PALM BEACH DECORATIVE FLOORS

561-640-3633 (Office)
561-640-3783 (Fax)

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Care and Precautions

Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the surface of many stones. Do not place hot items directly on the surface.

Cleaning Procedures and Recommendations

Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that will scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the rug is a non-slip surface. Normally it will take a person about 8 steps on a floor to remove dirt from the bottom of their shoes.

Do not use vacuum cleaners with worn out wheels or attachments as they will scratch the stone surface.

Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner that is diluted with clean warm water. Use a clean flat mop on floors with a small grout joint and string mop on floors with a larger grout joint . Change the rinse water frequently. Wash the mops in a washing machine using hot water after each use. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or acid. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that will damage the stone surface.

In the bath and other wet areas, soap scum can be greatly minimized by using a squeegee on all surfaces after each use. This will reduce the amount of cleaning needed and wear on the surface. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover.

In outdoor pool or patio areas, flush with clean water and a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.

We recommend going to http://mbstone.com for cleaning products or contact us.

Pick up all spills immediately. Flush the area with clean water and mild soap. Just because the stone may be sealed, does not make it stain proof. If spills are left to dry, they will stain.

Identifying the stain is the key to removing it. Surface stains can often be removed with the appropriate household cleaning product. Deep seated stains may require using a poultice (a mixture of an extracting powder and a specific chemical) or calling Palm Beach Decorative Floors. Making a poultice consists mixing baking soda and the appropriate chemical to a peanut butter consistency. The poultice is then spread over the stained area to a thickness of a 1/4 to a ½ inch thick with a wood or plastic spatula, covered with Saran Wrap and left alone for 8 to 24 hours. This procedure may need to be performed up to 10 times to remove a stain, and in some cases may never be completely removed. Other poultice materials to use include cotton balls, white paper towels without any color or gauze pads.

Oil Based (Grease, Tar, Cooking Oil, Cosmetics)

Try using a paper towel soaked with acetone ( nail polish remover ) to blot the stained area, if that does not work, poultice with 12% hydrogen peroxide.

Organic (Coffee, Tea, Fruit, Tobacco, Food, Pet Stains, Milk)

Clean using a paper towel soaked with 12% hydrogen peroxide or poultice with 12% hydrogen peroxide.

Metal (Iron, Rust, Copper, Bronze)

Clean using a paper towel or white rag soaked with a rust removing product “ Iron Out “. If that does not work, poultice with the same. DO NOT USE BLEACH it will only make it worse.

Ink (Magic Marker, Pen)

Blot with a paper towel soaked with acetone or poultice with 12% hydrogen peroxide.

Water Spots and Rings

Purchase MB-11 at http://mbstone.com and follow instructions.

Etch Marks / Scratches (Dull Spots on the Surface)

MB- 11 at http://mbstone.com may work if not contact Palm Beach Decorative Floors

Most stone should be sealed at least once. How often it should be re-sealed depends on the type of stone, if it’s inside, outside, how often it is cleaned and the amount traffic it receive’s. We recommend sealing interior surfaces every 2 to 3 years and exterior surfaces once a year. Although sealing does not repel dirt, it makes it much easier to remove and clean.

Please call us at (561.640.3633) for any product recommendation’s since we are all way’s finding new and greater solutions.