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Natural Stone Cleaning

Oct 11
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natural stone stains and how to clean them - professional surface restoration

10 Different Natural Stone Stains and How to Remove Them

By Natural Stone Cleaning

Natural stone stains may seem tedious to remove, yet, at the same time, they can damage your floor’s aesthetics. The truth is that you can remove most stains by applying the proper natural stone cleaning method. It all depends on identifying the source to find the best solution.

Here are ten natural stone stains you might encounter and how to remove each of them.

Oil-Based Stains

You’ll notice a darker stone when there is an oil-based stain. It could be any type of oil, and it will look the same. The best approach is to dissolve it by cleaning it gently with a chemical. The best ones include:

  • Acetone
  • Ammonia
  • Household detergent
  • Liquid cleanser with bleach
  • Mineral spirits

RELATED ARTICLE: The Ultimate Post-Construction Clean-Up Checklist

Organic Stains

Organic stains can come from different sources. They look the same, a pinkish-brown color on stone. The most common stains come from:

  • Tea and coffee
  • Fruit
  • Urine
  • Bird droppings
  • Leaves

The best way to clean them is by using 12% hydrogen peroxide mixed with a few drops of ammonia.

Biological Stains

Biological stains come from moss, fungi, mildew, and the like. The best option is to use a diluted solution. Use a half-cup per gallon of water to dilute any one of the following:

  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Bleach
  • Ammonia

Ink Stains

Ink stains come from pens and ink. For darker-colored stone, you’ll need to use acetone or a lacquer thinner. On lighter colored ones, hydrogen peroxide or bleach will work.

Paint Stains

Using a commercial heavy liquid paint stripper will remove even heavy paint from your stone floor. However, it may cause etching on the surface, so you’ll need to polish it afterward. When using these items, you’ll need to follow the instructions accurately as they can be harmful.

Hard Water Stains

Accumulation of hard water can cause staining. The best thing to use here is dry 0000 steel wool to buff the stone and remove the stain.

Inorganic Metal Stains

These are typically rust or brown iron stains. You’ll need to use a poultice to remove the stain. However, it’s not guaranteed that you can remove all the rust.

RELATED ARTICLE: Natural Stone Cleaning Dos and Don’ts

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is white power or salt deposits left because of evaporated water. You’ll have to use a dust mop or vacuum several times to remove most of the stain.

Acid Etch Marks

Acid can both etch and stain a stone. You’ll need to clean the area with water. Afterward, use a polishing powder to try and remove the etch mark.

Fire and Smoke Damage

Stains caused by fire and smoke are difficult to remove but not impossible. You’ll first need to vacuum the area. Then try to use any commercial cleaning solution used for fireplaces and the like. You’ll need to follow the instructions carefully.

Hard Cleaning Don’ts for Natural Stone Floors

When cleaning natural stone, there are several things you have to avoid:

  • Acidic materials like vinegar.
  • Worn vacuum cleaners that can cause damage to the stone.
  • Chemicals, unless the above directions say you can.
  • Ammonia and bleach, as this can cause a lethal gas.
  • Abrasive cleaners.

By knowing the sources of stains and what can clean them, you’ll have a better chance of removing the problem altogether. The first step is identifying the problem before applying a cleaning method.

If you can’t seem to get rid of the stain, contact Professional Surface Restoration. We can expertly handle all types of stains affecting natural stone.

We have a reputation for excellence, and the knowledge to get your dull stone floors looking shiny and new again. Call us today at (419) 705-8693 to speak with one of our natural stone cleaning professionals. Professional Surface Restoration has the expertise you are seeking.

Jan 04
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Keep Your Floors Looking Great After the Holidays - deep claening - professional surface restoration

Keep Your Floors Looking Great After the Holidays

By Carpet Cleaning, Deep Cleaning, Holiday Cleaning, Natural Stone Cleaning, Residential Cleaning Services, Tile and Grout, Wood Floor Cleaning

The holidays are a truly special time of year. Between parties and family gatherings, movie nights by the fire, and hot cocoa, December is many people’s favorite month for a good reason.

When it comes to your flooring, however, the holidays can be catastrophic.

From bringing a tree into the house to snow and mud, extra guests, as well as food and drink spills, your flooring probably looks less than ideal by the time the New Year rolls around. It doesn’t have to be this way.

With a few of these tricks, you can keep your floors looking pristine no matter what holiday activities you had.

Purchase a Shoe and Boot Tray

Placing a shoe and boot tray by the door is the first step to clean floors. No matter how careful you and your family are, boots always come into the house with some moisture left on them. Without a shoe tray, this moisture spreads all over your entryway, and it’s easy to track around the home from there. This water can carry dirt, snow, and salt, all of which are damaging to flooring of all kinds. With a boot tray’s raised sides, the moisture is contained to the silicone of the mat, and you avoid flooring mishaps.

RELATED ARTICLE: Steam Carpet Cleaning vs. Dry: What’s Best

Put Felt Pads on Your Furniture

For hardwood and vinyl of all kinds, putting felt pads on the legs of your furniture can extend the life of your floors. These pads are inexpensive, easy to apply, and keep your furniture from scraping the floor when it inevitably moves around. Especially with guests or extra family members around, furniture shifts quite a bit. Avoid creating permanent damage (and make furniture quieter, too) with sticky felt padding.

Regular Upkeep

Especially during the busy holidays, it’s important to make sure that you’re keeping up with your home’s regular floor cleaning. Mopping and vacuuming regularly keep corrosive substances off your floor and extend its life. This especially applies in terms of spills and accidents during the holidays. Be sure to clean any messes as soon as they happen to avoid long-term staining or damage as much as possible.

RELATED ARTICLE: Five Myths about Steam Carpet Cleaning Debunked

Pre-Schedule Professional Carpet Cleaning

It’s always a good idea to get your carpets professionally cleaned at least twice a year. Pre-scheduling an appointment for right after the holidays ensures any dirt or stains don’t sit too long before being cleaned and gives your floor a nice lift going into 2021. .

For the best floor cleaning services in the Toledo area, contact Professional Surface Restoration. We’ll have your floors looking tip-top this holiday season and beyond.

Feb 19
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5 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Professional Natural Stone Cleaning Service

By Natural Stone Cleaning

natural stone cleaningNatural stone flooring needs extra care. When you hire someone to clean your natural stone, you want to know that they are qualified. You may not be an expert in the proper care of natural stone but asking the right questions can ensure you are hiring the best natural stone cleaning service.

Here are five questions to ask to get you started….

What Is Your Specialty?

Whenever you are hiring a professional to work on your home, you want to be sure they can handle the job. Many contractors do side jobs that are not their particular focus area, but this isn’t the type of job for a general cleaner. Natural stone flooring and its care requires knowledge that you should only trust to a company that specializes in natural stone cleaning and restoration.

RELATED ARTICLE: 7 Facts to Know About Natural Stone Cleaning

What Are Your Credentials?

One way to make sure your natural stone cleaning service is qualified to handle your project is to ask about their credentials. Anyone can claim that they are skilled in a particular area, but you want to ensure that they can back up their claims. A reputable professional will be glad to share their credentials with you before tackling the job.

How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?

Even if a natural stone cleaning service has the proper training and accreditation, it’s still important to know how much field experience they have. It is essential to hire stone experts who know the individual needs of natural stone varieties. Also, ask how long they have been working in your area. Specifics of climate and weather elements have a major impact on natural stone.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Choose a Tile and Grout Cleaning Professional

What Materials Will You Use?

Your cleaning service should be able to explain their entire process to you, including what products they use and how they affect your natural stone. You want to be sure they aren’t going to be using anything that is too harsh on your natural stone or on the environment. A quality cleaning service will use cleaning solutions that are EPA and environmentally-friendly.

How Will You Clean Up After the Process Is Finished?

While your stone flooring needs exceptional care, you don’t want to be left with a mess to clean up after someone has cleaned the floors. Discuss all stages of the cleaning process with the potential team and ask whether they will be responsible cleaning up after the floors have been taken care of.

Having a reputable cleaning service that you can trust is essential. If you are looking for an experienced team of natural stone cleaning professionals with a reputation for excellence, call Professional Surface Restoration today at (419) 705-8693.

Feb 04
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7 Facts to Know About Natural Stone Cleaning

By Natural Stone Cleaning

natural stone cleaningNatural stone is a beautiful design element that we use in our homes, both in exterior and interior applications. Stone flooring tiles offer an array of colors and pattern options and are unique because of natural variations in the stone itself. Natural stone requires care and regular maintenance to maintain its polished look.

Professional natural stone cleaning is always the way to go with natural stone. Hiring stone experts who know the individual needs of various types of natural stone will keep it shining for years to come. There are some fascinating things you may not know about natural stone.

  • Stone’s shine is not created by a sealant. Sealants used on natural stone only serve to protect its surface. They don’t add any coloring to the stone, nor do they make it shine.
  • Natural stone tiles stain easily. For this reason, your stone flooring needs to be properly sealed. Sealing covers the stone’s porous surface and makes it more stain resistant. You should have a professional reseal your stone floors every year or two.
  • Shades and colors of natural stone vary. Since natural stone is not produced in a factory, it does have natural variations in color. You should always purchase a little more than you need in case there are any pieces that you don’t like the look of, and in case you need it for repairs later.

RELATED ARTICLE: Natural Stone Cleaning Dos and Don’ts

  • Dull stone can be polished. If your natural stone flooring has lost its beautiful shine, professional restoring companies can restore its natural beauty.
  • Restoring stone is a wet process. There is no dust created in stone restoration. Technicians use a wet process to bring out the stone’s unique qualities.
  • Restoring is smarter than replacing. Replacing an entire marble floor can be an expensive undertaking but restoring the surface can make it look brand new again.
  • Different types of stone suit different purposes. The natural qualities of stone make different types ideal for varying uses in the home. Travertine, limestone, and marble are better for floors than countertops, because their very porous surface can harbor food bacteria. Granite is great in all applications, as it is the least porous, and slate is wonderful for outdoor use, because it weathers well in all climates.

If you are looking to add the natural beauty of stone to your home, or if you have stonework that needs to be cleaned or serviced, Professional Surface Restoration has the expertise you are seeking.

We have a reputation for excellence, and the knowledge to get your dull stone floors looking shiny and new again. Call us today at (419) 705-8693 to speak with one of our restoration professionals.

May 11
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Flooring Red Flags a Potential Buyer Will Notice

By Carpet Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning, Deep Cleaning, Natural Stone Cleaning, Tile and Grout, Wood Floor Cleaning

flooring red flagsOne of the first things potential home buyers notice when going through a house is the condition of the floors. Since the floor is such a large area that will draw the attention of any buyer, if it has cracks, mold, mildew, or other flaws it may cost the realtor a sale. Identify these flooring red flags before a home buyer does.

Seek professional help from a professional hard surface and floor cleaning company to be certain that the floors don’t keep you from making the sale.

  1. Dirt and Filth

Perhaps the most obvious sign of a neglected floor that will turn off any potential buyer is the general filth, grime, and dirt stuck to a floor’s surface. These range from larger and noticeable stains to small pieces of debris stuck in corners or hidden by rugs, or other items. This red flag is particularly noticeable in tile and grout floors, which may require pressure water cleaning to get them in much better shape.

  1. Water Damaged Floors

Another noticeable red flag of poor floor maintenance is water damage. This type of damage manifests in numerous ways, from saggy or marked floors, to the presence of mold, mildew, and even some cracks and damage. Mold and mildew present a health hazard to any potential home buyer. Also, water damage is usually an indication of a larger problem, such as defective plumbing or possible flooding. Once you resolve the plumbing issue in the house, you will need to call a professional floor cleaning service to get rid of these unsightly features and restore the floor to a better condition.

  1. Smelly Carpets

The final significant floor issue that can drive away potential buyers is the odor that comes from soiled carpets. This smell is usually a red flag that the carpet is old and needs to be deep cleaned or, at worst case, replaced. If the carpet is relatively new, it might need a professional cleaning treatment that includes steaming and a special cleaning formula. Even if it doesn’t smell, deep clean clean the carpet anyway, since it can hold on to allergens and other harmful agents that a cleansing can remove.

Prepare the house you are working on for a successful sale by making sure the floors are in pristine condition. The skilled crew at Professional Surface Restoration has the right equipment and years of experience to handle any type of floor situation.

No matter what type of floors are in your home, Professional Surface Restoration has a deep cleaning solution designed to increase the market value of your home without the need for replacement flooring.

Contact us online or call us at (419) 705-8693 to get started with a no-cost demonstration.

Apr 22
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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.

Jan 21
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How a Home’s Flooring Affects Market Value

By Carpet Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning, Deep Cleaning, Natural Stone Cleaning, Tile and Grout, Upholstery Cleaning, Wood Floor Cleaning

how home's flooring affect market valueIf you’re preparing to sell a home, chances are you’ve already identified several problem areas you’d like to tackle in order to increase the resale value. Drywall, paint, cabinet hardware, and flooring are all common areas for improvement. Flooring, in particular, is an area many realtors suggest deep cleaning or changing before sale to improve the overall market value of the home.

It can be tempting to rip out older carpet and invest in the hardwood that is so popular with today’s home buyers. Often, sellers elect to install cheap, new flooring instead of restoring their existing flooring – and they may do so at a cost they won’t recoup when it’s time to sell the home.

In many cases, it’s more cost effective to deep clean rather than replace.

Carpets

If existing carpet is still serviceable, it is likely better to keep and deep clean it than replace it with other carpeting. Prospective owners like hardwoods, but are often primarily looking for cleanliness and may even be calculating the amount of time left before they’ll need to replace your existing flooring with their own. It can be difficult to recoup the cost of new carpet in a home sale; it is often better to clean the carpet and offer a small allowance if the buyer asks.

Tile

Tile is the preferred flooring in bathrooms and kitchens. It can be expensive and time consuming to remove, particularly if it was installed correctly. After its removal, you also risk installing a flooring prospective buyers plan on tearing out anyway, and you may not recoup the costs of the new flooring.

To make the most of your current tile floor and increase the resale value, make sure it is clean. Invest in a service to deep clean the tile and the surrounding grout, as well as apply a sealant to ensure new stains don’t linger, and you’ll recoup the costs in the sale of your home.

Wood

Hardwood is the preferred choice of most home buyers in today’s market, but the wood needs to be in good condition. Otherwise, buyers will likely see nothing but mounting costs and time in order to refinish it. Instead of undertaking this time-consuming work yourself – or, worse, covering your wood floors with new carpeting – consider hiring a professional wood floor restoration service.

Your existing flooring will be buffed, cleaned, and resealed, and any discolorations or penetrating stains treated. Your floor will now have the look of a new wood floor, increasing the market value of your home without the cost of new flooring.

No matter what type of floors are in your home, Professional Surface Restoration has a deep cleaning solution designed to increase the market value of your home without the need for replacement flooring.

Call (419) 705-8693 to request a consultation and demo.

 

Oct 06
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Natural Stone Floor Cleaning Dos and Don’ts

By Natural Stone Cleaning

natural stone flooringNatural stone floors are a beautiful addition to your home’s interior. Stone is a natural flooring option that uses no dangerous chemicals, but it needs a little extra TLC to stay beautiful. Let’s look at some dos and don’ts for natural stone floor cleaning.

Prevention Goes a Long Way

Prevention is the key to reducing long-term damage. By reducing the amount of dirt and any spills on the surface of the tile, you can keep your floors looking beautiful for their whole life. Remember to always:

  • Remove dirt and sand from the surface of your natural stone floor to avoid scratches.
  • Clean up spills as soon as possible to avoid the liquid leeching into the surface of the stone. Liquids such as lemon juice, cola, and orange juice can cause permanent damage to the stone’s surface if not cleaned up immediately.
  • Use non-slip rugs near entryways to keep dirt from tracking through the house. Stone floors are also slippery when wet.

One of the best methods to protect your natural stone floors is to have them sealed properly. Be sure to choose the proper sealant, and use as directed, or have it professionally done. Having your floors sealed can prevent spills from soaking in and staining or damaging the floors.

Natural Stone Floor Cleaning Tips

Sweep your stone floors daily to remove dirt and grime. You can also vacuum up the dirt and dust for best results. Keeping the dirt off the tiles will slow deterioration of the stone’s surface. Some stone experts believe you should mop stone floors with clear water daily to remove day-to-day build-up.

If using cleaners, they should be designed for stone care. You can also use a solution made of vegetable soap and water. Follow up daily care with regular deep cleanings. Homes with children and pets will require more frequent deep cleanings of the stone.

Don’ts for Stone Floors

While stone floors are fairly durable, there are a few don’ts you need to observe. By avoiding these few things, you’ll be able to keep your stone floors looking beautiful far longer.

  • Don’t use lemon juice, vinegar, or other cleaners containing acids. They will damage the stone’s surface.
  • Don’t use commercial cleaners unless they say specifically they are safe for marble or stone surfaces.
  • Don’t use a vacuum cleaner with worn or missing wheels. They will scratch the surface of your floor.

With a little prevention and daily care, your stone floors will be around for a long time. They will add warmth and beauty to the interior of your home for generations to come. If you are looking for a new flooring option, consider adding stone floors to your home.

For questions about  natural stone cleaning, call Professional Surface Restoration at (419) 705-8693 today.

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.

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