Frequently Asked Questions? 
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- How to clean marble, limestone or travertine... ?
- How to clean granite ... ?
- How to clean grout... ?
- What is limestone... ?
- What is travertine...?
- What is bluestone...?
- What is sandstone...?
- What is soapstone...?
- What is granite... ?
- How do I repair a broken tile in my shower wall ... ?
- Why are the first row of tiles and grout in my shower always look stained?
Vacuuming or dust mopping with a non-treated mop is the first step in the cleaning and maintenance of your marble, limestone, travertine or other natural stone floor. Removing all or any sand is critical in preventing scratches on the stone surface.
Use a ph of Seven (neutral) non rinsing stone cleaning solution to safely clean the floor. We recommend using a spray bottle to spray the neutral cleaner on the floor and follow with a clean and free of sand microfiber pad to spread and clean the solution.
Do not use a general cleaning cleaner, high alkaline or acidic cleaners. These cleaners can etch the stone floor by reacting the calcium in the stone. It is a good practice to test the cleaning solution before it is used on the entire surface by applying a very small amount of full strength cleaning product in a hidden area. Let it stand for five to ten minutes. If you see a dulled or etch spot. then the cleaner is not safe to use on your stone floor.
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Cleaning granite ... ?
The process for cleaning granite floors and counter tops is the same for marble as it is for any other natural stone surface.
Dust mop the floor using a clean, non-treated dust mop to remove any sand that is present on the floor. Use a mixture of a neutral non rinsing stone cleaner and apply it to the stone surface using a spray bottle. Agitate using a microfiber dust pad to clean and dry the surface.
It is very important that other cleaning towels, mops or sponges used to clean other surfaces are not used on stone surfaces. These can cause the damage of stone surfaces.
In order to properly and effectively clean grout, we must first understand the type of soil, if there are any sealants present and it's maintenance history.
To clean soiled grout in porcelain or ceramic floor or counter top, use a good quality alkaline tile and grout cleaner. Mix product according to the manufacturer directions and apply it to the surface using a sprayer or a mop. Ensure that the grout lines are saturated, wait about 20 to 30 minutes. It would help to agitate the grout lines with a grout brush or a broom.
Pick up slurry with a wet vacuum or a mop until all the cleaning solution is picked up. Rinse the floor with a clean mop and water.
Historically, white vinegar has been used to clean grout by homeowners. Vinegar is very acidic and should not be used on any stone surface or grout. The acid in the vinegar reacts with the minerals causing etching and deterioration of the grout. If this acid is not neutralized with an alkaline cleaner, the grout will start to dissolve.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock consisting mostly of calcite (calcium carbonate) to include magnesia, silica, alumina and also traces of iron oxide. These sedimentary rocks are extracted mostly from river, lake and ocean beds where they were formed by a combination of organic materials as plants, animals and other minerals. This mixture is bonded together by millions of years of heat and pressure.
Travertine is a sedimentary rock with distinct patches of reddish and tan colors. The stone's main characteristic is the holes that were formed by water flowing through the stone.
Travertine is often used in kitchen as tile flooring, bathroom and shower areas and vanity tops.
As a calcite, it is sensitive to acid cleaners and common household foods such as wine, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, and toothpaste.
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If the first row of stone tiles or grout from the shower floor up - always look stained or darker than the tiles above, it could be a sign that the shower pan is holding water underneath the shower floor tile and it is migrating up the stone tile or grout.
In order to remedy this, the shower drain system must be repaired to allow collected water weep down the drain.
