Tile Cleaning - Spot Removal - Tile and Grout Cleaning - Carpet Cleaning

Spot Removal Techniques The Pros Are Using In Their Own Homes

Dry Soil: Natural stone should be cleaned regularly with just warm water and a clean, non-abrasive cloth, sponge or a mop. Neutral cleaners should be used and will help remove soils that normal mopping and dusting leave behind.

Spot Removal:

Liquid Spills- Lightly blot the excess liquid with a clean, dry, white cloth. As the cloth becomes saturated be sure to turn frequently. If color from the liquid is still evident, lightly mist neutral cleaner to the floor, allow 5 minute dwell time, then wipe in a circular motion with a clean dry cloth. Repeat if necessary. Rinse with water and towel dry.

Food Spills- Scoop up excess foodstuffs from the floor using a plastic spoon. Then blot excess liquid residues left by the food. Using a damp white cloth, dab or lightly wipe the floor in a circular motion. Spray neutral cleaner lightly to avoid overwetting, let dwell 5 minutes, wipe dry using a dry white cloth. Rinse with water and towel dry.

Oily Stains/ Spots- (Inevitably this type of problem will occur. Oil tracked from driveway, spaghetti sauce accident etc. Improper use of store bought cleaners will inhibit future removal even by a professional. Follow these instructions carefully). Blot up excess. Spray with neutral cleaner, cover with dry paper towels (2-4), apply weight (books work well), dwell time 30 minutes. Lift weight, check paper towels, if all towels damp with stain and cleaner, process is working. If no dampness has occurred, apply more neutral cleaner to stain, let sit 15 minutes then check again. Wipe dry with clean white cloth; if not removed consult your Hard Surface cleaning professional.

Mud/ Clay- Let mud/ clay dry completely. Vacuum. Remove dried mud excess using a soft nylon brush, or lightly with an old toothbrush. Spray remainder with neutral solution, and wipe clean with a clean white cloth. If grout lines still affected, apply small amounts of clear, sugar free, club soda and let sit one minute, then wipe dry.

Acidic Spills- Liquids and substances such as soft drinks, coffee, pet urine, vomit, vinegar, orange juice, wine, mustard are highly acidic. If not removed in an urgent manner these could etch some surfaces. In the case of an acidic spill or accident, follow the most suitable spot removal procedure above. Some spills will fall into a few categories such as the case of tomato paste. Tomatoes being acidic, solid as a food, liquid from the juices and oily from the paste will be difficult to remove and you may want to consult your hard surface professional immediately.

As with all spill occurrences, if the floors have been properly sealed and protected the barrier created between spill and surface will dramatically increase the chances of successful removal. See Sealing and Repellency tests.

Do’s And Don’ts On Indoor Hard Surface Care

· Do use only professional cleaning and sealing products on your floors and countertops. Pro’s have used them for years, and after cleaning hundreds of floors you find out quickly what works and what does damage.

· Do a regular ‘damp mop’. Use a dry non-treated dust mop. It is the unseen dirt and grit that damages hard surfaces, prevention is the best fix.

· Do keep off floors until dry, all wet floors may be slippery.

· Do everything possible to prevent accidents with perfumes, toothpaste, and makeup. These often contain harmful ingredients that may degrade your sealer.

· Do all you can to prevent over spraying of aerosols in areas with protected hard surfaces. Air fresheners, bug sprays and other surface cleaners can settle on your floors and leave a residue making cleaning a bigger chore.

· Do consult your cleaning professional about maintenance plans that may be offered.

· Don’t use vinegar, bleach, or ammonia for cleaning.

· Don’t use abrasive products such as dry or wet compound cleansers, or tub and tile cleaners.

· Don’t use store bought citrus based (lemon or orange) solvent cleaners.

· Don’t drag furniture across hard surfaces. Also avoid dropping heavy items onto hard surfaces.

· Don’t scrub hard surfaces. If properly sealed, light duty cleaning is all that should be necessary.

· Don’t attempt to re-color grout lines. There are professional applications that can restore your grout to new-looking color. If fact any color of the rainbow can be chosen.

· Don’t over wet floors when cleaning, always remove excess moisture. Air circulation is most advantageous for speedy dry times.

· Don’t break your back trying to get those floors looking the best they can be. Consult your floor care company for advice or a free written estimate.

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