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 Cleaning Guide Tile Hard Surfaces Natural Stone Tacoma Gig Harbor Puyallup
Preventative maintenance recommendations
- Seal stone and grout after installation with a high quality sealer.
- Use mats or area rugs in high traffic areas to trap sand and grit.
- Leave shoes at the door. High heels can apply several hundred pounds of force in a very small area causing scratches and even cracks in softer tile and stone.
- Precautions are taken on counters and shower areas to keep soap dispensers, sponges and other items that may trap cleaning detergents off stone surfaces.
Regular maintenance
For floors
Removing shoes at the door will greatly reduce the necessary cleaning intervals. However, if kids and pets are involved, there is a good chance there will be some dirt and spills to clean up on a regular basis. We recommend the following maintenance schedule:
- Dry soil removal - Do a regular cleaning with a dust mop or vacuum's floor attachment. In low traffic areas this may be all you need to do.
Tip: The vacuum is best. Swifter style mops collect large amounts of dry soil that can scratch your floors.
- Spot cleaning - After removing the dry soil, you may notice a few spots remaining on the floor. Spray Natural Stone Cleaner that we provide onto a clean cloth or paper towel. Wipe the spot until all residue is gone.
- Damp mopping - Notice we say "damp mop" not "wet mop." If you "wet mop" your floor with lots of water and solution, the soil will follow the water to the lowest point in the floor — the grout lines. Mopping with dirty water or too much water is the number one cause of the grout lines soiling quickly. Once the soil is in the grout, it's difficult to remove.
- Follow the dilution ratio on the Natural Stone Cleaner bottle.
- Dip your mop into the solution and wring it out so only a small amount of solution is applied to the tile.
- Rinse the mop in a bucket of water to ensure that most of the soil is removed. Replace the water when you can't see the bottom of the bucket.
- Wait until it dries completely before walking on the floor.
- If you follow the dilution ratio on the bottle, you shouldn't have to perform an additional rinsing step. Additional rinsing may be necessary if too much solution is used.
For countertops
Granite slab and tile are still the most common countertops. Both are quite durable with proper maintenance. Marble and limestone counters require more maintenance because of their sensitivity to acid.
- Daily cleaning - Use a damp cloth and Natural Stone Cleaner to wipe the countertops down to remove any spots or residue.
- Spot cleaning - Clean spots quickly, particularly on stone or grout. Follow these steps:
- Use an absorbent towel to blot up the spill. Do not wipe as the area of damage may increase as you spread the spill around.
- Clean the affected area using Natural Stone Cleaner misted on the spot. Wet the entire area and let dry for one minute.
- Dry the area using a fresh absorbent towel. If the surface has etched, contact us for some restorative options.
- Emergency spot cleaning - Assume spills will harm natural stone surfaces. Especially acidic liquids (wine, citric juices, sodas, etc). Always blot up spill. (DO NOT wipe the spill as it may spread it and damage a larger area). Then apply water to neutralize the spill area. This will stop the damage from progressing any further. If the spill has created a stain or an etch mark, contact us for further information.
For showers
Showers are the most difficult areas in the house to keep clean. Minerals and soap residue attach to stone surfaces. For best results, use the following procedures:
- Daily cleaning - After each shower, use the shower head to rinse the walls and floor to remove any soap residue. Squeegee or towel down the walls, floor and glass to ensure surfaces are dry and clean. This will save time and money over the life of the surface.
- Weekly or bi-weekly cleaning - Apply Natural Stone Cleaner to a clean cloth or directly on the shower walls. Use a sponge to gently agitate the surface. A toothbrush is perfect for scrubbing grout lines. Allow the cleaner to sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse. This process removes residual scum build up.
- Annual deep cleaning and re-sealing - Hammond Knoll only uses the highest quality sealers. We recommend re-sealing the grout and stone in your shower every year. [Our sealers can last for up 10-15 years, but shower environments are more abusive than flooring.] A steam extraction is performed to ensure the surface is clean. This prepares the surface for re-sealing.
Other common issues in showers:
- Mold and mildew - Mildew is common around the base and ceilings. For grout and caulk, mist with a bleach solution. Allow it to soak for four hours. Rinse thoroughly.
Showers that are installed without proper ventilation will always have problems with mold and mildew. If mildew is present on the ceiling or upper walls, install a quality vent fan and run it during and at least 1 hour after showering.
- Grout cracking and loss - Water collects in areas and can cause the grout to crack or break away. The areas are around the baselines and on shower seats and steps. They may need to be replaced periodically.
For grout
Grout is porous and absorbent after installation. It must be sealed shortly after. (Epoxy grout is the exception to this rule). If left unsealed, it will become permanently stained.
Once the grout is sealed, it should be treated like natural stone and cleaned with a Natural Stone Cleaner. Because sanded grout is rough, it collects soil easily. We recommend a soft bristled brush ( a toothbrush is perfect) to agitate the cleaner and soil prior to rinsing.
  
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