Author: John

Your Guide To Sparkling Clean Floors
Keep your tile floors
looking beautiful

Selecting the Perfect Tile
Many consumers today are choosing hard floor over carpet. Keep in mind that hard floor is still going to need maintenance after a given time. No floor is bulletproof. Of course, the amount of maintenance depends on the floor you have selected. This guide will give you some ins and outs on most types of hard surfaces.
Vinyl floor is a good choice for a budget hard surface. However, cheap vinyl can scratch and yellow easily. Professional cleaning can remove soils that are imbedded in the vinyl, however yellowing cannot be corrected. You can expect to replace vinyl within 6-10 years unless you purchase a high end product.
Ceramic and Porcelain tile is a very popular choice due to durability. Ceramic and Porcelain is likely the most durable floor surface if you purchase a quality tile. Stay away from cheap tile which is likely second quality imports that will easily crack after installation. Make sure the grout is sealed 10-14 days after installation to keep oils from absorbing into the grout. Professional cleaning and re-sealing may be needed every few years to remove soils from the grout as well as the tile. Although ceramic and porcelain may not need replacing for decades, maintenance on cracking tile and grout may need to be done every few years.
VCT tile floors are very popular in commercial buildings. VCT requires constant maintenance in waxing to protect the floor as well as to keep a shine on the floor. The cost to purchase this floor is relatively cheap, but frequent professional maintenance is required. VCT floors can last for several decades if properly maintained.
Paver Brick amd Quarry Tile are an unglazed ceramic material suitable for interior or exterior paving. The extreme baking temperature make this floor one of the most durable on the market. These floors can last a lifetime, but protective treatments should be applied every several years.
Terracotta is also known as “Saltillo or Mexican Tile”. Terracotta is one of the oldest ceramic materials made by man. Saltillo is a clay-based product that demands special treatment and finishes which can make maintenance expensive.
Marble is a luxurious natural stone floor with beautiful characteristics. Marble can get scratched, so regular polishing is necessary to keep the floor looking it’s best. Avoid installing marble in an area where food is served as it is etched by acids contained in drinks and foods. Marble can last for decades.
Granite is an extremely hard natural stone. Waterproofing is recommended, especially when it’s laid in places such as kitchens or bathrooms. Granite can easily last for decades and is the easiest natural stone to maintain.
Travertine is natural stone limestone formed in hot springs. Travertine has small holes that are filled in with concrete before final processing. It can be polished to look like marble or it can remain coarse. Travertine is slightly softer than marble. It requires regular maintenance to remove scratches or to maintain a polished appearance. Travertine can last for decades.
Limestone is a soft natural stone that is not ideal for high traffic areas or rooms with chairs that may harm the stone. It has a slightly duller appearance than other stone. Limestone can last for decades if cared for properly.
Slate is classified as a “rough” material with low absorption. Slate can be found both indoors and outdoors, and rarely has a high polish unless a coating is placed on it. Slate can be a problem in wet areas because of its content of clay.
Natural Stone Tips
Many natural stone floors need to be leveled after installation to get the floor smooth and the tiles on the same level. This will make the floor more valuable as well as prevent tripping on the tiles. It is very important to have the tile sealed to prevent etching of the stone.
Never allow acids on natural stone. With the exception of granite, natural stone can be etched by acidy substances such as soda, tomatoes, or orange juice.
Dirty Grout?
To keep your grout stain and oil resistant, you must have the grout sealed 10-14 days after the grout is installed and every few years thereafter.
Grout can be difficult to keep clean. To attempt to clean an area of dirty grout, use a high alkaline cleaner with a small brush. Scrub the tile and rinse with water.
Make sure sealer is only applied to new grout or after grout has been thoroughly cleaned.
Sweeping and Mopping
Use a microfiber or swifter mop in conjunction with a vacuum made for vacuuming floor. When mopping be sure to rinse the mop often with plain water to rinse out soils and detergent residue.

4 Tips for Maintaining Your Tile Floors
Use a vacuum designed for hard surfaces to remove soil. A vacuum is better than sweeping because it will remove more soil and not scratch your floor.
DO NOT USE too much detergent of any kind on your tile. Just as with carpet, you can cause a residue problem that will attract soil. Use a neutral PH cleaner made for tile. Mop your floor with plain water every third time you clean. Use a string mop if possible.
Use large walk off mats outside of every entrance. The more walk off mats you use the more soil you will keep from grinding on your floor.
Get your floor professionally cleaned and sealed every 3-5 years. This will make your maintenance efforts much easier.
CAUTION!
Know what your floor needs. Never use an acid cleaner, vinegar, or bleach on natural stone.
Never wax your stone or tile.
For more information on hard surfaces, visit our updated website:
www.CarpetCareTips.com
Disclaimer: Use the techniques in this brochure at your own risk. Always pre-test any solution that you use.

Professional Tile Cleaning and Sealing
Sparkling Clean Tile and Grout
Step 1: Your tile will be inspected for damaged areas and determined if sealer is necessary.
Step 2: Special tile and grout pre-sprays are used to emulsify soils.
Step 3: High pressured, hot water is flushed into the tile and grout and extracted into a holding tank in our van.
Step 4: Application of a professional SEALER that penetrates into the grout for full protection or RECOLORING of the grout can be done after cleaning with 32 colors to choose from.
Polishing of Natural Stone
Marble, terrazzo, travertine, limestone, and granite can be polished to a high shine. We can also remove scratches and level your floor if needed.
For FREE estimates:
Call 474-1133

474-1133
1116 Olive Rd.

All dirt, oils, and grease are removed from your tile with our high pressured, hot water system. After cleaning, your grout can be sealed to help keep it clean.

Provided as an educational
resource by:

More information available at
www.CarpetCareTips.com

Ceramic
Porcelain
Marble
Terrazzo
Slate
Travertine
Brick
Mexican Tile

To keep natural stone looking it’s best, polishing should be done every few years.