Brisbane Tile and Stone Sealing Services Instructions

October 30, 2023
Brisbane

Brisbane Tile and Stone Sealing Services

CARE & MAINTENANCE OF HONED TRAVERTINE

Your Travertine tiles have been sealed with a high quality natural penetrating sealer (Aqua Mix Sealers Choice Gold) to protect them from soiling. Sealing acts as a barrier to delay the ingress of harmful contaminants into the tile surface. The sealed surface should be tested for performance on a yearly basis.

The sealer is warranted for 7 years from application if the specified cleaning products and methods that are documented in this manual have been strictly adhered to. Should this not be strictly adhered to, all warranty will be void. Warranty does not cover surface wear, efflorescence or mould or any damage created by use of non-specified chemical/cleaners. Any etching or damage etc. created by soft soaps, harsh cleaner or body fats and acids will not be covered under this warranty. Inspection of stone and any required re- application of sealer is NOT covered under warranty and should be a part of regular on-going maintenance.

Travertine is a chemically deposited limestone that has taken millions of years to form. What makes the stone unique is the method of forming. Water bubbling to the surface of the earth evaporates leaving behind calcite and other materials that form into a very hard dense stone. The fact that the stone is comprised of calcite and other sensitive minerals puts it in a class of limestone and this requires informed handling and cleaning methods.

Limestone, in general, is very sensitive to strong cleaning agents especially acidic based cleaners. Hence no strong alkaline or any acid based cleaners should be used in regular cleaning systems. Only very dilute alkaline or neutral PH cleaners should be used on travertine.

Unfilled travertine tends not to be a smooth stone on the face. Although the stone has been generally honed, the voids created by the water bubbling to the surface present a cleaning challenge to routinely clean this stone.

DAILY/WEEKLY/SPOT CLEANING AND MOPPING OF FLOORS

Sweep surface daily – removing dry soiling is important as this material can promote excessive wear in the surface quality or visual quality of the stone.

Travertine responds to mopping. Mopping with Aqua Mix Concentrated Stone and Tile Cleaner (a purpose designed stone cleaner available from Brisbane Tile & Stone Sealing Services) mixed at a rate of 50:1 will relieve the surface of contaminants and provide a quick easy method to visually remove offending spills, excess moisture and other temporary cleaning issues. We recommend that the stone have a 50:1 dilution rate of water to Aqua Mix Concentrated Stone and Tile Cleaner mopped on to the surface, allow to dwell for 5 minutes (ensuring that stone remains wet at all times) and then scrubbed with a doodle bug utilizing a white pad and rinsed thoroughly with a clean mop and fresh water.

Every fortnight, the floor should be mopped with Klindex Stone Soap at a ratio of 1 capful to a FULL mop bucket (16L).
It is important that all mops are kept absolutely clean and do not carry contaminants from one mopping regime to another.

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE OF TRAVERTINE ON WALLS

Walls are to be sprayed with Aqua Mix Concentrated Stone and Tile Cleaner mixed at a rate of 50:1 water to cleaner, scrubbed with a WHITE doodle bug pad and then rinsed thoroughly with fresh water.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A SPILL OCCURS

Food Spills: Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Blot with a dry white cloth. Spray with Aqua Mix Concentrated Stone and Tile Cleaner diluted at a rate of 50:1 (water to cleaner) and wipe excess with a clean cloth.

Liquid Spills: Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth while turning the cloth frequently. Spray with Aqua Mix Concentrated Stone and Tile Cleaner diluted at a rate of 50:1 (water to cleaner) and wipe excess with a clean cloth.

Mud: Remove mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray with Aqua Mix Concentrated Stone and Tile Cleaner diluted at a rate of 50:1 (water to cleaner) and wipe dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains contact Brisbane Tile & Stone Sealing Services Pty Ltd.

Oily Stains: If you have identified the stain as having an oil base (from foods like salad dressing, cooking oils, butter or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. A Poultice will wick up the stain from deep within the stone. If the stain remains contact Brisbane Tile & Stone Sealing Services Pty Ltd.

Animal Faeces and Urine : This needs to be removed promptly as these are highly acidic and if left on the surface will penetrate through the sealer and cause damage to the stone surface.

GENERAL

  1. Soft soaps, hand sanitisers or the equivalent should not be allowed to drip on floor and should have a catch or drip plate beneath them.
  2. The sooner the cleaning is carried out, the easier the stain can be removed.
  3. Felt pads should be fitted to any furniture feet to prevent damage and scratches.
  4. Cleaning with abrasive, acidic, high PH/caustic products or solvents including such products as metholated spirits, mineral turpentine, thinners or acetone should NOT be practiced.
  5. Always rinse the Cleaner off well with clean water afterwards.
  6. General maintenance of cleaning should be with Aqua Mix Concentrated Stone and Tile Cleaner diluted at a rate of 50:1 (water to cleaner).
  7. Avoid high concentration of cleaner for prolonged periods of time.
  8. Protect the floor if decorating, construction or overhead work is taking place.
  9. Steel wool pads should not be used as they may leave steel particles which can rust and leave brown stains.
  10. Many degreasing agents which contain wax, sodium silicate or other additives which leave a sticky deposit on the floor and thus retain dirt on the surface must also be avoided.

Note: Failure to strictly follow these Stone Care instructions will void any warranty.
For any further information regarding cleaning procedures or cleaning products, please contact:

STEVE EXTON
BRISBANE TILE & STONE SEALING SERVICES PTY LTD
Mob: 0419 741158

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