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Nov 22
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How to Keep Your Natural Stone Floors Looking Their Best

By Natural Stone Cleaning

natural stone floor cleaningNatural stone flooring is an elegant, striking, and beautiful addition to any home. Stone floors are investments that homeowners should protect. Over time, natural stone floors can continue to shine like new and look their best, even with daily wear and tear. However, it will take a bit of maintenance on your part. Use these natural stone cleaning tips to preserve your flooring.

Dust Mop, Sweep, and Vacuum Regularly

Dirt and dust particles can scratch the surface of natural stone floors. One of the best maintenance tips for these types of floors is to regularly remove particles from the surface. Using a vacuum, soft-bristle broom, or dust mop frequently can eliminate abrasive materials and prevent harmful scratching. Never clean with anything that could scratch, etch, or damage the surface of the natural stones. Think soft, light, and gentle when removing dirt from your floors.

Do Not Use Typical Floor Cleaning Products

You may come across tips in cleaning blogs that recommend using products such as wax removers, grout removers, acid or bleach cleaners, and scouring pads to clean floors. DO NOT use these products on natural stone floors. Natural stone is durable, but does not do best with harsh chemical cleaners and abrasive materials. These can dull, damage, or stain the stone. To maintain your natural stone floors and keep them like new, only use neutral cleaners and those approved for use on natural stone.

Perform Light Cleaning Regularly

A typical natural stone cleaning involves dampening the surface of the stone with water, using a safe cleaning solution, and applying with a sponge or mop. You may also want to apply a finish periodically to increase the shine and luster of polished stone floors. There may be occasions, however, where a deep floor cleaning is necessary. For example, you may want to deep clean if you’ve neglected regular maintenance.

Heavy Duty Floor Clean Now and Then

To deep clean your natural stone floors, use a heavy-duty, non-hazardous stone cleaner and degreaser. Look for products with low percentages of volatile organic compounds to prevent floor damage. Apply the cleaner in a solution mixed with water with a sponge or mop. Follow directions for how long to let it sit. Mop up the solution and buff the floors dry. Rinse with clean water when finished.

Contact our team today to schedule a free, no-obligation demonstration of our amazing natural stone cleaning system in Toledo for your home or business.

Nov 01
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How to Care for Your Tile Floors

By Tile and Grout

how to care for tile floorsTile is a beautiful and durable option selected for flooring in many homes today. With the right care, and consistent tile and grout cleaning, your tile flooring can last for many years and remain a beautiful addition to your home. There are some risks stemming from poor care you can easily avoid as well as some simple tips for maintaining your tile floors to preserve them for years to come.

Avoid the Risks of Poor Tile Care

Tile is usually made from clay and other earth-based materials. A heavy object falling onto the floor can chip or crack the tile. Take care to position heavy objects so they cannot tip over onto the floor, or be accidentally knocked off of counters or tables.

Moisture can also cause problems with your tile. Grout between tiles can retain moisture and become a source of mold. Be sure to keep tile dry and wipe up any spills as soon as possible.

Simple Tips for Proper Tile Care

Dirt can be an abrasive and can act like sandpaper as the dirt is ground across the surface by foot traffic. Sweep tile floors at least twice a week and mop frequently. Be sure to change your mop water often to avoid leaving a dirty residue across the tiles.

Keeping the grout clean is essential for maintaining the health of your floors and keeping them looking great as well. Use commercial grout cleaners or a mild bleach solution. You’ll need a small scrub brush to clean and scrub the grout.

Routine Professional Cleaning of Your Tile Floors

Even with regular care, it’s important to periodically have your tile cleaned professionally. A professional can easily spot areas requiring extra care. Professionals also have the tools and solutions to address deep stains that may mar the look of your tile. A professional cleaning can restore your tile to a like-new finish, and will also be able to properly and thoroughly clean the grout. After cleaning, your tile will be sealed to close the pores and to prevent dirt from penetrating the surface.

By following these simple care tips you will maintain the quality and appearance of your tile and have a floor to be proud of for years to come.

For questions about your tile floors or more information about a professional cleaning service, contact Professional Surface Restoration today.

Oct 10
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7 Reasons to Choose a Company That Uses Green Cleaning Solutions

By Green Cleaning Solutions

Green Cleaning SolutionsMany commercial cleaners are harsh and can be detrimental to the environment. Professional Surface Restoration uses only EPA-approved technologies and cleaners that are ecologically responsible. Using green cleaning solutions and products is critical in protecting the environment and the health of your family (e.g., less likely to trigger allergic reactions, better for children and pregnant women, etc.). Read on to learn more about the benefits of green cleaning solutions.

Green Cleaning Solutions for a Healthier Home

Green cleaning removes potentially harmful chemicals from your home, preventing accidental absorption or inhalation by you or your family. Use of a cleaning spray increases the risk of asthma, the most common chronic illness among children in the country. Going green with cleaners can also reduce health problems with the eyes and lungs and prevent potential headaches, and can even eliminate the need to use chemicals present in normal cleaners that have been linked to reproductive risks.

Clean Environment

Cleaners release harmful chemicals, which is bad for you and the environment. A switch to green cleaners helps in reducing air and water pollution and cuts down on ozone depletion, thus helping in the fight against global warming. Many green cleaners are distributed in recyclable materials, meaning fewer waste by-products.

Safety

Because green cleaners use safe products, your skin and eyes face fewer risks from chemical burns. Green cleaners are not corrosive and comply with strict EPA standards for inhalation toxicity, combustibility, and skin absorption.

Better Air

Strong chemical odors permeate a space, leaving a stench that burns the nose. Green products, store-bought or home-made, largely feature the pleasant smells of essential oils, adding an element of aromatherapy to your cleaning.

Budget-Friendly

If you make a cleaner from vinegar, olive oil, or lemon oil, you will spend pennies compared to dollars for your cleaning products. Crack open that pantry and see what you have on hand that will do the trick.

More Bacteria

The FDA declared that anti-bacterial soap had no cleaning advantages over regular soap and contributes to spawning resistant bacteria. One element in antibacterial soap can affect the function of your hormones and thyroid. Green cleaning products do not contain any of these elements.

Awareness

Currently, companies are not required to show a full ingredients list on their cleaners. If you make cleaning products at home, you control what goes into them. This can help you be more aware of what is being used to clean your house and can eliminate any unknown ingredients that could harm you.

Keep yourself informed and your home safe by choosing green cleaners. To schedule a cleaning with a company that uses EPA-approved and environmentally friendly solutions, contact Professional Surface Restoration today.

Sep 26
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4 Reasons to Consider Concrete Cleaning and Sealing

By Concrete Cleaning

Concrete CleaningYour concrete surfaces suffer the effects of dirt and grime more than other types of surface. Over the years, concrete can become stained from chemical spills, chewing gum, and more. Concrete cleaning and sealing can return your soiled surfaces to brand new. If you’ve been thinking about having your concrete cleaned, here’s why you should call an expert today.

  1. Concrete Cleaning Improves Curb Appeal

Before you invest in any type of home improvement, you want to know what value you’re receiving in exchange for your dollars. Dirt and discoloration build up over time, so you might not notice how much your concrete has changed from when it was new.

You might sweep away or scrub at your concrete, but that doesn’t provide the deep-level cleaning that comes from hiring a professional. Technicians perform a comprehensive analysis of your concrete surfaces and use professional-grade equipment and chemicals to loosen every bit of debris. Heated, high-pressure extraction sucks away what scrubbing removed so it can’t be redeposited. Experts then seal your surface to help it resist future stains.

  1. Sealing Protects Your Investment

Whether you’re finally installing the patio of your dreams or restoring your current one to its previous glory, a sealer can protect your concrete for years to come. You wax your car to protect its paint and apply sunscreen to protect your skin. Sealing provides the same type of protection for your concrete surfaces.

Unsealed concrete is exposed to the elements. When moisture settles on your concrete, it freezes and thaws repeatedly throughout harsh Ohio winters. Fluctuating temperatures can cause unsealed concrete to weaken. Chemicals and oil are also able to quickly penetrate concrete that remains unsealed.

  1. Sealing Adds Luster

You choose how your concrete will look after professionals apply sealer. Most sealers soak into the concrete and become invisible after they dry. Acrylic resin sealers and epoxies can give your concrete a glossy surface. Sealers can also be tinted to change the color of your concrete.

  1. Sealer Is Long-Lasting

Some maintenance has to be repeated every year, but with proper care, sealers can last for years. Because they penetrate deep into your concrete, they offer long-term protection.

If you’re not sure how much difference professional cleaning and sealing might make for your concrete surfaces, why not see an expert demonstration? Professional Surface Restoration offers free estimates with no obligation. Contact us to set up an appointment.

Sep 19
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Keeping Your Grout Sparkling Between Cleanings

By Tile and Grout

grout cleaningGrout is one of the most difficult areas in the house to clean. Even the most luxurious tile can look lackluster when it’s surrounded by discolored grout. A professional can reveal the true luster hiding underneath – but without some maintenance, you’ll find your grout lines accumulating dirt once again. Here’s how to fight buildup between professional tile and grout cleanings.

Understand the Grime

If just you and one other person live in your house, you probably each take a shower every day. That’s 730 showers a year. Grout stays damp around the clock, making it vulnerable to mold and mildew. If you have hard water, rust and minerals can leave behind residue.

Kitchen tiles undergo a similar assault. Every time you prepare meals, enzymes in food can seep into grout to cause stains.

Seal Your Grout

If you had your grout professionally cleaned, the cleaning service probably applied a seal to repel water and resist stains. If you haven’t had your grout cleaned in a while, apply a silicone-based sealer after you get it clean.

Squeegee Daily

In your shower, install a squeegee with a suction cup. Use it to quickly wipe water from tiles to keep mineral deposits from penetrating. Then, mix a solution of four parts water to one part vinegar and lightly mist tile and grout to prevent mold and mildew.

Clean Weekly

Even if you squeegee every time you shower, personal care products and body oil can still build up. Scrub them away with a paste made from baking soda and water. Use an old toothbrush to work it into grout, then rinse.

Stained grout can be brightened by mixing a little peroxide with the baking soda instead of using water. Just be careful not to mix your baking soda with vinegar or you might have a reaction that reminds you of your grade school volcano project.

Address Seriously Discolored Grout 

Sometimes life gets too busy to focus on grout, and things get out of hand. If you realize your grout is more discolored than a little peroxide and baking soda can fix, bleach can help remove stains. Use a bleach pen for small areas or apply powdered bleach like OxyClean for grout that shows extensive stains.

Often the best solution is to have your grout restored by a professional so you have a fresh start. Professional Surface Restoration can make your grout look new again. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Sep 11
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How to Winterize Your Pool

By Deep Cleaning, Pool Cleaning

winterize your poolIs it time to winterize your pool? It may not seem like it now, but before long, the weather will be changing. Leaves will start to fall, and families will start to look toward the holidays. Winterizing your pool protects it from damage when water freezes. If you have a cover, it also keeps out leaves and other debris. Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, here’s how to get it ready for the months ahead.

Deep Clean Your Pool

No matter what kind of pool you have, it needs to be sparkling clean before you winterize. That water isn’t going to be circulating through the filter for months, so anything you leave behind will be a mess to deal with in the spring. Make sure you deep clean in the fall to protect your pool and make it easy to open again next year.

Sometimes hard water stains build up on pool tiles, making them look cloudy. These deposits can be extremely hard to remove. When water sits along the tile line all winter, it leaves behind discoloration and oils from the water. Consider hiring a company that specializes in hard surface cleaning to remove stains before you cover your pool for the season.

Steps to Winterizing an In-Ground Pool

Always check with your pool equipment’s manufacturer to see if there are precautions unique to your type of equipment. The first step in winterizing any pool is to balance your pool water. Several weeks before you close your pool, shock the water, then adjust your pH.

Clean the pool as thoroughly as possible to remove any debris. Lower the water level about a foot and add the chemicals from a pool closing kit. Use your net or brush to make sure chemicals are distributed evenly.

Clean your pool filter and remove drain plugs from filtration equipment. Blow out the lines to make sure there’s no water left that can freeze and cause pipes to burst. Use freeze plugs in skimmers and returns, then shut the pump off at the circuit breaker so it won’t kick back on.

If your pool has a vinyl liner, take a few extra precautions. Monitor your water level to make sure it doesn’t get too low or your liner may pull away from the wall and become damaged. Add water as needed to prevent damage.

How to Winterize Above-Ground Pools

Winterizing an above-ground pool requires many of the same steps as other pools. Make sure you do the following:

  • A few weeks before you close your pool, check and adjust chemicals.
  • Clean your pool and get the water crystal clear. Be sure you vacuum the sides, floor, and clean along the water line.
  • Add winterizing chemicals.
  • Drain water from all pool equipment.
  • Secure your pool cover.

When it’s time to get your pool tile and other hard surfaces as clean as they can be, B Clean Pro Surfaces specializes in restoring surfaces to like-new condition. Get a free quote on our professional cleaning services today.

Aug 25
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Signs It’s Time for Tile and Grout Cleaning

By Tile and Grout, Uncategorized

Tile and Grout CleaningYour tiled areas see their fair share of foot traffic and other forms of wear and tear. Whether it’s spilled food in the kitchen or dirty feet in the bathroom, tiled areas can quickly become soiled. However, since grout lines are often narrow and it can be difficult to notice discoloration. It’s a good idea to know some tips for deciding when it’s time to clean tile and grout.

Try a Test Cleaning

If you think your tile and grout are in need of a good scrubbing, start by cleaning a small test area. Over time, floor tiles will lose their luster and grout will darken thanks to repeated foot traffic and the accumulation of dirt, dust, and other debris. Choose a spot to clean and then compare the finished result to the surrounding area. If the difference is very notable, it’s time to clean the tiles and grout.

Professional Sealing

When you installed your tile and grout (or paid a professional to install them), you hopefully used a reliable sealing agent to protect the grout. If not, the grout will likely discolor and fall into disrepair before the surrounding tiles. It’s imperative to properly seal grout and tile to avoid water damage in and between your tiles and other surfaces.

DIY Tile & Grout Cleaning

Some grout and tile cleaning jobs can be done on your own. All you’ll need is a cleaning solution, a scrubbing brush, and patience. You’ll need to saturate the grout lines and work in small areas to fully lift all of the dirt and debris out of your grout lines. However, while you can certainly handle cleaning grout and tile on your own, you may find better results if you hire a professional.

Perks to Professional Cleaners

A professional cleaner will more than likely have better, more effective, cleaning supplies than you have stashed under the sink. Cleaning grout and tile is intense labor, so the expense of hiring a professional cleaner may be easy to justify considering the time and stress you’ll save yourself.

If you’re considering professional cleaning, take the time to research your options. Look for before and after photos of their past cleaning work and see what kind of quote they can provide for your grout and tile cleaning job.

Ultimately, cleaning grout and tile is a pain, but you can handle it on your own with a bit of elbow grease and patience. However, tough jobs certainly require a professional’s attention, and Professional Surface Restoration is ready to help.

Professional Surface Restoration specializes in hard surface cleaning. Why waste time on methods that don’t get your hard surfaces clean? Contact us for a free consultation today.

Aug 15
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3 Ways Cleaning Tools Can Make All the Difference

By Cleaning Tools, Uncategorized

cleaning toolsCleaning equipment technology has come a long way in recent years. The right cleaning tools can make all the difference in the results. Here’s how Professional Surface Restoration uses the best cleaning tools for an incredibly deep level of clean.

The Best Cleaning Tools Penetrate to Remove Stains

When we clean, we start with a pre-treatment to loosen deep stains. Our high-tech TMT Surface Cleaner is designed for indoor hard surfaces such as tile and grout, natural stone, and granite. Upright models power through the toughest stains on floors and brick. Handheld edging tools clean fireplaces, back splashes, and the hardest-to-reach areas. We use high-pressure water and over 200 degrees of heat to restore hard surfaces to their natural beauty.

TMT Surface Cleaners Remove Grout Stains

Over time, all grout becomes stained. It’s made from cement that was poured into the joints between your tile. Concrete is porous, so it absorbs anything it touches. If the grout is in your kitchen, spills and food particles cause discoloration. In the bathroom, mildew grows on damp grout and tile. If your home has hard water, mineral deposits and soap scum might accumulate on grout.

You may have tried to scrub your discolored grout with smelly cleaning solutions and lots of elbow grease, only to find it still looked stained. It’s frustrating to put in all that work and not see results.

Professional Surface Restoration restores tile and grout to its original condition using TMT Surface Cleaners, and then we seal it to prevent future stains.

Our specialized cleaning equipment uses heat and high pressure to remove stains from grout and tile. First, we spray your floors with a tile-safe alkaline detergent. Then we scrub your entire floor with pressurized hot water. Last, we apply a sealer that protects your floors without changing their appearance.

Our Cleaners Safely Restore Stone

Granite, marble, travertine, and other types of natural stone can start to look worn over time. The textures and irregularities that make them so beautiful often catch dirt and debris. Commercial cleaning solutions can damage stone. Professional Surface Restoration uses TMT tools to make them look new again.

Our stone cleaning experts take the following steps to restore your stone to like-new condition. They:

  • Inspect your stone to identify problem areas and specific needs.
  • Consider foot traffic and level of discoloration present.
  • Protect furniture and wood trim around stone floors prior to cleaning.
  • Apply our advanced cleaning products and scrub by hand or with our high-tech tools.
  • Remove dirt and debris with hot-water extraction.
  • Use water and diamond abrasives to restore sheen.
  • Apply a high-gloss shine to remove light scratches and scuffs.

Professional Surface Restoration specializes in hard surface cleaning. Why waste time on methods that don’t get your hard surfaces clean? Contact us for a free consultation today.

Aug 09
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3 Reasons to Regularly Clean Upholstery

By Upholstery Cleaning

clean upholsteryYou love your furniture and after such a big purchase, you want to safeguard your investment. You may have some questions, like:

  • What’s the best way to protect your furniture?
  • How often does upholstery need to be cleaned?
  • Are there benefits to regular cleanings?

Here’s why having your upholstery cleaned is good for your family, your investment, and your health.

Protect Upholstery Appearance

Your furniture experiences regular wear and tear. Even in the most meticulously maintained homes, over time, upholstery starts to look worn. It happens so gradually you may not notice. Regular cleaning prevents buildup from dust and everyday traffic. Homeowners are often amazed after a cleaning to see the dramatic difference.

Protect Your Family’s Health

Bacteria, dirt, and dust mites love soft surfaces. When you sit on your furniture, you shed hair and dead skin cells. Your pets shed hair. Fabric absorbs odors. Moisture from spilled beverages and sweat provides a place for bacteria to breed. All these elements irritate allergies and keep your home from smelling fresh.

Your Upholstery Needs Special Care

You read the labels on your clothes to decide what can be washed and what needs to be professionally cleaned. Do the same with your upholstered furniture. Find the tag or look it up on the manufacturer’s website to make sure you’re cleaning it the right way. Here are some common cleaning codes and what they mean.

  • W – This stands for water, meaning it’s okay to clean small spots and stains with water-based cleaning products. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
  • S – Only clean upholstery marked with an S using solvents that are water-free. If you use water, you might get a water ring or cause dyes to run and fade.
  • WS or SW – You can use either water-based products or solvents on upholstery with this code, but you might damage the fabric. Test a small hidden area first or opt for professional cleaning.
  • X – Always have these fabrics professionally cleaned, even on small spots.

The best way to make sure your upholstery receives the best care is to hire a professional. Professional upholstery cleaners recommend upholstery be cleaned every 6-12 months, depending on use. Professional cleaning improves durability, removes allergens, and makes your home smell fresh.

Call us today at (419) 705-8693 to request a FREE demo.

Jul 25
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Five Ways to Prolong the Life of Your Carpet

By Carpet Cleaning

5 Ways to Prolong the Life of Your CarpetYour carpet is an investment in your home. Most homeowners choose a carpet because they like the way it looks and feels. A great carpet is warm and inviting to your bare feet. Incorporating certain carpet cleaning practices can help you protect your investment and extend the life of the carpet.

Here are five ways to prolong the life of your carpet:

  1. Take Off Your Shoes

Taking your shoes off and leaving them at the door can go a long way for the life of your carpet. Tests have shown that it takes up to 17 steps for all of the dirt from outside to come off of your shoes. That means the first 17 steps you take into your home you are tracking dirt onto the carpet. Leaving the shoes off helps to keep your carpet free of dirt and debris from outside and leaves your carpet looking new.

  1. Vacuum Regularly

It can be easy to forget to vacuum if your carpet does not look dirty. It is recommended for an active family household to vacuum two to three times a week. During those times you should be making four to six passes in high traffic areas and two to three in low traffic.

The bag or bagless cylinder should be less than half full when you begin vacuuming. Check the brushes of the vacuum and make sure they are not worn or full of hair and lint. Run the vacuum over the entire surface of the carpet, not just the areas where you can see crumbs or dirt.

  1. Clean Spots Right Away

It is important to clean spot stains on the carpet as soon as they happen. Spot cleaning will help to keep the life and appearance of the carpet intact. For liquid spills, blot the spot with a clean white towel. This should remove the liquid before causing a carpet stain.

  1. Schedule a Regular Cleaning

A professional carpet cleaning every one to two years can extend its life. Professional Surface Restoration’s carpet cleaning process gets deep into the carpet and removes more soil and stains than a typical steam cleaning.

  1. Rearrange the Furniture

Heavy furniture can be tough on the carpet. If you keep your furniture in the same place for the life of your carpet, the areas where they have been sitting will be damaged. If the size of your room allows, move the furniture regularly.

Create a Plan

Build a plan that will work best for your family from the above recommendations. It is important to schedule regular vacuuming and carpet cleaning into your routine, so it becomes a habit. Keep an eye on areas below furniture to make sure they are not weathering unevenly. These easy steps can help save you time and money in the long run.

Professional Surface Restoration’s patented process cleans hard surfaces including but not limited to, tile and grout, brick, block, concrete, granite, and marble Terrazzo. Our unique process for hard surface cleaning is revolutionizing the way you restore and maintain all floors back to their natural beauty, including carpet! Call us today at (419) 705-8693 to request a FREE demo.

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