Limestone cleaning – Avoid staining and marking

Limestone is one variety of natural stone which is commonly used for floor tiles, almost always indoors, and as long as it offers a rustic, timeless quality it will continue to be popular for many years to come.  Limestone is often seen as a ‘soft’ stone which is a little misleading as, although it is amongst the softer types of stone, it is still very durable.  It does, however, have a propensity to stain and mark over time if it is not carefully looked after so it is important to take care of it.

One of the first factors to consider when talking about limestone is that it does not like water and in particular any type of liquid which has an acidic content.  Limestone has often been used for monuments and you can immediately see the effect of rain on the statues – a reason why limestone is virtually never located outside.  When located inside it is not recommended in areas where spillages are likely, so avoid installation in bathrooms and kitchens.

Limestone needs to be cleaned, like any other floor, to keep it looking good, but in this case you may need to take a bit more care than you would with other materials.  The best place to start is to seal the floor with a good quality commercial sealant.  A sealant is useful to prevent damage from spillages thus avoiding possible staining and marking.  The sealant essentially acts as a barrier to prevent spillages from touching the surface, and will also aid future cleaning efforts.  It is important that the floor is clean before the sealant is applied, and also that the right sealant is chosen.  If you are not sure, a limestone cleaning specialist will be able to advise you.

Once the floor has been properly sealed cleaning can involve no more than a mop and some warm water.  If you wish to add a cleaning product make sure it contains no acid or bleach as this can mark or discolour the stone – if in doubt as to what to use, you can just add a little detergent to the water (being sure to rinse) or any neutral PH cleaner.

It is also important to protect the floor against surface scratching and abrasions as this can remove the sealant and expose the surface and cause marking or result in an uneven appearance.  Placing doormats at entrances and using them as well as regular sweeping and vacuuming should remove the majority of surface grit and dirt which is principally responsible for surface scratching.  The sealant should also be periodically re-applied, but if you have any doubts as to how to clean or care for your floor you can always contact a professional limestone cleaning company for advice.

Wood floor cleaning – Avoiding surface damage

Hardwood floors have been around for centuries, traditionally only available to the upper-middle or rich classes in society, they retain an element of class and sophistication to this very day.  Hardwood floors were for decades seen as a troublesome material, difficult to maintain – mainly due to poor installation and maintenance, but a well-cared for hardwood floor would look exceptional and classy for many years to come.

Hardwood is by no means difficult to maintain, although it will be more complicated than most stone and man-made tile floors, but wood is, in general susceptible to marking and staining and spillages are a constant problem.  The best way to deal with problems is to apply a good sealant to the floor which will prevent liquids seeping into the wood, staining it or filtering the joints and damaging the wood over time.  It is important to seal correctly and periodically, but after that protecting the floor is vital to keep it looking good.

One of the keys to maintaining your floor is avoiding surface damage it the form of scratches, surface abrasions, dents or even general wear over time.  There are many reasons for this, but the idea is that once a floor has been sealed, it is simply a case of using a slightly damp mop with maybe a little soap to keep it clean.  If there are scratches or marks on the floor, however, the bacteria, dirt and grime plus residue from any spillages has a place to build up over time and, while it may not be visible to the naked eye at first, can quickly develop into a stain directly on the surface of the wood.

Most surface damage is caused by surface dirt and grit particles which are usually walked in on the soles of shoes.  If you doubt this have a quick sweep of the floor and see how much dirt is gathered up, or simply check the soles of your shoes next time you walk in from the street.  Placing (and using) doormats at entrances, plus regular (daily if possible) sweeping and vacuuming will remove the majority of this surface dirt.  Once that has been done, you should simply wash your floor, although you may wish to consult a wood floor cleaning specialist if you want to use a specific product.

Heavy objects, furniture and chair legs can also cause surface marking so it is important to take care here also.  Heavy objects should be lifted and never dragged (ask someone to help you if necessary) and padded tips should be applied to sharp points, corners or the tips of chair legs to reduce the risk of damage.

If you notice a mark on the floor which you cannot shift it is possible that there has been a surface build-up over time, or that the floor itself has become stained.  Different situations will require very different treatments, so it is important to contact a professional wood floor cleaning company which will be able to recommend the appropriate course of action, from surface buffing to surface sanding depending on the severity of the problem.  Be sure to remember any previous sealants and treatments that have been applied to the floor.

An introduction to cleaning slate floors

Slate is a type of natural stone with a fine texture that comes from small silt and clay particles bonded together under high heat and pressure. That bonding gives slate its smooth texture, and because the particles are so small it is relatively difficult for liquids to penetrate the slate, making it more stain resistant than some alternatives. Slate comes in a wide range of different colors and textures. The colors, which include black, red, green, gray, brown, and mottled shades, are formed due to the impurities of the stone, and the texture can also vary.  Slate usually has a slightly rough finish which is desirable for flooring, since this texture offers a slip-resistant quality.

Slate is relatively durable, although it can still be marked and scratched, while it can also be stained, not just the surface of the tiles, but also the grout used to fill the gaps between the tiles.  Grout is a construction material which is highly porous and can quickly affect the overall appearance of your floor.  Cleaning your slate floor is a process which includes protecting it, and regular cleaning with the right products and materials.

It is simplistic to say the best way to keep your floor clean is to avoid getting it dirty in the first place – but it is so true.  A little proactive cleaning and protection can go a long way towards keeping your floor clean for many years to come.  You should, ideally, start with the application of a high quality sealant, which will offer additional protection against marking and staining and will, ultimately, facilitate your cleaning efforts.  It is important to make sure that the sealant is applied to an already clean floor (amazingly – it often isn’t) and that the right type of sealant is used.  If your slate has a textured finish, you would not want a wax based sealant which would nullify this slip resistant quality.  If you have any doubts get in touch with a specialist in cleaning slate floors – who will be able to advise you.

Once a sealant has been applied, it is important to protect it, and the surface of your floor, from scratches and tiny surface abrasions.  These scratches remove the sealant and expose the surface and can damage the surface allowing grime and bacteria to build up, layers at a time, to form a stain that can be difficult to shift.  Most scratches occur from walk-in dirt and grit particles, so taking a quick look at the soles of your shoes will reveal why this so often occurs.  You could introduce a ‘no shoes indoors’ rule (although this is impossible for commercial locations) but regular sweeping and vacuuming, plus the use of doormats should prove sufficient to reduce the amount of dirt present.

Cleaning the floor itself can be simply a matter of a mop and warm water, if the appropriate preventative steps have been taken – and this, like the sweeping, should be done as often as possible.  The problem occurs for most people when they leave the floor because they cannot ‘see’ a stain.  Once a stain becomes visible it is usually difficult to shift – so being proactive is important.  If you decide to use a cleaning product, be sure to check it contains no acid or bleach as this can discolour or stain the stone.  For advice of cleaning slate floors or for recommended products – contact a professional hard floor cleaning company.

Basic stone floor cleaning tips

There is a wide variety of stone available for flooring including slate, marble and limestone amongst others and they are becoming increasingly popular choices for flooring – especially in the home.  Due to their natural state, they are available in an almost limitless range of colours, designs and shapes while there is also a number of finishes for that extra bit of variety.  Many people choose stone floors due to the inherent durability and perception that they are easy to keep clean.  While the durability means the floor will certainly last a long time, it is also true that the floor will need to be regularly cleaned and looked after to keep it looking good – a few cleaning tips will help.

One of the factors to consider with natural stone is that it can stain – so spillages are a particular problem, as is the choice of cleaning products.  Of course spillages should be cleaned up as soon as they occur, but in the case of pets and children that may not always be possible – so it is best to be proactive when dealing with your floor.

Stone, and the tile grout, should be protected whenever possible with a good quality sealant, which will add an extra layer of protection and basically ‘waterproof’ the floor.  It is important that the sealant is applied both to the surface and the tile grout, where a separate sealant is probably advisable.  The sealant should be applied to an already clean floor (remarkably – this doesn’t always happen) and it is important that the right sealant is chosen – a stone floor cleaning specialist will be able to recommend one for you.

If the floor has been sealed, it needs to be protected from surface scratching which can expose the surface and lead to staining and dis-colouring.  Regular sweeping and vacuuming, use of doormats at entrances and taking care while moving heavy objects should reduce the risk.  Padded tips can also be added to the points of chair legs and corners of heavy objects for additional protection.

Cleaning can be as simple as using a mop and warm water, maybe with a little detergent or soap and should suffice as long as the cleaning is regular.  It is important with natural stone, and the grout used, to be careful when using cleaning products and anything with acidic content (if possible use a neutral PH cleaner) or bleach should be avoided.  Limestone is particularly susceptible to damage.  If you have any doubts – contact a professional stone floor cleaning company which will be able to offer advice as well as take advantage of modern technology and techniques to restore your floor to its original condition.

When will you need a tile cleaning service

There are many different types of tiles available for indoor flooring, coming in a variety of natural stone and various types of fabricated tiles.  A number of people choose these tiles for aesthetic reasons, as they are available in an almost limitless range of colours, designs, shapes and even finishes.  However it is increasingly common for people to choose tiles on the basis that they score highly in terms of cost durability and are relatively easy to maintain and keep clean.  It is important of course to clean regularly or your floor will lose its visual appeal, but even then there may be times when you will require a professional cleaning service – the question is when?

Keeping your floor clean can be relatively simple, and assuming the floor has been correctly or professionally installed, the main first step is the application of a good quality sealant to protect the floor from spillages.  It is important to make sure the floor is clean before the sealant is applied and to choose the appropriate sealant.  After sealing, it is important to protect the floor from surface scratching, so doormats should be used wherever possible at entrances, and the floor should be regularly swept to remove surface dirt and grit.  Care should also be taken when moving heavy objects and furniture, while protective tips should be placed on points and corners, like the tips of chair legs.

There will probably come a time where, despite diligent cleaning and maintenance, your floor may acquire a dull, uneven or unsatisfactory appearance which regular cleaning efforts cannot solve, and this is where you may need to contact a professional tile cleaning service.

The problem could result from various factors.  Surface scratching is almost inevitable to some degree, and will remove sealants and allow an area for bacteria and grime to build up over time.  It is also more than likely that over time the tile grout will become stained, as it is a more porous material than the surface of whatever tile you may have, and it is remarkable how often people fail to consider sealing the grout.  Once the grout becomes marked – you may need to have a colour grout sealant applied to give a ‘uniform’ and even appearance to your floor.

A professional tile cleaning service should basically be contacted when regular cleaning fails to have the desired effect.  This could be in the case of surface build-up of grime and bacteria over time (it won’t always be visible at first) or a deeper problem related to grout staining or problems caused by surface scratching.  A professional company will take advantage of modern technology and techniques such as emulsification, pressure and heat deep cleaning as well as systems to capture the waste and slurry, leaving a floor looking like new.

Wood floor cleaning – Avoid surface abrasions

The history of hardwood floors is centuries old, and wood was once seen as an absolute luxury, affordable only by the high class rich in society.  Nowadays, hardwood floors are much more affordable and are increasingly common – but if they seem to add a touch of class to an area, there may be a historical pretext. They’re traditional and functional—as well as having finishes highly valued for their rich historic character and warm beauty. Little wonder then why the phrase “hardwood floors” is such a magnet in the housing market.

Hardwood is generally chosen for aesthetic reasons, it is simply a beautiful floor.  It is easier to maintain than, say, carpet – but requires more maintenance than natural stone or ceramic floors.  The floor will require periodic cleaning and care if it is to keep its finish and following a few simple tips should help reduce the risk of staining and marking over time.  Normally simple mopping will be sufficient but it is important that the floor is properly sealed before cleaning as liquids can cause warping in the wood, and can seep into joints causing damage over time.

Many hardwood floors are now finished using a surface finish called polyurethane, which produces a glossy and polished finish. Polyurethane looks like a plastic coating over the wood and is extremely hard wearing so it should offer lasting protection and aid your cleaning efforts.  Another finish, called penetrating seals, consists of wax or oil finishes that penetrate the wood and protect from within.  If you are not sure which type of sealant is appropriate for you, you would be well advised to contact a wood floor cleaning specialist for advice.

Although you may have sealed the floor, you will still need to protect it from surface scratching which can be caused by dirt, sand and grit particles usually walked in on the soles of shoes.  The quickest and most effective way to clean hardwood floors is by using a slightly damp mop. Before mopping, make sure that you have removed all surface dust, dirt and grit from the floor using a soft broom or by vacuuming. Then, simply mop, rinse and repeat as much as necessary. Scratches to the floor can also be caused by incorrectly moving heavy objects and furniture, or by dragging chair legs, so add padded tips is possible and lit instead of dragging.

It is important to clean regularly and seal periodically and also to remember what has been applied to the floor.  If your floor does get scratched or marked – you will not be able to effectively clean it and will need to contact a professional wood floor cleaning company to enquire about a surface sanding and re-polishing service.

The importance of cleaning slate floors

Slate is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor flooring and tips on the maintenance and cleaning of indoor slate floors is a subject which is frequently asked by owners of newly installed floors.  Slate is a type of fine grained metamorphic rock, which naturally forms in layers. It is often streaked with bands of different colors, making it an attractive material for flooring tile. Slate floors are typically installed over grout, with grout being run between the individual flooring tiles.  Grout is a construction material which is highly porous, so caring for the grout will form part of the tips on keeping your floor clean.

It is important that a slate floor is professionally installed – as cutting the slate, installing the tiles and, in particular, applying the grout can be notoriously difficult tasks.  Mistakes made during the installation can leave vacuums in the grout which can facilitate future staining.  Slate is a relatively porous type of natural stone, so the first step (assuming correct and professional installation of the tiles) is the application of a good quality sealant.  A sealant basically ‘waterproofs’ the floor by adding an impermeable layer, which is particularly important if the slate is present in areas where spillages are likely, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

It is important to bear a few things in mind.  Firstly the floor should be thoroughly cleaned before the sealant is applied – you would be amazed how many people seal dirt and grime onto a natural stone floor.  Secondly, this sealant should be periodically stripped and re-applied in order to offer maximum protection to the floor.  Finally it is important that the right type of sealant is chosen – a professional company which deals with cleaning slate floors will be able to recommend the appropriate sealant for you.

Once a sealant has been applied, cleaning the floor is simplified – and can involve no more than a mop and warm water.  It is important, however, first to remove any surface dirt and grit which has been walked into the area.  This can cause surface scratching which can damage both the tiles and the sealant.  Regular sweeping (daily if possible) is recommended, as is the use of doormats to reduce the amount of dirt ‘walked in’. 

You may wish to add some detergent, soap or a neutral PH cleaner to the water while cleaning if there has been a surface build-up of grime or staining, and a stubborn stain can be shifted by adding a little vinegar.  It is advisable to avoid cleaning products with any acidic content or bleach as this can actually mark or dis-colour the stone itself.

If you have any doubts, or find a stain you cannot shift, the grout becomes stained or uneven etc – you would be well advised to contact a specialist in cleaning slate floors – who will be able to advise you further.