Cleaning And Sealing Natural Stone Floors

A case study of the cleaning of marble at the schenectady new york city hall cleaning stone and masonry by waite j c.

Cleaning and sealing natural stone floors.

When cleaning and sealing real stone floors use a detergent formulated for calciferous stone travertine marble or limestone as general floor cleaner may contain acid that can etch the surface. Because it is porous sealing natural stone on occasion will help to prevent stains and the growth of bacteria. To clean stone tile floors remove any oil based stains by dabbing them with a cotton ball soaked in acetone and then rinsing the area with water. Check if the stone pores are filled with any dust or debris and remove them before wiping.

For water based stains rub the floors with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia using a soft cloth or sponge. For stone sinks tubs or any other product that contacts water wipe dry with a soft cloth after each use. Stone absorbency test to get a general idea of how absorbent the stone is place several drops of water on the surface of the stone and time how long it takes for the water to completely disappear. Do not scrub with any harsh material as this spoils the natural stone.

You will notice when this happens so move your roller over the area where the seal is sitting on the surface and work the seal into the areas that have absorbed all the seal. Most experts recommend sealing all stone while others emphatically state that not all natural stone needs to be sealed. Natural stone will absorb the seal quicker in some areas than it does in others even on the same tile one half may absorb all the seal and next to it the seal will sit on the surface. Dilute detergent with water in a ratio of 1 5 and apply generously with a sponge.

After vacuuming take a cloth and dip it in a solution of warm water and a mild non acidic floor cleaner. Make sure that the floor corners are cleaned as well. Approach cleaning stone and masonry by rudder t h astm stp 935 1986. Natural stone has become a sought after choice for fireplaces countertops flooring and more because of its natural beauty and durability.

We recommend that you regularly clean natural stone with a mild dish detergent or a non toxic water based cleaner specifically formulated for stone such as simple green stone polish. Then rinse the area with water. Your natural stone counters and floors will remain just like new for years to come with this sealer. There are many different types of natural stone available each with their own attributes.

Chen astm stp 935 1986. Use your vacuum cleaner floor brush to clean the surface thoroughly. Wipe the entire floor with this cloth. Among the most popular options are marble limestone travertine slate tile and granite.

A macrosteriogrammetric technique for measuring surface erosion losses on stone cleaning stone and.