How to Care for Your Tile and Stone Products
Learn how best to take care of your beautiful new walls, floors and countertops. In this section, you'll find information about how to maintain porcelain and ceramic tile, natural stone, and mosaics. If you can't find the information you're looking for, don't hesitate to contact us.
Maintaining Ceramic and Porcelain Tile and Grout
You'll find this article about Aqua Mix products helpful to learn how best to maintain porcelain and ceramic tile as well as grout: How to Maintain Ceramic and Porcelain Tile and Grout With Aqua Mix Products.
Care and Maintenance of Your Travertine Floor
Travertine is a naturally occurring stone. Being a product of nature, there may be significant color variations. This is part of the beauty of natural stone. Prior to installation, the stones should be separated into three groups. These groups should include sorting by light, mediums and dark. When installing these stones you should pull a piece from each of the three stacks. This will insure that you have a proper blend.Stone brings with it some special responsibilities. Cleaners need to be PH neutral. The bottles of cleaner will usually state this on their labels or say they are safe for use on all surfaces. Read the label!
In most cases running a dust mop or soft bristled broom will suffice for daily cleaning. If more effort is required, then the use of cleaners such as Aquamix Concentrated Stone and Tile Cleaner™ is recommended. This cleaner is safe for everyday use and is economical. One gallon of concentrate will make up to 128 gallons. Acids, in general, are not recommended for use on stone. The cleaners which contain acids can etch the stone and remove any seal which may be on the stone. Some acids may be mild such as vinegar; however, they are acids and will eventually ruin the stone. Use only cleaners recommended for stone.
When sealing your stone there are a few choices. If you want to darken or enhance the color variations in your stone then Enrich-a-Seal is what you want. This sealer can last up to 15 years depending on your cleaning habits and traffic. If you prefer the look of the stone in its natural state, then use Ultra-Solve™. This too can last up to 15 years but will only slightly darken the stone from its natural color. Regardless of the type of seal you prefer, all stones must be sealed to protect them and give you years of enjoyment.
Check out the following blog articles for more information:
>> Why and How to Seal Travertine Tile
>> Ready to Seal Stone? Here are the Types of Stone Sealers Available
>> How To Apply Crystal Glass Grout? Jean Snell from The Tile Doctor Demonstrates
Travertine is a soft stone. It is not recommended for kitchen counters or anywhere that food prep will occur. For kitchen counters, granite is the stone of choice due to its hardness. Since travertines are quarried near underground springs, they will have some holes or divots. Most travertine for floors is honed and filled. This means that the holes or divots are filled with a grout mixture then sanded smooth. Some travertines are honed but not filled. The holes or divots are filled by the installer oat the time of grouting.
Since the grout has been added either at the factory or at the time of installation, it can come loose. This is not unusual and is easy to remedy. When the fill comes loose, simply replace it with grout. Some people like to have a high sheen on their travertine. This can be done by a professional and the level of sheen can be chosen. Professional stone restorers can bring a shine to your stone through a series of sandings and buffings. Ultimately, a stone floor is not only beautiful, but it can add value to your home.
Maintaining Ceramic and Porcelain Tile and Grout
You'll find this article about Aqua Mix products helpful to learn how best to maintain porcelain and ceramic tile as well as grout: How to Maintain Ceramic and Porcelain Tile and Grout With Aqua Mix Products.
Care and Maintenance of Your Travertine Floor
Travertine is a naturally occurring stone. Being a product of nature, there may be significant color variations. This is part of the beauty of natural stone. Prior to installation, the stones should be separated into three groups. These groups should include sorting by light, mediums and dark. When installing these stones you should pull a piece from each of the three stacks. This will insure that you have a proper blend.Stone brings with it some special responsibilities. Cleaners need to be PH neutral. The bottles of cleaner will usually state this on their labels or say they are safe for use on all surfaces. Read the label!
In most cases running a dust mop or soft bristled broom will suffice for daily cleaning. If more effort is required, then the use of cleaners such as Aquamix Concentrated Stone and Tile Cleaner™ is recommended. This cleaner is safe for everyday use and is economical. One gallon of concentrate will make up to 128 gallons. Acids, in general, are not recommended for use on stone. The cleaners which contain acids can etch the stone and remove any seal which may be on the stone. Some acids may be mild such as vinegar; however, they are acids and will eventually ruin the stone. Use only cleaners recommended for stone.
When sealing your stone there are a few choices. If you want to darken or enhance the color variations in your stone then Enrich-a-Seal is what you want. This sealer can last up to 15 years depending on your cleaning habits and traffic. If you prefer the look of the stone in its natural state, then use Ultra-Solve™. This too can last up to 15 years but will only slightly darken the stone from its natural color. Regardless of the type of seal you prefer, all stones must be sealed to protect them and give you years of enjoyment.
Check out the following blog articles for more information:
>> Why and How to Seal Travertine Tile
>> Ready to Seal Stone? Here are the Types of Stone Sealers Available
>> How To Apply Crystal Glass Grout? Jean Snell from The Tile Doctor Demonstrates
Travertine is a soft stone. It is not recommended for kitchen counters or anywhere that food prep will occur. For kitchen counters, granite is the stone of choice due to its hardness. Since travertines are quarried near underground springs, they will have some holes or divots. Most travertine for floors is honed and filled. This means that the holes or divots are filled with a grout mixture then sanded smooth. Some travertines are honed but not filled. The holes or divots are filled by the installer oat the time of grouting.
Since the grout has been added either at the factory or at the time of installation, it can come loose. This is not unusual and is easy to remedy. When the fill comes loose, simply replace it with grout. Some people like to have a high sheen on their travertine. This can be done by a professional and the level of sheen can be chosen. Professional stone restorers can bring a shine to your stone through a series of sandings and buffings. Ultimately, a stone floor is not only beautiful, but it can add value to your home.