Carpet cleaning methods: Steam Carpet Cleaning vs. dry cleaning, Newport Beach, CA
The time has come. Despite your best efforts, years of stains, grit and grime have accumulated in your carpet. You finally decided to get it thoroughly cleaned, but how do you know which carpet cleaning method to pick? Steam cleaning a dry cleaning is both popular methods for cleaning carpets, but does one have an advantage over the other?
The myth of the steam clean
In the steam clean versus dry clean debate, it’s important to clear up the myth that “steam” is actually used to clean your carpets. While home and commercial machines use hot water, which gives off some steam, steam itself does not clean your carpet. Instead, a detergent is sprayed onto your carpet. Hot water activates the detergent on the carpet fibers — alkaline for synthetic carpets and acidic for wool or natural fiber carpets. A wet-vac is then used to suck up the bulk of the water on the floor.
Home steam cleaning products
There are many types of steam machines available for home purchase or rent. Home models typically rely on hot tap water to get the job done, while those rented from a hardware or grocery store may have a heating element. Both types operate the same way: You place a cleaning solution in the machine, move it slowly and methodically over your carpet, then suck up and dump out the water. Once cleaned, your carpets are not usable for a period — usually between 12 and 24 hours — while the remaining water dries. One issue with the steam method is the shrinking of the carpet when leftover water dries; however, unless your carpet is made entirely of natural, untreated fibers, this will not be a problem.
The case for commercial steam cleaners
You can also hire professional carpet cleaners to come and steam clean your flooring. They will often use a more highly powered machine or one attached to a vehicle. These systems operate on the same principle as at-home systems but are much more powerful, allowing them to force more detergent into the carpet and suck up more water. They are faster than home systems and have a shorter drying time.
Dry cleaning carpets
The other option available is dry cleaning. This method of carpet cleaning uses dry chemical compounds that are placed on a carpet and break down whatever soil or particulate matter they find. The name of this cleaning method is also misleading because they use a small amount of moisture in the form of application solutions, which complement the dry compounds used. Dry cleaning offers the advantage of time; floors can be used again almost instantly after cleaning is complete. Dry cleaning compounds are often used in industrial and retail settings for this reason.
Pros and cons
Steam cleaning your carpet yourself means you need only hot water, a rented machine and detergent. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait between 12 and 24 hours to walk on your carpet again. Ground-in stains typically reappear in the first few days after cleaning. Commercial solutions can eliminate some of these problems, but there are certain stains — pet stains or chemical stains, for example — that require multiple treatments or cannot be removed.
Dry cleaning, meanwhile, offers the advantage of almost no drying time and an effective cleaning through chemical agents and application solutions. The chemicals used, however, can often be harsh, and homeowners are advised to speak with a commercial cleaning company about the products they use and any strong odors they may have.
5 tips for upholstery cleaning in Newport Seashore, CA If you would like to scrub your upholstery, you experience various choices in cleaning procedures and merchandise. For anyone who is unlikely to implement your individual upholstery-cleaning equipment and goods a minimum of two times a calendar year, it is in all probability a greater price to lease equipment or seek the services of an expert. Here is what to understand:To see no matter if leasing or getting a steam cleaner is your best choice, often look at your upholstery tags. Here’s a proof of exactly what the tag codes signify:W: Make use of a water-based detergent.S: Make use of a water-free product.WS: You can utilize possibly a water-based cleaner or even a water-free cleaner, dependant upon the sort of stain.X: This upholstery cloth have to be skillfully cleaned.Even soon after you’ve checked upholstery tags, generally check a small region of cloth right before implementing any type of cleanser into the full bit of home furnishings.Stain stylesSteam upholstery cleaners work nicely for stains from natural supplies such as filth, urine, wine and coffee. Although stubborn stains would require repeated cleaning, steam cleaning is productive for theses forms of stains. Any many others may perhaps call for distinct chemical-based cleaners.EquipmentWhen it comes to picking upholstery cleansing gear, take into consideration simplicity of use. Some devices are significant and call for substantial bodily exertion, but lightweight alternatives are obtainable. As well as the weight in the device, review the attachments; many more moderen machines are equipped having a quantity of special attachments meant to make cleaning a lot easier.CleanserBear in mind of what type of cleanser each and every equipment works by using. You could possibly need several bottles for greater work opportunities, and a few models could be highly-priced, about $200 to $500. Some renters of upholstery cleaning equipment will insist their equipment only do the job with (and that you purchase), their unique brand of cleaner; many others will recommend generic as well as home made cleaning products.So it can be beneficial to notice how pricey the cleanser for the individual device is, and the way straightforward it can be to get, just before you lease or invest in. Take into account a non-toxic cleanser in the event you have allergies or asthma, and especially if you can find animals or kids inside your household.Cleaning approachesTwo components that identify your best option of provider for the upholstery type and the type of stain you most often experience. Even though steam cleansing is acceptable for most artificial fibers, natural resources like leather and suede demand a dry-cleaning course of action which has a water-free cleanser. Implementing drinking water to those natural fabrics could result in them to shrink.To find out more about cleansing your furniture, begin to see the Upholstery Cleaning page on www.pacificcarpetcleaning.webWhen you want your upholstery cleaned, contemplate how we could enable. You might have entry to our neighborhood customer evaluations on our upholstery cleaning customers.
Cleaning Your Travertine FloorsIf you are wanting to know ways to thoroughly clean travertine floors on your own, you would probably need to start off off by dusting or utilizing a cloth to get rid of pet hair, filth, and rocks that you choose to could path in within the outside the house. Most of these things can destruction the complete of the flooring, consequently is incredibly crucial to remove this debris often.Another way to stop particles from coming into your private home is usually to place down mats or maybe a fairly rug in the entrance of the property and at any doorway primary into the outdoors. You would probably also intend to make guaranteed that when folks occur into your own home they remove their sneakers doing away with them from tracking dust, grime and debris within your private home and scuffing up your floors.The next phase in keeping your travertine flooring on the lookout like new is usually to use a neutralized cleaner specially produced for organic stone, you could both select up at your neighborhood components shop, or you might get within the contractor that put in your flooring. Abrasive cleansing products can problems the organic stone tile and damage what ever complete was on them to safeguard them.In case you aren’t able to obtain the neutralize cleaner you’ll be able to take a small amount of liquidity dishwashing detergent and mix it with heat drinking water and use that alternative to scrub your flooring. But, whatever you employ be sure not to put also a great deal cleaner in to the water. Performing so can develop a movie more than the floor and may help it become seemed worn and dull.In case you unintentionally use abrasive cleaner, or possibly a products containing bleach, you will surely have to seek out expert support. The hurt performed by these cleaners can’t be scrubbed away. It could be a travesty to mar the wonder of your respective flooring with these cleaners.Discovering how to clean travertine tiles normally takes a tiny bit of additional time but most customers rapidly master just what the appropriate course of action is and they are in a position to enjoy their stone tiles for a lot of many years.
Most economical Cleaning & Marble Sprucing up in Newport Beach, CAAt $1.00 per Sq . Ft ., Marble Floor Sprucing up could be carried out using many techniques and methods. But there’s just one method that can make a polish last and it is safe for the floor. Advanced Stone Restoration uses probably the most advanced approach to natural sprucing up. We don’t use waxes, topical films, crystallization, or vitrification techniques.To be able to polish any gemstone, an assessment is required to determine the correct procedure. Most marble flooring lose their shine by abrasion (i.e. feet traffic, grime, debris, etc.), etching (i.e. acidic spills – from fresh fruit juices, vinegar, shoyu, pasta sauce, etc.), and scratches (i.e. moving furniture, equipment, and so on).Upon evaluation from the damage or put on, our stone specialist can figure out what beginning grit for ablation is required before sprucing up. The greater damage which must be fixed, the greater steps are necessary to achieve a higher shine with excellent clearness. Naturally, this reflects around the cost to do work.Watch out for firms that state they polish flooring in a cheap cost. Most occasions they don’t resurface before sprucing up or are utilizing a hazardous method which doesn’t last. Their clients finish track of shiny scratches and stains or perhaps a topical coating. As well as an uneven shine with bad clearness. Flooring not correctly refinished collect more dust & debris which in turn causes abrasion. This can lead to a polish that doesn’t last.Only a skilled stone specialist has the capacity to identify problems and also have corrective solutions. So request as numerous questions as you possibly can throughout the evaluation of the gemstone investment.This example shows a marble floor before, throughout, after showing professional ablation and highly polished floor having a brilliant mirror-like shine.To obtain your flooring scratch & etch free – nice & shiny, call us to create a scheduled appointment for evaluation.
How You Can Clean Marble Flooring in Newport Beach, CaCleaning marble and travertine flooring isn’t as complicated as some allow it to be to be. The content recommended below apparently continues to be composed by someone who truly hasn’t much knowledge about cleaning marble and travertine flooring. For reasons want to know , we are able to forgo the composition from the stone.The very first major error within the article is how the instruct you to definitely clean having a “non-abrasive industrial liquids.” True the stone cleaner ought to be non-abrasive but that’s not the entire story. Improper routine maintenance in cleaning marble and travertine flooring may be the single finest reason for marble and travertine degradation. More marble and travertine is broken by improper maintenance and care than every other impacting on factor, including stone quality. These maintenance oversights include:Wet Cleaning – Wet cleaning may be the single biggest reason for “fill” loss, spalling (physical degeneration and pitting from the stone triggered by water), and microbe growth (dark discoloration in starts, crevasses, and grout lines). Marble flooring will not be wet mopped having a string mop (or other type, for your matter) – they must be taken frequently and completely and moist-mopped having a sponge or micro-fiber mop, only.Each time moisture permeates the top of the marble, it’s both an actual and chemical impact on the stone – both of them are negative. Wet stone grows, drying out stone contracts. Multiple cycles of expansion and contraction weaken both stone and fill areas, leading to pitting and fill loss. Remember whenever your teacher known as water the “universal solvent”? Enough stated.Utilization of Improper Cleaning Chemicals – Irrrve never stop being surprised about the assorted number and kinds for cleaning chemicals people (as well as their professional cleaning personnel) experience their marble flooring. I have seen from vinegar and water (”that’s what my grandmother used”), to heavy-duty stone cleansers (”guy in the tile store stated it was the most powerful stuff they had”), and nearly anything else among. Lately we even were built with a client reveal that they read on the web that “cheap vodka” is really a preferred approach to cleaning stone flooring. WOW!Instead of supplying you a listing of products you shouldn’t use within cleaning travertine and marble flooring (it’s a really large list), with regard to brevity I provide you with the one solution you need to use to routinely clean your travertine: a pH-neutral (-7), non-chelated cleaner particularly created for gemstone. Little else. Ever. Period. (Yes, “nothing else” includes Swifters and Windex!) For individuals individuals unfamiliar with chelates (pronounced kee’-lates), they’re chemicals put into liquids and cleansers (including many routine stone cleansers) to “soften” water by sequestering “hard water” minerals (for example calcium) in the detergent therefore it can clean better. Sounds good, right? Wrong! Remember what your travertine is mainly made up of – calcium! Flooring washed with chelated items look dull, drab, and lifeless. We recommend any -neutral (-7) cleaner.The content also indicates you might use a thin layer of wax for optimum protection. This really is a few of the very worst advice you can follow. The content reported is replete with bad information and merely an example from the untrue stories that’s on the web. Additionally should you use a wax coating or topical sealer draining them back may become very pricey. In case your travertine or marble floor cleaning process isn’t effective you’re certain to require some degree of ablation carried out with a competent professional.
https://irvinecarpetcleaning.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Pacific-Carpet-Tile-Cleaning-home-page-Newport-Beach-CA-300x81.jpg00Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning, Irvine CAhttps://irvinecarpetcleaning.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Pacific-Carpet-Tile-Cleaning-home-page-Newport-Beach-CA-300x81.jpgPacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning, Irvine CA2015-12-13 04:11:112015-12-13 04:11:11How You Can Clean Marble Flooring in Newport Beach, Ca
7 Tips about how to Safeguard and Clean & Polish Travertine StoneTravertine, marble and limestone are much the same in physical and chemical composition, so care and cleaning methods are practically exactly the same for those three kinds of stone. Let’s concentrate on travertine as it were. Travertine is less dense, than granite for instance, and it is responsive to acidic fluids for example wine, juice and occasional.A great deal is dependent on the kind of finish put on the travertine. Whenever a honed or tumbled finish can be used, it’s weaker to discoloration and dulling by “etching.” Due to its porosity it requires a sealer to protect against discoloration. Polished travertine is virtually stain-resistant.Following are 7 ideas to help neat and safeguard your travertine architectural stone:1. Make sure seal the stone – In case your home has travertine set up in the tub, kitchen, dining area, etc., and contains a honed or tumbled finish, seek advice from your designer to make certain the stone was sealed. This helps in case of a spill of dark wine, cranberry juice or any other aggressive agent, especially on counter tops and flooring.2. Wipe-up spills immediately – The stone is responsive to such things as tomato sauce, ketchup and certain bubbly drinks. It is advisable to cleanup rapidly using warm water along with a stone cleaning product. Don’t use vinegar, lemon or orange cleaners, bleach, ammonia or store-bought items which contain chemicals, alkalis or any other chemicals when cleaning travertine stone.3. Mop a travertine floor – Make use of a clean non-treated, dry mop regularly after which once per week make use of a wet mop with warm water along with a specifically developed stone soap. It’s best to not vacuum stone flooring because the machine can make cracks and chips.4. Safeguard and canopy – Door mats and carpet runners should be employed to help to keep feet traffic from getting in grime and factors that will damage the travertine. For counter tops and baths, use coasters for those drinks and ornamental trays to safeguard the travertine from cosmetics and bath items like aftershaves, fragrances, oils, soaps along with other toiletries. Prevention is the greatest remedy if this involves maintaining travertine stone.5. Poultices for persistent stains – When the travertine will get stained and also you can’t repair the problem with the normal cleaning methods a poultice might be the answer. Produce a paste by mixing a developed stone cleaner with baking powder. Smooth this within the stain and cove having a obvious plastic wrap. Allow it to stand for a few days and also the poultice will gradually draw the stain out. Take away the poultice with tepid to warm water and aficionado having a cotton cloth or chamois.6. Deep stains – Within the situation of the serious stain which has permeated the stone and stays apparent despite every cleaning process continues to be attempted, an alkaline cleaner might need to be given. This kind of facial cleanser are available in most tile and stone supply stores. It ought to be the last measure to clean travertine stone.7. Request an expert – Travertine is a superb selection of stone for lavatories, kitchen areas and dining areas and it is luxurious appeal is a well-liked feature for realtors. When you choose to include this stone to your design plan always request an expert the restrictions and gratifaction of this kind of stone – they can also get the solutions because of its good care and just how to prevent damage, etching and discoloration.
https://irvinecarpetcleaning.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Pacific-Carpet-Tile-Cleaning-home-page-Newport-Beach-CA-300x81.jpg00Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning, Irvine CAhttps://irvinecarpetcleaning.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Pacific-Carpet-Tile-Cleaning-home-page-Newport-Beach-CA-300x81.jpgPacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning, Irvine CA2015-12-13 04:10:392015-12-13 04:10:397 Tips about how to Safeguard and Clean & Polish Travertine Stone – Newport Beach CA
The best way to Eliminate Pet Stains from Carpet – Newport Beach CAPets are often treated as family people by most people that’s why they’re permitted to remain indoors. Regardless of whether you need it or otherwise, they don’t do what nearly all family people do which is always to take advantage from the comfort room if needed. Pet stains are very common in many houses particularly within the carpets. Preserving your carpet neat and stain free constantly should be among your concerns because of numerous reasons. Of these may be the inescapable fact it assists in keeping your home cleaner and healthier. Preserving your carpet clean brings lots of benefits of your family.Pet smells and stains which are not correctly handled frequently linger at home to have an extended period of time. Aside from the foul smell, bacteria will rapidly occur and multiply once proper rug cleaning procedure hasn’t been used. As the owner of the home, it’s your obligation to help keep every factor within the shelter neat and free of bacteria. Nearly all pet enthusiasts prefer to undergo plenty of struggles simply to have their creatures together indoors. Of those range from the constant necessity of getting rid of pet stains in the carpet.You will find numerous techniques on the best way to eliminate pet stains out of your carpet in Newport Beach, CA. Nearly all they are DIY or do-it-yourself methods in many homes. You can buy all the needed cleaning items around the nearest shop to obtain began using the stain elimination job. Just in case you’re financially limited, there’s a less expensive option to the majority of the conventional cleaning items. You could discover numerous household items that you can use effectively as skin cleansers. Lemon are wonderful good examples of efficient options. You ought to be careful on where they are being used though as they possibly can too leave some damages.When you are someone that doesn’t love doing the dirty works, you can always look for companies who could get the job done for you personally. Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning is really a firm that gives quality rug cleaning services in Newport Beach, CA. Services are usually accomplished with flying colors because of the truth that they’re utilizing the most effective tools to clean reasons. Whether you are who owns the home or possibly a renter, the removal of pet stains in the carpet should be done as quickly as possible.Pets could continually be trained on where you can leave their stains and waste. However, many of us not have the freedom training our pets. Some people likewise not have the money to obtain a trainer to train our precious creatures. If it’s the situation, the perfect factor to complete would be to either train yourself get rid of pet stains or save for rug cleaning services. Regardless of whether you enjoy it or otherwise, pet stains are members of our way of life as pet enthusiasts.
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Part of what makes ceramic tile a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms is that it’s nonporous and easy to keep clean. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for grout, the concrete mixture that’s applied between individual tiles. Dirt, oil, food particle, and other debris can become embedded in porous grout, leading to discoloration and unsanitary floors. When things get to that point, you can either plan to spend a weekend on your hands and knees scrubbing with chemicals, or you can call in a professional cleaning service.
Reasons to Hire Professional Cleaners
If avoiding a showdown with the grime lodged in tile grout isn’t reason enough to call in the pros, consider these other benefits of professional cleaners:
The Deepest Clean Possible: Most homeowners equipped with household cleaners, stiff brushes, and the determination to scrub for hours can get their tile and grout pretty clean. And if you’re willing to use stronger industrial grade cleaners or buy equipment such as a steam cleaner, the results will be even better. Nevertheless, professionals armed with top-notch cleaning supplies and machines take grout cleaning to a level beyond the reach of most homeowners. And keep in mind that once professionals have your grout looking like new, it will be much easier for you to stay on top of routine cleaning.
Grout Sealing: Clean grout is primed for a new coat of sealant. Numerous sealant products are available, and you can additionally choose to have a clear or colored seal applied. All sealants, however, are designed for a similar purpose: to create a protective barrier over grout that will protect it from stains and liquids. Bundling this service with grout cleaning won’t make a huge overall difference in the project cost, and you can look forward to cleaner grout for years to come.
Tile and Grout Cleaning Costs
Grout cleaning prices can vary significantly from company to company and from region to region. For cleaning only, you might pay $.75 to $1.25 per square foot. Some companies might charge this amount for cleaning and sealing, but bundling these services might also cost as much as $1.50 to $2.50 or more per square foot. Again, rates differ and furthermore, some companies offer specials from time to time.
Per room, expect to pay roughly $100 to $500 for bathroom tile and grout cleaning and $250-$750 for kitchen tile and grout cleaning. Cleaning all the grout in a 1,500 square foot home might cost $1,500-$2,000.
Do-it-yourself material costs include grout cleaner ($10 to $40 per bottle) and brushes ($5 to $35 apiece). You could use household cleaners such as Lysol, chlorine bleach, baking soda, and vinegar, along with old toothbrushes, and do the job for next to nothing.
A steam cleaner costs $150 to $300, while multi-purpose floor machines start at $400-$500.
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Besides their phenomenal beauty and versatility, ceramic tile floors have the advantage of being very low-maintenance. Ceramics are made of natural particles that are shaped and fired in a kiln at very high temperatures.
This process creates a durability and resiliency that is unmatched by most other flooring surfaces. When glazed, they also have a protective barrier from dirt, water, stains, and chemicals, making them even more impervious to the elements. Even while easy to maintain, there are some steps to take to ensure that it remains in optimal condition.
How should you clean your tile floor?
One of the most important aspects of cleaning your tile floor is making sure dirt and spills do not have a chance to get comfortable.
These things happen; instead of banning everyone but yourself from walking on your floor, clean up spills or tracks as soon as possible.This is easy enough to do with a mop or cloth, hot water, and a mild household detergent (be sure to do a spot test with any detergent before use and/or get recommendations from the italian tile manufacturer).
Regular maintenance is important as well. The easiest, quickest, and most effective step you can take is to regularly sweep, vacuum, and damp mop your bathroom, entryway, or kitchen tile floors.
A quick sweeping or vacuuming removes dirt and debris before it can become embedded in the tile or grout. Mopping with warm water and using a manufacturer-recommended cleaning product also enhances your tile’s gloss, shine, and color.
One of the best floor cleaning products, though, is one that is readily available in your home. Water is effective in keeping your tile floor looking great.
You can also mix a cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water for a wonderfully effective, odor-eliminating cleanser. If you have children or pets, you may not want to use harsh chemicals, and this is a wonderful alternative.
Ceramic tiles are held in place by grout, which is typically white. Over time, and with exposure to the elements, this can become discolored and dingy. When this happens, it detracts from the beauty of your floor.
To keep this from happening, and to preserve both your tile and grout, it is important to take care of your grout as well. The best way to do this is to seal it after you have installed your tile.
This will keep stains, dirt, and water from being able to penetrate the protective barrier.
Experts recommend doing this about twice a year, though your tile manufacturer may recommend a different sealing schedule.
To clean grout that has become dirt, you can mix hydrogen peroxide and water in equal parts. Simply apply this with a toothbrush to remove the stains. You will find that even grout that is properly maintained is easier to clean and remove stains from than other surfaces, such as laminate.
Among the best qualities of ceramic tiles are its resistance to stains, its hygienic qualities, and its ease of cleaning. Beauty can be low-maintenance.
“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:
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.
For heavy, hard to remove coatings, use StoneTech Professional™ Heavy Duty Coating Stripper as is.
For softer coatings, dilute Heavy Duty Coating Stripper with clean water up to a 1 to 1 solution.
Apply an even coat using a chemical-resistant paintbrush, roller or deck brush.
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.
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.
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. 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:
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.
Strip off all topical finishes such as waxes and coatings.
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.
Apply KlenzAll™ using a low-pressure chemical-resistant sprayer, sponge or mop.
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.
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.
Repeat the rinsing and wet vacuum process to insure that all dirt, soil and cleaner residue have been removed.
To remove deep or stubborn oil stains not completely removed by KlenzAll™, let the surface dry and use StoneTech Professional™ Oil Stain Remover.
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.
Allow 2-3 days for the Oil Stain Remover to dry to a powder.
Sweep and wipe up dried powder and evaluate the stained area for removal.
Repeat process if needed.
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:
Test in an inconspicuous area, as some materials are acid sensitive and may etch when acidic cleaners like StoneTech Professional™ Restore™ are applied.
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.
Sweep or dust mop loose dirt and debris.
Strip off all wax, acrylic, urethane and all topical finishes.
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.
Liberally apply using a low-pressure chemical-resistant sprayer, sponge or mop.
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.
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.>
Repeat the rinsing and wet vacuum process to insure that all dirt, soil and cleaner residue have been removed.
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:
Sweep or vacuum all dust, dirt and debris.
Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated.
Insure that surface is clean and residue-free.
StoneTech Professional™ Stone Sealer or Bullet Proof may be applied to damp surfaces one hour after standing water has been removed.
Liberally apply an even coat of sealer using a low-pressure chemical-resistant sprayer, roller or brush.
Allow sealer to penetrate the surface for 20-30 minutes. During this time, distribute excess over entire area to insure even penetration.
Wipe off any remaining sealer prior to drying on the surface.
A second coat may be needed for porous, absorbent surfaces and should be applied 30-40 minutes after initial application as directed above.
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.
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).
Sweep or vacuum all dust, dirt and debris.
Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated.
Insure that the surface is clean, dry and residue-free.
Liberally apply an even coat of Heavy Duty Exterior Stone and Masonry Sealer with a brush, paint roller or solvent-resistant low-pressure sprayer.
Allow sealer to penetrate the surface for 15-30 minutes; denser material may require more time for sealer to penetrate.
During this time, distribute excess over entire area to insure even penetration.
Wipe off any remaining sealer prior to drying on the surface.
A second coat may be needed for porous, absorbent surfaces and should be applied one hour after initial application as directed above.
If sealer was not completely wiped off and a residue appears, wipe entire surface with a towel dampened with sealer.
Use a white, non-abrasive nylon brush or pad to loosen residue and follow with a clean, white absorbent towel to remove.
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:
Sweep or vacuum all dust, dirt and debris.
Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated.
Insure that surface is clean, dry and residue-free.
Liberally apply an even coat of StoneTech Professional™ Enhancer Pro™ using a low-pressure solvent-resistant sprayer, roller or brush.
Allow to penetrate the surface for 15-30 minutes; denser material may require more time for Enhancer Pro™ to penetrate.
During this time, distribute excess over entire area to insure even penetration.
Completely wipe surface dry.
DO NOT ALLOW ENHANCER PRO™ TO DRY COMPLETELY ON SURFACE!
Failure to remove enhancer from the surface may result in a film or residue that may need to be mechanically removed.
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.
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.
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):
Sweep or dust mop loose dirt and debris.
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.
(One gallon of concentrate makes up to five gallons of ready-to-use solution.)
Apply the Revitalizer™ solution using a low-pressure chemical-resistant sprayer, mop, sponge or automatic scrubbing machine.
No rinsing needed.
Or use Revitalizer™ in a ready-to-use sprayer
For routine maintenance cleaning:
Sweep or dust mop loose dirt and debris.
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.)
Apply the solution using a sponge, mop or automatic scrubbing machine, then wipe or rinse off.
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
