Our clients frequently contact us whenever they require comprehensive cleaning or refinishing solutions for various surfaces. Among our most common requests is the removal of stains on stone floors. KCR offers valuable advice for preventing and addressing stains resulting from foot traffic, ice melt, liquids, and more.
Stain Prevention:
- Spills: Promptly blot spills using a paper towel. Avoid wiping, as it can spread the spill. Flush the area with water and mild soap, then rinse thoroughly. Dry the spot completely with a soft cloth. Repeat as needed.
- Ice melt: Clear away larger debris or ice melt from the floor. Utilize a floor neutralizer to eliminate white streaks and ice melt residue. Refrain from using cleaners with high or low pH levels.
- Mats/Rugs: Place mats or area rugs at entrances, both inside and outside, to minimize the introduction of sand, dirt, and potentially corrosive substances that might harm your floors. Ensure the mat or rug’s underside has slip-resistant properties.
Cleaning Procedures:
- Regularly dust mop interior floors using a clean, untreated dry dust mop. Sand and dirt can cause abrasions and harm stone floors.
- Employ a clean rag mop for floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for optimal outcomes.
- After washing with a soap solution, thoroughly rinse the surface and dry it using a soft cloth.
- Maintain the practice of changing the rinse water at regular intervals; this step is highly crucial.
Cleaning Products:
- Choose neutral, stone-specific, or mild liquid dishwashing detergents mixed with warm water. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Avoid scouring powders or creams containing abrasives that might scratch specific types of stones. Products containing lemon, vinegar, or other acids could dull or etch calcareous stones.
- Take caution with rust removers, as many of these products contain traces of hydrofluoric acid (HF). This acid can affect silicates and other minerals, posing a risk to all stone types, including granite and quartzite.
- Never mix ammonia and bleach, as this combination produces a toxic and lethal gas.
Call KCR if you need additional help getting rid of a stain or scratch from your floors. We are happy to help!