PREVIOUSLY ASKED QUESTIONS RETURN TO HOMEPAGE
I have what looks like water stains on my tiles in my kitchen, what could they be? How can I remove them?
My floors Don't Shine like they did when they were brand new, What's wrong?
Can I clean my tile & grout with vinegar?
What type of Bleach do you recommend for clean grout lines?
How long will sealers last?
Which store bought products work best for maintaining my tile floors?
My Grout is Stained can I paint over it?
My Grout is crumbling what do I do now?
What is the best way to clean Satillo tile?
My Travertine has Major Scratches, one tile store said I should think about
replacing the whole floor. Can anyone Please Help Me!
I've mop cleaned my newly installed tile but there's still a cloudy look on the top,
What do I do now?
I have what looks like water stains on my tiles in my kitchen, what could they be? How can I remove them?
A: ‘Water’ stains could be several different things, depending on the particular
tile you have. Most of the time, water or mineral deposits can be removed with
either polishing with honing powders and a hog hair pad or by using specific acid
cleaners. Please DO NOT attempt either of these without proper training as you
may permanently damage the tile. To remove these stains it may be necessary to
contact the professional.
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My floors Don't Shine like they did when they were brand new, What's wrong?
A: First let's determine what type of material you have. 1- Do you know if it is ceramic tile or natural stone, 2- What products are you using to clean the surface? If you are using only water you may only have a minimal mineral buildup that can cause the luster to diminish and if you are using a household product you might very well be dealing with a residue effect layered upon the surface. If you have natural stone your cleaners may be the culprit and you may be etching the stone surface thereby eliminating any reflective effect to take place.
As above question the water or mineral deposits can be removed with either polishing with honing powders and a hog hair pad or by using specific designed cleaners. Please DO NOT attempt either of these without proper training as you may permanently damage the tile. If your buildup is from residue from cleaning products you must address this with high heat and high pressure for maximum results. Restorative cleaning is necessary in most cases.
To regain your shine if you have natural stone you will need to have your floors professionally done. This is a "Specialized Service" which we do provide and will be glad to give you an On-Site Inspection. Again, please contact the professional.
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Can I clean my tile & grout with vinegar?
A: Although, we’ve all heard many people over the years recommend using
vinegar from tile installers to suppliers, we do not! Mainly because of its acidic
properties, which can lead to premature breakdown of your grout and cause
problems such as pitting and a crumbling effect similar to a sugar cube. Consult
“The Consumer’s Inside Guide To Hard Surface Maintenance” for proper cleaning
procedures.
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What type of Bleach do you recommend for clean grout lines?
A: Bleach will make grout lines brighter, but you may need to check
with the grout manufacturer before starting to be sure the color wasn’t
dyed, bleach can certainly remove dirt, mildew, mold and the color
along with the unwanted. Be certain you rinse all of it out thoroughly.
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How long will sealers last?
A: That depends on the sealer, the method of application and the frequency and
type of maintenance. Anywhere from six months to ten years or more.
This is just a small section of a collection of various questions asked by new
clients. For more answers to your questions about hard surfaces, don’t hesitate to
contact your professional Hard Surface cleaning company.
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Which store bought products work best for maintaining my tile floors?
A: I wish there was an easy way to answer this question, because toes are always
stepped on when it comes to X- ing Out everyone’s favorite cleanser.
In the tile cleaning industry we have what we call the R-Factor meaning Residues left behind. Many cleaners keep cleaning after they are wiped away because they are not
thoroughly rinsed. Especially, those cleaners that clean very well and should be
followed with a proper rinsing. In essence they create possible problems with an
immediate re-soiling of addressed areas. We only recommend products that are of a
neutral ph. Most cleaners off the shelf such as citrus, solvents, ammonia are much
too harsh and can be abrasive to the point of harming finishes and damaging
sealers. Consult “The Consumer’s Inside Guide To Hard Surface Maintenance.
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My Grout is Stained can I paint over it?
A: Yes you can, but there are a few questions you need to ask and answer.
- Have I properly removed all grease, oils and barriers from the areas to be
receiving the coloring product? Example: If you were to re-stain a previously
stained piece of wood you would remove the stains, varnishes or finishes before
applying a new stain wouldn’t you? Of course, only if you haven’t properly prepared
the surface the very next time you attempt clean those grout lines you may be
stripping away your hard labor, money and color product.
- Secondly, say you have attained a level of cleaning where you feel you have
gotten all the surface dirt removed, have you thoroughly rinsed the product you’ve
used to strip the grime away enough that it will not interfere with your coloring
product? This usually requires powerful steam-cleaning to attain lasting results.
If you are not quite certain and if you desire “like new” results, this is one
I’d definitely let the professionals handle. We have had excellent results in this field
with superior products. Back to top of page
My Grout is crumbling what do I do now?
A: Repairs are most likely in your immediate tile future. You can become a weekend
“D.I.Y.” (“do-it-yourselfer” ) and learn a great deal about the price of repair tools
and a possible trip to the emergency room or we can accomplish this with a “no
fuss, low dust” environment by our own special procedure designed to maintain your
clean air quality while we work. Getting your no obligation Inspection and Evaluation
is as easy as a phone call. Back to top of page
What is the best way to clean Satillo tile?
A: Also, known as paver or Mexican tile has a whole set of problems in and of itself
outside of any other type of tile. This flooring product is known for its chipping,
breakage and is easily scuffed and scratched. Most recommend a good cleaning with
a floor scrubber, rinse and re-apply coating for desired shine. We quite frankly have
had excellent restoration results even when others stay clear of (although popular) this less than superior product. We use proven methods
that don't compromise our specific standards and expectation. Consult “The Consumer’s Inside
Guide To Hard Surface Maintenance. Also call for an On-Site Inspection.
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My Travertine has Major Scratches, one tile store said I should think about
replacing the whole floor. Can anyone Please Help Me!
A: Yes, We can help. But first let’s put to rest the idea you may have to get new tile.
A solution doubtless, where someone is counting on making a lot of money.
Travertine is a natural stone and can be scratched by moving furniture across a
room or even a blunt or sharp object hitting the surface. But it’s no cause for total
replacement. If the tile is cracked and you have extra pieces we can use, that is a
possibility or we offer another process by removing the scratches with a diamond
pad or honing powders. Either way will be far less costly than full replacement and
in most cases you will not be able to find the damage when we are finished.
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I've mop cleaned my newly installed tile but there's still a cloudy look on the top, What should I do now?
A: Don’t panic this is known as “grout haze” and is common where there may have
been a hurried grout cleanup. It is very difficult to self cleanup and usually requires
consulting your hard surface professional and their attention
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