finishes, laid inside and outside – from polished marble countertops to external grade porcelain pavers.
UltraCare Zero Line
Each of the seven UltraCare Zero Line products are designed to provide contractors with a “sustainable high-performance solution”, with CO2 fully offset in the entire life cycle. They include six UltraCare cleaning products and UltraCare Smooth Silicone:
- UltraCare Multicleaner – a concentrated pH-neutral solution for everyday cleaning.
- UltraCare HD Cleaner – an intensive alkaline treatment for deep cleaning and restoration.
- UltraCare Keranet – a concentrated “buffered” acid cleaner.
- UltraCare Acid Cleaner – a concentrated “buffered” acid cleaner.
- UltraCare Kerapoxy Cleaner – a ready-to-use solution for the removal of epoxy residue after grouting.
- UltraCare Grout Cleaner – a ready-to-use concentrated alkaline cleaner for cementitious and epoxy grouts.
- UltraCare Smooth Silicone – a smoothing product for finishing sealants.
Each solution from the range of UltraCare cleaners is tailored to a tile’s individual characteristics – be it acid sensitive, acid resistant, polished or unpolished – providing a safe and easy-to-use solution for the most diverse sites, from newly laid tiles to heritage renovation projects. These treatments are a suitable choice for a builder’s clean, to remove residue before applicaton of a sealer; for deep periodic cleaning and renovation, and for stain removal.
Acid-resistant tiles:
Mapei UltraCare Acid Cleaner and UltraCare Keranet are formulated for acid-resistant natural stone and tiles. Both are designed to safely remove fixing residues, including cementitious grout, organic dirt, salt, limescale and efflorescence. Each cleaner has a buffered acid formulation that does not emit fumes, the company says, so they are safe for the applicator, the environment and will not cause damage to stainless steel and aluminium profiles. A ready-to-use spray, UltraCare Keranet Easy can be used as soon as grout becomes opaque; resulting in significant time saving for the applicator, Mapei says.
Unpolished natural stone:
Mapei UltraCare HD Cleaner is an alkaline formulation that breaks down organic dirt. It’s reportedly safe to use on all types of natural stone, including acid-sensitive limestone. This cleaner can also be used in renovation projects to restore a stone floor’s slip rating as well as its aesthetic. Outdoors, it tackles the removal of moss and algae and is said to be effective as a remover for water-based and metalised waxes.
Polished stone – and everyday cleaning:
Mapei UltraCare Multicleaner is a concentrated pH-neutral cleaner used to deep clean polished stone and for every day tile cleaning. It’s suitable for all types of wall and floor tiles, indoors and outdoors, and it gives a thorough clean without rinsing, the manufacturer says. To deep clean and remove dirt and grout residue, a lower dilution is used and the surface is rinsed after application. UltraCare Multicleaner is also offered in a ready-to-use spray.
Porcelain – internal and 20mm external tiles:
Mapei UltraCare Keranet and UltraCare Acid Cleaner remove cementitious residues from porcelain, whilst Kerapoxy Cleaner can be used to remove epoxy residues. Externally, UltraCare Grout Release also promotes easy removal of grout residue from textured tiles. On existing surfaces, UltraCare HD Cleaner gives a deep clean – restoring appearance and anti-slip properties – and UltraCare MultiCleaner can be used for ongoing maintenance.
Treatments for rust & stain removal, grout, mould and pristine silicone
To tackle specific issues, the Mapei UltraCare range also includes a range of removers which each address specific residues, including the recently introduced UltraCare Rust Remover and UltraCare Stain Remover. The company describes the various products in the range as follows:
- UltraCare Rust Remover – a fast-acting acid-free aqueous solution for the removal of rust stains.
- UltraCare Stain Remover – a thick consistency cleaner in an aqueous solution, for professional degreasing and removal of organic stains.
- UltraCare Grout Cleaner – a ready-to-use concentrated spray cleaner for epoxy and cementitious grout joints between unpolished tiles.
- UltraCare Mould Remover – a fast-acting mould and algae remover. Clears stains on all surfaces, including painted render, and also acts as a tile hygieniser.
- UltraCare Anti-Mould Protector – a colourless, water-based protector against the formation of moulds and staining. On existing tiles, apply after cleaning with UltraCare Mould Remover. Can also be used on painted render.
- UltraCare Smooth Silicone – a smoothing product suitable for use with all types of silicone.
This treatment is specifically formulated to work with the BioBlock in Mapesil silicone sealant and to protect and enhance its function. Unlike commonly used soaps, washing up liquids and window sprays, which contain products that affect this function and also leave a visible residue, UltraCare Smooth Silicone creates a pristine, residue-free finish.
About UltraCare Protectors
Mapei’s range of UltraCare protectors completes the maintenance range and includes a series of treatments for specific requirements – from water and oil-repellent protection and colour enhancing, to the protection of tiles prior to grouting. All treatments are supplied ready-to-use and are predominantly EMI Code EC1 Plus accredited water-based formulations, the manufacturer says, allowing for application with residual moisture and a faster turn-around.
UltraCare water-based treatments are described by the company as follows:
- UltraCare Anti-Mould Protector: a high-performance, mould-resistant water-based protector for all types of tile. Ideal for application after new UltraCare Mould Remover.
- UltraCare Intensifier W: a high penetration colour enhancer and protector.
- UltraCare Stain Protector W: an impregnator that provides protection and anti-stain properties, with a natural effect for unpolished surfaces.
- UltraCare Stain Protector W Plus: an impregnator that provides protection and anti-stain properties, suitable for use on all finishes of natural stone, terrazzo, agglomerates, brick, terracotta and polished porcelain.
- UltraCare Grout Release: for application on porous material to protect against grout ingress and staining. Can also be used on textured porcelain, where it acts as a sacrificial surface protector that promotes quick and easy removal of grout and installation residues.
- UltraCare Grout Protector: an impregnator for use on cementitious grouts.
- UltraCare Fuga Fresca Grout Refresh: a grout refresher to rejuvenate the colour of cementitious grout joints in floors and walls.
The range also includes two solvent-based treatments: UltraCare Intensifier S – a high penetration colour enhancer and protector, and UltraCare Stain Protector S – a natural-effect impregnator that provides protection and anti-stain properties.
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*CO2 emissions – measured throughout the life cycle of products from the Zero line in 2024 using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, verified and certified with EPDs – have been offset through reforestation projects and protection of biodiversity. The Zero line portfolio demonstrates Mapei’s commitment to the planet, to people and to biodiversity.
