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Stone and Tile Protection: Keep Your Floors Looking Good as New
Stone and tile floors are timeless and elegant additions to any home. They exude natural beauty and durability, making them a popular choice for homeowners. However, to maintain their luster and appeal, it's essential to invest in proper stone and tile protection. In this blog, we'll explore how to keep your stone and tile floors looking as good as new for years to come.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
The foundation of any stone and tile protection strategy is regular cleaning and maintenance. Porous materials, like stone, are full of tiny holes and crevices which dirt and liquid will use to work their way in and make stains.
Here are some tips for cleaning your stone and tile surfaces:
- Sweep or vacuum: Start by removing loose dirt and dust from the floor's surface. This prevents scratches caused by abrasive particles.
- Mop with a pH-neutral cleaner: Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for stone and tile. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface over time.
- Dry thoroughly: After mopping, make sure the floor is completely dry. Moisture can seep into the porous surfaces of some stones and cause damage.
- Use doormats: Placing doormats at entryways helps prevent dirt and grit from being tracked onto your floors.
Sealing
Sealing your stone and tile floors is a crucial step in stone and tile protection, especially for natural stone, which is porous and can absorb liquids and stains if left unsealed. Sealing your surfaces will make them infinitely easier to clean and will protect them from stains and damage caused by exposure.
There are several different types of sealers, the most common of which are; penetrating, topical and enhancing. Penetrating Sealers are made to be absorbed into the surface pores, creating a shield beneath the surface. Penetrating sealers are highly effective at repelling water, oil, and stains. They are made so as not to change the appearance of the stone or tile it is applied to, making it the best choice if you want to keep the natural stone look.
Topical sealers create a shield on the surface of tile. This shield not only protects the tile but gives it a glossy look that can enhance the aesthetic of the surface, especially when used upon tile. It does, however, need the most frequent of applications between the three.
Finally enhancing sealers not only protect but will also intensify the natural colors of the stone or tile. They are often used on surfaces like terracotta and slate to bring out the natural richness of their hues.
Over time, these sealants will wear away so they must be reapplied. The frequency will depend on the type of material and the amount of foot traffic the surface gets. For example, natural stone will need further applications than glossy tile. The number of applications will depend on how porous the stone is but it generally varies from between every one and three years.
Preventative Measures
Preventing damage is just as important as cleaning and sealing. Consider placing furniture pads under the legs of your furniture to prevent scratches or you could also put down a rug or mat. A large enough one could both go under the furniture legs and cover the floor to protect it from spills and stains. If you do spill something on the ground, clean up immediately. The longer you leave it, the deeper the stain.
Regular Inspections & Professional Maintenance
While regular cleaning and maintenance are essential, professional maintenance is also crucial for stone and tile protection. Professional stone and tile cleaners have the expertise and specialized equipment to deep clean and restore the natural beauty of your floors. These services can help remove stubborn stains, revitalize grout, and ensure that your floors look as good as new. Include regular inspections as part of your stone and tile protection plan. Periodically check your floors for any signs of wear, damage, or areas that may need resealing. Catching and addressing issues early can save you time and money in the long run.
For professional stone and tile protection, contact Aqua-Clean, your Toowoomba experts at sealing and protecting your beautiful surfaces. Contact us for a free quote today.
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