“Mexican Tile” is a type of terra cotta (terracotta) tile; however, Terra Cotta has its own unique characteristics that requires a separate page. True Mexican Tiles are hand made and fired at relatively low temperatures. Therefore, they are not flat or perfectly square. There might even be animal tracks in the surface. The colors vary considerably from beiges, yellows, and oranges. Mexican tiles do not get baked in a kiln at high temperatures. Instead, they are left to bake outside in the Mexican sun and if it is a cloudy day the temperature can fluctuate which increases the porosity of the tiles.

Mexican Tile’s natural, warm colors and durability make it a popular choice for informal rooms, such as the kitchen and sunroom. Even a properly sealed floor eventually acquires layers of soil from foot traffic and frequent spills. Where the sealer has worn away or was never applied, the porous tile holds the dirt deeper than normal household cleaners and mops can reach. Dirt and stains are ground into waxes and acrylic coatings.

Even a properly sealed Mexican Tile eventually acquires layers of soil from foot traffic and frequent spills. Where the sealer has worn away or was never applied, the porous tile holds the dirt deeper than normal household cleaners and mops can reach. Dirt and stains are ground into waxes and acrylic coatings. The one big downside to Terra-Cotta tiles is that they have no glaze on the surface and can soil deeply dirt very quickly. The answe,r of course, is to seal them. Terracotta tiles are the most problematic to seal. Wax sealants tend to discolor to a darker shade and the wax or floor finish will scratch and powder off – leaving quite a mess!

Fortunately, Mexican Tile can be cleaned with StoneTech™ Professional’s All Purpose Cleaner, Klenzall or Revitalizer without altering its natural tone or texture. Years of soil can be dissolved and vacuumed away. Old finishes are more of a problem, especially if a petroleum based coating was applied.

Saltillo, a form of Mexican Tile, is often custom colored with a stain that can wear off or be harmed. Saltillo is very porous and is sun dried instead of fire-hardened like ceramic tiles. Efflorescence is common with saltillo tile. Efflorescence is the wicking up of salts within the tiles when unfinished tile gets wet. Incidentally, Saltillo is the capital of Coahuila state in Mexico and is pronounced säl te’yo.

Because Mexican Tile and Saltillo are somewhat soft (Saltillo being the softest), these should never be cleaned at pressures above 800 PSI and then only if the grout is in good condition.

Care & Maintenance of Mexican Tile:

Mexican Tile requires care to ensure that it lasts for years and generations and imparts natural beauty to the surroundings. Keep surface free of dust, which may otherwise produce scratches. Hence, dust interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Use warm water to clear regularly using a mop or sponge.

Natural stone is very porous. The best way to prevent stains is to treat the surface with a protective sealer. The sealer fills in the pores and repels spills on the surface, allowing you time to completely wipe it away.

We recommend that you use care and maintenance products from StoneTech™ Professional, a DuPont company, that are specially formulated to protect and enhance the beauty of your sandstone. Seal with ImpregnatorPro™ or BulletProof™ to maintain a natural color. To deepen color, seal with EnhancerPro™. Use Revitalizer™ cleaner for regular maintenance.

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Although we usually think of Mexican Tile as “hard,” it is a porous material. If left unsealed, spills and everyday messes can easily penetrate the surface. The liquid eventually evaporates but the stain is left behind.

Removal of oily stains is easily accomplished with StoneTech™ Professional Oil and Stain Remover.

Fluorochemical technology, incorporated into StoneTech™ Professional BulletProof™ and EnhancerPro™ is the most advanced technology available, providing the ultimate shield against both water and oil-base stains. The micro-molecular formula actually bonds with the stone surface to deliver unsurpassed wear resistance and durability. And because the sealer reacts with the stone, you no longer have to worry about its porosity. It works on all types of stone, from ultra-porous Juparana Columbo to super-dense Absolute Black.

Restorative Cleaning of Mexican Tile:

Depending on the type of soil, stain or other foreign matter present, select one or more of the following options:

For stripping off any existing topical acrylic, urethane, epoxy, heavy wax coatings and epoxy grout haze:

1. Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated.
2. Sweep or dust mop loose dirt and debris.
3. For heavy, hard to remove coatings, use StoneTech Professional™ Heavy Duty Coating Stripper as is.
4. For softer coatings, dilute Heavy Duty Coating Stripper with clean water up to a 1 to 1 solution.
5. Apply an even coat using a chemical-resistant paintbrush, roller or deck brush.
6. Allow stripper to dwell for 20 minutes to 2 hours or as long as needed to soften coating. Heavy Duty Coating Stripper will remain active for up to 24 hours.
7. Agitate well using a stiff nylon bristle scrub brush, stiff bristle push broom or a weighted floor machine at 130-140 lbs., 175 rpm, fitted with a scrub brush attachment.
8. Rinse well with clean water and mop, sponge or wet vacuum to remove the remaining cleaning solution.
9. A hard surface extraction wand and portable or truck mounted extraction machine may be used. Repeat the rinsing and wet vacuum process to insure that all dirt, soil and cleaner residue have been removed.

For cleaning of grease, oil, dirt, dry soil and soap scum from Mexican Tile:

1. Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated. Sweep or dust mop loose dirt and debris.
2. Strip off all topical finishes such as waxes and coatings.
3. Prepare a solution of StoneTech Professional™ KlenzAll™ mixed with warm or hot water as suggested below:
   • Medium Duty Usage — Mix 1 part KlenzAll™ to 4 parts of water.
   • Heavy Duty Usage — Mix 1 part KlenzAll™ to 2 parts of water.
4. Apply KlenzAll™ using a low-pressure chemical-resistant sprayer, sponge or mop.
5. Agitate well using a stiff nylon bristle scrub brush, stiff bristle push broom or a weighted floor machine at 130 lbs.-140 lbs., 175 rpm, fitted with a scrub brush attachment.
6. Rinse well with clean water and mop, sponge or wet vacuum to remove the remaining cleaning solution. A hard surface extraction wand and portable or truck mounted extraction machine may be used.
7. Repeat the rinsing and wet vacuum process to insure that all dirt, soil and cleaner residue have been removed.
8. To remove deep or stubborn oil stains not completely removed by KlenzAll™, let the surface dry and use StoneTech Professional™ Oil Stain Remover.
   1. Apply a ¼ inch thick coat of Oil Stain Remover to the oil stained area. Insure that Oil Stain Remover covers an area 1″ to 2″ beyond the stained area for the purpose of containment.
   2. Allow 2-3 days for the Oil Stain Remover to dry to a powder.
   3. Sweep and wipe up dried powder and evaluate the stained area for removal.
   4. Repeat process if needed.
   5. Remove any remaining Oil Stain Remover using mineral spirits.

For removal of efflorescence, grout haze, salts, mineral deposits and all other calcium-based stains (acidic cleaning) on Mexican Tile:

1. Test in an inconspicuous area, as some materials are acid sensitive and may etch when acidic cleaners like StoneTech Professional™ Restore™ are applied.
2. Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated. Restore™ may damage stainless steel and other metals.
3. Sweep or dust mop loose dirt and debris.
4. Strip off all wax, acrylic, urethane and all topical finishes.
5. Prepare a solution of Restore™ mixed with warm or hot water as suggested below:
   • Medium Duty Usage — Mix 1 part of Restore™ to 4 parts of water.
   • Heavy Duty Usage — Mix 1 part of Restore™ to 1 part of water.
6. Liberally apply using a low-pressure chemical-resistant sprayer, sponge or mop.
7. Agitate well using a stiff nylon bristle scrub brush, stiff bristle push broom or a weighted floor machine at 130 lbs.-140 lbs., 175 rpm, fitted with a scrub brush attachment.
8. Rinse well with clean water and mop, sponge or wet vacuum to remove the remaining solution. A hard surface extraction wand and portable or truck mounted extraction machine may be used.>
9. Repeat the rinsing and wet vacuum process to insure that all dirt, soil and cleaner residue have been removed.
10. Thoroughly rinse all metal surfaces.

Sealing & Protecting Mexican Tile:

Natural stone surfaces must be sealed to prevent or minimize staining. Leaving natural stone untreated may greatly hinder the complete removal of stains in the future. The following suggestions are for impregnating the stone and will allow the stone to breathe. Allow new installations to cure for 72 hours prior to applying sealer.

For a natural looking protector on interior and exterior surfaces (heavy duty protection, water and oil repellency) on Mexican Tile:

1. Sweep or vacuum all dust, dirt and debris.
2. Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated.
3. Insure that surface is clean and residue-free.
4. StoneTech Professional™ Stone Sealer or Bullet Proof may be applied to damp surfaces one hour after standing water has been removed.
5. Liberally apply an even coat of sealer using a low-pressure chemical-resistant sprayer, roller or brush.
6. Allow sealer to penetrate the surface for 20-30 minutes. During this time, distribute excess over entire area to insure even penetration.
7. Wipe off any remaining sealer prior to drying on the surface.
8. A second coat may be needed for porous, absorbent surfaces and should be applied 30-40 minutes after initial application as directed above.
9. A minimum of 30 minutes after final application, wipe entire surface with a towel dampened with sealer to remove any residue and excess sealer, if needed.
10. A full cure is achieved after 24-72 hours; foot traffic may begin in 6-8 hours. Cover with red rosin paper, if foot traffic must resume before the recommended time periods have passed.

For a natural looking protector on exterior surfaces (heavy duty protection, water repellency only) on Mexican Tile:

StoneTech Professional™ Heavy Duty Exterior Stone and Masonry Sealer is a water repellent specially designed for exterior projects such as facades, cladding, pool decks, parking areas and driveways. It is very resistant to chemicals (i.e., chlorine) and to the effects of weather (i.e., ultraviolet light/sunlight, driving water/rain).

1. Sweep or vacuum all dust, dirt and debris.
2. Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated.
3. Insure that the surface is clean, dry and residue-free.
4. Liberally apply an even coat of Heavy Duty Exterior Stone and Masonry Sealer with a brush, paint roller or solvent-resistant low-pressure sprayer.
5. Allow sealer to penetrate the surface for 15-30 minutes; denser material may require more time for sealer to penetrate.
6. During this time, distribute excess over entire area to insure even penetration.
7. Wipe off any remaining sealer prior to drying on the surface.
8. A second coat may be needed for porous, absorbent surfaces and should be applied one hour after initial application as directed above.
9. If sealer was not completely wiped off and a residue appears, wipe entire surface with a towel dampened with sealer.
10. Use a white, non-abrasive nylon brush or pad to loosen residue and follow with a clean, white absorbent towel to remove.
11. Do not walk on surface for at least 4-6 hours. Full cure is achieved in 24-72 hours.

For a color enhancing, impregnating (non-topical) protector on interior and exterior surfaces (heavy duty protection, water and oil repellency) on Mexican Tile:

1. Sweep or vacuum all dust, dirt and debris.
2. Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated.
3. Insure that surface is clean, dry and residue-free.
4. Liberally apply an even coat of StoneTech Professional™ Enhancer Pro™ using a low-pressure solvent-resistant sprayer, roller or brush.
5. Allow to penetrate the surface for 15-30 minutes; denser material may require more time for Enhancer Pro™ to penetrate.
6. During this time, distribute excess over entire area to insure even penetration.
7. Completely wipe surface dry.
8. DO NOT ALLOW ENHANCER PRO™ TO DRY COMPLETELY ON SURFACE!
9. Failure to remove enhancer from the surface may result in a film or residue that may need to be mechanically removed.
10. A second coat may be needed for porous, absorbent surfaces or if a darker appearance is required and should be applied one hour after initial application as directed above.
11. A full cure is achieved after 24-72 hours; foot traffic may begin in 6-8 hours.
12. Cover with red rosin paper, if foot traffic must resume before the recommended time periods have passed.

Maintenance Cleaning of Mexican Tile

Highly alkaline, acidic, ammoniated, abrasive cleaners and/or bleach may break down the sealer, adversely affecting repellency and may not be good for the stone. Use a neutral cleaner specially formulated for natural stone.

For routine cleaning with protection (not recommended for lacquered surfaces):

1. Sweep or dust mop loose dirt and debris.
2. Prepare a solution of StoneTech Professional™ Revitalizer™ concentrate mixed with warm or hot water as suggested below:
   • Light Duty Usage — 1 part Revitalizer™ to 4 parts water.
   • Medium Duty Usage/Spray Refill — 1 part Revitalizer™ to 1 part water.
3. (One gallon of concentrate makes up to five gallons of ready-to-use solution.)
4. Apply the Revitalizer™ solution using a low-pressure chemical-resistant sprayer, mop, sponge or automatic scrubbing machine.
5. No rinsing needed.
6. Or use Revitalizer™ in a ready-to-use sprayer

For routine maintenance cleaning:

1. Sweep or dust mop loose dirt and debris.
2. Prepare a solution of StoneTech Professional™ All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner concentrate mixed with warm or hot water as suggested below:
   • 2 ounces All Purpose Stone and Tile Cleaner in 1 gallon of water. (Do not mix stronger than 2 ounces to a gallon as a maintenance cleaner.)
3. Apply the solution using a sponge, mop or automatic scrubbing machine, then wipe or rinse off.
4. Or use All Purpose Stone and Tile Cleaner in a ready-to-use sprayer.

Products for Cleaning and Protecting Mexican Tile:

• All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner
• BulletProof™ Sealer
• EnhancerPro™ Sealer
• Heavy Duty Exterior Stone and Masonry Sealer
• High Gloss Stone Sealer
• Impregnator Pro Sealer
• KlenzAll heavy duty alkaline cleaner and degreaser
• Oil and Stain Remover
• Revitalizer™ Cleaner & Protector
• Stone Care Guide tri-fold Brochure
• Stone Care Guide
• Training Video

Related Stone Care Information:

• StoneTech™
• Stone Care Guide
• Terra Cotta

What Is Carpet Steam Cleaning?

Keeping the carpet cleaned in your home is important for the indoor air quality in your house – and therefore the health of your family – and for the look and feel of your home. Here are some common mistakes so that your carpet remains as clean as possible.

Letting spills set.

This is a way to kill carpeting, particularly when the stain is from a pet. While it’s possible to clean and deodorize an old stain, the odds of completely removing a fresh stain are immeasurably higher, according to carpet experts. What happens is that the spill works deeper and deeper into the carpet if it is not immediately cleaned. Depending on what has spilled, the stain could begin to eat away at carpet fibers. Finally, if the carpet padding becomes soaked in any one area, that could require an entire section of the carpeting to be replaced.

Neglecting to test any cleaning products first.

Do you have a sample of your carpeting or some extra pieces that weren’t needed when the carpeting was installed? These are perfect to use in order to test any type of neutralizing agent or deodorizing powder. The last thing you want to see is a stain develop from one of the cleaning products you are using to remove a stain or odor. Instead, use an extra piece of carpeting, and if there is none available, pick out a spot in the rear of a closet to test.

Cleaning spills improperly.

Don’t use a wet vac or rent a professional steam cleaning machine to pull a stain from the carpeting. The heat will actually cause the stain to set into the carpet fibers. Another common mistake with spills is to rub too vigorously with a brush, rag or other item. Instead, soak up the spill with paper towels and newspaper by standing on top of the pile of towels. Use a 50 percent mixture of white vinegar and water and brush very mildly to remove the stain. Vigorous brushing untwists the carpet fibers, which allows them to sit down and give that trampled, dull appearance.

Never hiring a professional cleaner.

There’s a reason that all carpet manufacturers recommended at least one deep, professional carpet cleaning a year: this is best way to remove the dirt and soils that have been pushed down deep into the carpeting by your vacuum cleaner. The high pressure professional steam machines used by professionals run water and a safe cleaning product all the way to the padding of your carpeting. This cleans deeply, but doesn’t allow your carpeting to get too wet and risk mold or mildew. These professional machines are great for those stains that you have caught and cleaned during the year. The professional cleaning also works well to re-energize high traffic areas and help to restore that like-new shine and luster to your carpeting.

Call today for a Free estimate 949-545-5205!

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

Paying A Professional Carpet Cleaning Service vs Doing It Yourself With A Rented Carpet Cleaner

I’m here to tell you that sometimes doing it yourself does not pay off.

My family and I spent the past weekend cleaning our carpets.  My husband rented a carpet cleaning machine from Home Depot for 2 days.

Along with the cost of the cleaning solution ($108.27 with tax) and the carpet cleaning machine itself, my husband, my son and I spent the better part of 2 days moving furniture, setting up fans, and using this behemoth of a machine to get our carpets clean.

As a result of our 2-day carpet cleaning experience, I have a sore ankle and back.  My husband has a sore back, too.  And my son is avoiding us, for fear that we will ask him to do something else.

I have to admit that it’s wonderful to have our carpets so clean, but I’m realizing that I could have had a  professional carpet cleaning service do the work for just a little more money, and I could’ve been more productive elsewhere.

For instance, while my husband did this work in his spare time, I took time off from my work for this DIY project.  I’m realizing now that I could have just as easily worked for those 2 days and used that money to pay a professional carpet cleaner — and still had a bit left over.

And we all would have probably been much happier in the end.

 

When To Let The Professionals Clean Your CarpetsIn an effort to make the most of our money, many of us tackle hard jobs ourselves instead of calling in the professionals.

But if you sit down and do the math before going out and renting expensive tools and instruction booklets, you may find that someone can do it for you in less time, with greater expertise, and often for a lower price — especially if you take into account the cost of mistakes that are likely to be made by amateurs.

For example, my husband started our carpet cleaning project by flooding the kitchen with water when he walked away while filling the reservoir bucket on the carpet cleaning machine.  He not only left the water running to answer the door, but went across the street and helped a neighbor with a gardening project.

This is why our project took 2 days.  The first day was spent cleaning up the mess.

Call today for a Free estimate 949-545-5205!

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net

Carpet cleaning in Newport Beach is an unavoidable aspect of owning a home or apartment with carpeted floors. More than the basic maintenance of vacuuming, more commercial-grade carpet cleaning methods are necessary to ensure a long, healthy life for your carpet. As many homeowners already know, vacuuming does little to remove the grime and microscopic dirt that clings below the surface of your carpet. Even the most pampered carpets, including homeowners who demand that guests remove their shoes, should have their carpets cleaned thoroughly at least once a year. Other carpets may see such heavy use that a homeowner would do well to buy their own carpet cleaning equipment.

DIY Newport Beach Carpet CleaningMany homeowners undertake their own carpet cleaning to varied success. While carpet cleaning may seem fool-proof, many types of carpet cleaning must be expertly executed to avoid common problems that can arise from the cleaning process itself. You may have invested in a steam cleaner for your carpet, telling yourself that a few hours of your time is worth saving the cost of hiring a professional. The problem is that many steam cleaners marketed for use by homeowners have inadequate controls for steam application. A delicate balance must be achieved to get your carpet clean without saturating the fibers and padding with moisture. Given the high moisture content of the air inside and outside many New York homes, your carpet may take too long to dry. This creates mold and mildew problems, as well as generally foul odors that are notoriously difficult to eliminate. Saturating your carpet padding with poorly applied steam cleaning can also reduce the carpet’s viability and life expectancy.

What about the dry powder cleaning solutions? These cleaners may work okay, but you’ll need to be sure your vacuum is relatively powerful and in good working condition. If your vacuum is unable to pick up the powder and the dirt the clings to it, once again you can unwittingly create headaches for you and your carpet down the road. Plus, you’ll probably still want to occasionally hire a professional to come in and clean your carpets.

Professional Newport Beach Carpet Cleaning ServicesThe same warnings of DIY Newport Beach carpet cleaning can be translated into the benefits of hiring professional cleaning services. The equipment and expertise high quality carpet cleaners will bring to your home simply can’t be reasonably matched by the typical homeowners. Some carpet fibers, for example, can take more moisture than others. Commercial-grade steam cleaners in general will get your carpet cleaner and with less residual harm to the carpet.

These cleaners will also be able to take care of the side work such as moving furniture, although some companies offer discounts if you take care of this yourself. And you may just want to enjoy the weekend, rather than spend it laboriously learning about and completing your own carpet cleaning. The average time for New York carpet cleaning is under four hours, much less than you could achieve on your own, no matter how simple the project appears in your mind.

Call today for a Free estimate 949-545-5205!

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Newport Beach CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net