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April 2019

5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Natural Stone Floor Tile

By Natural Stone Cleaning

cleaning natural stone floorMany residential homes feature different types of natural stone floor tile. Compared to other types of floors, such as ceramic tile, wood, and laminate, natural stone floor tile can present its own unique set of cleaning and maintenance challenges. The following tips can make spring cleaning this specific type of floor easier and safer for the material resulting in a longer lasting floor.

Know Your Floor

Before you begin cleaning your natural stone tile floor, take the time to find out what type of stone you are about to clean. The most common types of stone floors are made of marble, slate, or granite, but there are several more. Knowing what type of stone you are going to clean, will guide you to the correct information on proper cleaning techniques. For instance, granite is usually stronger than marble, which requires more delicate care. If available, consult with the installer or manufacturer on the best cleaning practices for the specific flooring material.

Avoid Acidic Cleaners

As a rule, when cleaning a stone tile floor, avoid using acidic cleaners such as bathroom and grout cleaners. Even though you might be tempted to use multi-purpose cleaning agents such as vinegar or lemon juice, you should avoid them as well. The acidic properties in these cleaners are too strong for the material, which can result in damage to the floor. Use gentle soaps and cleaners specifically made for the stone instead.

Clean Spills Immediately

If you see a spill on the floor, clean it as soon as possible. Blot the spill, as wiping it will spread it. Use water and a mild soap as necessary, but make sure you rinse and dry the area when finished. Call a stone cleaning professional if the stain remains.

Dry Mop Often

When it comes to cleaning daily dirt and grit, no tool is more reliable than a mop. For daily cleaning, you can simply use a dry mop. A wet mop is also effective, but it requires more time and effort than necessary, especially since dry mopping cleans up most of the dirt. Save the damp mop for special occasions. Also, make sure to use micro-fiber and closed-ended string mops to ensure cleaning effectiveness.

Seal the Floor

An important step to take in the maintenance of your natural stone tile floor is sealing the floor with an impregnators or sealants. Stone is a porous material that absorbs all types of dirt, spills, and bacteria that are nearby. Sealing the floor at least every six months is important in keeping these elements away and maintaining the integrity of the stone. Make sure you apply the sealant to a completely dry floor and let it absorb the agent for around 15 minutes before removing any excess chemicals.

The natural stone floors in your Toledo, Ohio home can be a thing of beauty once again. Please call Professional Surface Restoration at (419) 705-8693 to schedule an appointment or request a free estimate.

How to Safely Clean Wood Floors This Spring

By Wood Floor Cleaning

clean wood floorsWood flooring is a popular residential choice for several reasons, such as its flexibility and its ability to infuse a natural element into your home. There are several types of wood flooring, and each requires its own type of maintenance. It is important for homeowners to familiarize themselves with the specific type of wood flooring in their home, as well as how to clean wood floors and respective maintenance needs.

Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are made from actual, authentic wood material. If you are unsure if your floor is made from hardwood, look for irregular patterns. In addition, hardwood can incur damages from impact, like scratches and dents. If this damage is common, your floor is probably hardwood.

The best way to clean hardwood floors depends on the floor’s finish.

  • Surface-sealed. If your floor doesn’t smudge easily, it is likely surface-sealed with polyacrylic, polyurethane, or urethane. Simply sweep with a broom and follow up with a mop damp with warm water and dish soap.
  • Penetrating seal or oil. If your floor smudges, it might be treated with these finishes. The broom and damp mop treatment applies, but you must occasionally treat them with paste or liquid wax.
  • Shellac, lacquer, or varnish. These floors also require additional treatment with liquid or paste wax, as well as traditional sweeping and damp mop cleaning.

Cleaning Laminate Floors

Laminate floors are not made from actual wood, but they imitate the texture and colors. Laminate floors have actual patterns and damage less easily, but they are more vulnerable to water. Also, laminate is more common in post-1960s homes.

The following are some general laminate floor cleaning tips.

  • Vacuum first before mopping, as it is more effective in getting rid of dust and debris. Use the lightest setting to avoid floor damage.
  • Use a damp mop with either water, a commercial cleaner specialized for laminate, or a homemade cleaner made from vinegar and water.
  • Avoid products like bleach, wax, or acrylic, since they can damage the finish.

General Tips for Wood Floor Cleaning

Whether you are cleaning hardwood or laminate floors, consider the following general cleaning tips.

  • Never use soaking wet mops, as excessive water damages the floors
  • Avoid steam cleaning on any type of wood floor
  • Replace the cleaning water often to avoid dirty water
  • Consult the floor’s manufacturer for recommended cleaning instructions

Are your wood floors in need of professional cleaning and restoration? Professional Surface Restoration can help you with that. Contact us today or call (419) 795-8693 to schedule a FREE, no-obligation demo.