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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why should I clean my stone surface? - Stone Cleaning

• A: Natural stone products contain dirt, residues, dust and grime in their pores. These pores need to be cleaned well before any sealant is applied to the surface of the stone. If dirt etc. is trapped under the stone sealer sooner or later it will cause a milky white residue between the top of the stone and the underside of the sealer. The only way to remove this is to remove the stone sealer and clean.

Other FAQs :

• Q: Why do I still see marks on my polished marble/limestone/travertine even though it has been sealed?
• A: Even though your polished marble/limestone/travertine has been sealed, you may still notice marks on the surface. It's important to understand that these marks are often not stains but rather etches. Acid-sensitive stones, such as these, can be affected by any acid, which can lead to a loss of polish and the creation of a dull or frosty surface. For example, red wine can cause both a stain and an etch on unsealed stone, but on a sealed stone, only the etch may be visible. Penetrating sealers function by sitting below the surface of the stone, preventing acid from deeply penetrating and causing stubborn stains, but they may not fully protect against surface etching. Acid can come in various forms, such as fruit juices, wine, salad dressings, or even urine in bathroom settings, and can cause damage. The good news is that this type of damage can typically be repaired.
• Q: Can you assist in removing a stain from my stone floor?
• A: If the stain is relatively new and hasn't deeply set into the stone, there is a good chance that we can remove it. However, we cannot provide a guarantee of complete stain removal; our assurance lies in cleaning the stain to the best possible condition. The effectiveness of stain removal also depends on whether the stone tiles have been previously sealed or not. Certain stains may penetrate the natural stone and settle below the surface, making them difficult to clean. To prevent future staining, it is essential to have us perform the process of stripping, cleaning, and sealing your stone floor. This comprehensive treatment ensures that your stone floors are protected against potential stains.
• Q: What type of guarantee is offered with tile sealing services?
• A: Tile sealing services typically do not come with guarantees. The lifespan of our Impregnating Water Based Sealers is approximately up to 10 years, depending on various factors such as the quality of the stone, traffic levels, and maintenance practices. It is essential to note that sealing does not create an impenetrable barrier, but rather provides a timeframe to address spills. While an unsealed floor can stain immediately, a sealed floor is resistant to staining and allows for a reaction time of 4-5 hours. A penetrating sealer is applied just below the surface of the stone, preventing spills from penetrating and staining the stone. However, it is unable to prevent acid-based spills (like red wine, vinegar, urine, fruit juice, etc.) from causing etching or burning on the stone surface, leading to a dull or frosty appearance. It is crucial to promptly clean up spills of this nature to prevent permanent damage to the stone surface.
• Q: How often should I re-seal?
• A: It depends on the type of sealer used and the amount of foot traffic the surface is exposed to. Australia's Deepshield® range of deep impregnating water based sealer's offer long term benefits with Deepshield Gold® lasting up to 15 years. Topical sealer's have a life expectancy of around 3 years. If you have a high amount of foot traffic or perhaps severe weather conditions(for outdoor tiles) you may experience a shorter lifetime. Sealing your floors can also depend on the surfaces condition. Once they start showing patchy areas and begin staining easily then you should have them resealed. A natural stone floor can keep its natural finish for a lifetime if looked after properly. To ensure that this is true make sure you use the correct products for your natural stone floor. Give us a call and we can assist you with all your enquiries.
• Q: What steps should I take to maintain my floors after they have been cleaned and sealed?
• A: The technician who performs the cleaning and sealing of your floors will provide you with personalized maintenance advice specific to your tiled area. In general, we recommend using a mild cleaner, such as Spirit "Neutral Cleaner," at least once a week to keep your tiled floors well-maintained. Tiles with a textured surface may benefit from using a doodlebug instead of a mop for a more effective clean. It is important to avoid the use of harsh chemicals as they can diminish the longevity of the sealers. Additionally, when mopping, remember to change the water frequently to prevent spreading dirty water across your floors.

For More Questions

FAQs » Stone Cleaning

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