Stone & Tile
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General Cleaning:
1) Apply neutral soap to the affected area and gently rub in a circular motion with a damp microfiber cloth
2) Leave to work for a couple of minutes. Then, with a cloth, wipe off any soap residue
3) Finally, dry with a paper towel
Cleaning Tip - Always use a non-abrasive cloth when cleaning to avoid dulling your surface
Cleaning Limescale:
1) Apply an anti-limescale product to the affected area
2) Gently rub in a circular motion with a damp microfiber cloth
Cleaning Rust/Metal:
1) Apply an oxide cleaner and leave it to work for 5 minutes
2) Rinse with water and dry
Cleaning Wine/Coffee/Tea:
1) Dilute bleach in water (15% bleach solution) and rub on the stain with a damp cloth in a circular motion
2) Leave it to work for 2 minutes, then rinse. If the stain persists, repeat the process
Cleaning Natural & Synthetic Oils:
1) Apply a mild soap and water, or use a mild, alcohol-based degreaser or rubbing alcohol
2) Rinse with clean water and wipe off any residue
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Please note that marble and natural stones are more subject to staining, etching, and chipping, including water spots; we believe this is part of their inherent beauty, but if you are worried, ensure to stay on top of any spills.
General Cleaning:
1) As soon as you notice a spill or stain, clean the area thoroughly with a dry paper towel, ensuring to blot the area rather than wiping (the wiping motion will spread the spill and make the stain larger)
2) Apply a PH-neutral stone cleaner and gently rub in a circular motion with a damp cloth
3) Immediately dry the area with a clean, dry soft cloth using a buffing motion to prevent streaks and water spots
Marble Deep Cleaning Tip - Deep stains may require using a poultice, which is a paste typically made by combining a liquid stone cleaner with a white absorbent material such as powdered chalk, white moulding plaster, or talc. Mix together your stone cleaner and absorbent material until it forms a paste, then spread a thick layer over the stained area and allow to sit for 24 hours. After 24 hours, gently wipe away the paste
Maintenance - All natural stones need to be sealed on a regular basis, especially lighter colours as they’re more likely to show stains. Natural stones typically need to be resealed on a yearly basis, with marble needing to be resealed every 6 months. We recommend bringing in a professional to test your stone to see if it needs to be resealed and to select the type of sealer that your stone requires.
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General Cleaning Tips:
1) Regular, basic cleaning can be done with warm water and mild soap
2) To remove soap scum, hard water deposits, or mildew, you can use a multipurpose cleaner, but do not use cleaning products that contain acids or ammonia (and other harsh chemicals)
3) Always dry your tile thoroughly after cleaning
4) Unglazed tile should be cleaned routinely with concentrated tile cleaners that have a neutral PH
Preventing Stains & Scratching:
Overall, porcelain is resistant to scratches, etching, and stains, but no material is damage proof. Take care to avoid exposing it to permanent inks or dyes, as well as food stains such as coffee
Permanent inks or dyes - Rinse the area with water as soon as possible then apply an approved cleaning product. Rinse and dry thoroughly
Food substances - Wipe up spills immediately
Sweep or vacuum tile prior to cleaning to remove dust or debris
General Tip - neither porcelain or ceramic needs to be sealed, but grout should (refer to grout tab). Always select a product that is safe for both the tile and the grout. If you need to remove any sealer, waxes, or other floor finishes, use a tile sealer and adhesive remover. Always test a small area prior to full application, and follow the instructions on the product
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General Cleaning:
Use any non-abrasive cleaning product recommended for either glass or tile. Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, sandpaper, or other abrasive products
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Grout needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to remove any surface buildup. Routine cleaning can be done with a daily concentrated household or commercial cleaner
Deep Cleaning Tip - Sometimes heavy-duty cleaning is required to remove grease, soap scum, oils, mildew stains, algae, or synthetic or acrylic waxes. Use a professional strength tile and grout cleaner, or consider a professional grout cleaning company
Sealing:
1) Cementitious grouts should be sealed after installation. A penetrating or impregnating sealer that does not contain silicone is effective in grout’s resistance to spills, stains, and moisture absorption, and can help it retain it’s original colour
2) Sealers should be reapplied regularly, typically every couple of years
3) Epoxy grout is chemically cured and doesn’t require any sealing