Tile and Stone Floor Care
Natural Stone and Tile floor Care is a Specialty, almost a Science that should not be left to ordinary maintenance procedures. Having these type floors installed can be very expensive because of the special care and skill that is involved. Cleaning and maintaining these floors is no less important. The most common and Costly mistake made by cleaners of Stone floors is failing to recognize the chemical sensitivity of the particular stone.
For instance, Marble and Limestone are alkaline-based stones and can be easily dissolved by acids found in various cleaning Products as well as Lemon, Citrus Juices, Wine and even Soda/Soft drinks. The acids in these liquids can etch and remove the polish from a marble floor if it is not wiped up quickly. These are soft stones and are vulnerable to scratches and dulling by sand, grit and soil under normal everyday foot traffic.
Glazed Ceramic tile is very quickly becoming the floor and wall covering choice of homeowners. With it comes the care and cleaning to maintain the lustre and brilliance of the tile and grout. Ceramic tile is now commonly used in bathrooms, Foyers, Indoor Pools, kitchens etc. The Glazed Ceramic tile found on walls and surrounds are thinner than the tiles used for floors. This Glaze can wear off over time, but it is not Acid Sensitive.
Dirty Grout is the #1 complaint about Ceramic Tile, especially the dark grungy grout that is found in Shower Stalls, Bathrooms and on floors.
In Showers and bathrooms this dirty grout is actually MOLD that is building up because of improper cleaning. Simply wiping the grout with is not enough and is actually a sign of a bigger problem that will persist until rectified. If the grout has never been sealed repetitive cleaning with the common cleaners will prove to be arduous, time consuming and the results will not be very good. Grouting must be sealed.
Black or Dark floor tile grout is a sign POOR maintenance and that the grout has never been sealed. If the grout was sealed it was probably done incorrectly and this will lead to a breakdown of the grout and loosening of the tiles.
There are 4 types of grout, Sanded lime-based, Cement, Lime based cement (unsanded) Sanded epoxy-based and Unsanded epoxy base. Out of the 4 only Epoxy grout does not have to be sealed and it is typically only found in higher end commercial properties. Therefore if you have Tile with Grout it will need to be cleaned and Sealed properly or replacing and repairing it will be your next step. Because of the variations in the types of Tiles and Grouts that can be used, it is essential that this tiles are Professionally maintained.
Porcelain Tiles are also finding their way into more homes especially the decorative styles found along many backsplashes. The most common problem with Porcelain is called Efflorescence. Porcelain tiles are porous and many times the natural minerals in Porcelain will ""wick"" and come to the surface. The result is a white filmy substance that is not removable by normal cleaning.
If you have Natural Stone, Tile and Grout, give us a call, we would be happy to analyze and recommend a custom Maintenance and Care program for your specific tile.
