Stone Tile Colors

Stone tile is a beautiful and durable building material that has been used for many years all over the country. The problem is when it’s not taken care of properly, its color can be muted or altered, making it less attractive than when it was installed. With a material that can theoretically last as long as stone tile, cleaning is a task that will eventually take its toll unless you use the proper techniques.

Why Stone Tile Fading Occurs

The delicate colors of stone can definitely be altered by the improper use of cleaning chemicals, but there are other factors that can cause stone tile fading, as well. Mopping with dirty solution, using chemicals that are not designed for stone care, and large amounts of direct sunlight can each affect the color of natural minerals within the tile. This causes fading and color changes that most homeowners simply don’t want.

Chemicals used in Stone Tile Cleaning

In the stone maintenance industry, there are two main types of chemicals that are utilized: water-based and solvent-based.

Water-based chemicals are chemicals that contain water and have a pH balance. There are a variety of water-based chemicals on the market such as neutral cleaners, ammonia, and bleach. Basically, this group includes most chemicals that have a pH balance. Water-based chemicals are generally considered more environmentally-friendly than solvent-based chemicals.

Solvent-based chemicals do not contain any water and do not register a pH balance. Their ingredients are only soluble in other solvents. Some examples of solvent chemicals are paint thinners, most penetrating sealers, D-Limonene, and alcohol.

No one cleanser is right for every job. Make sure to carefully read the labels of any product you purchase to make sure that it is recommended for the type of stone that’s in your home.

Proper Stone Tile Cleaning and Care

Stone is a natural material which should be cared for with proper maintenance procedures. The hardness and absorbency of the stone will help decide which chemicals, pads, brushes, and equipment are necessary to maintain the stone.

For day-to-day stone tile cleaning, you should be okay as long as you are using a solution that is approved for the kind of tile you’re working on, and you don’t let that solution get too dirty before you replenish it. If you are moving into a new place that hasn’t been well-maintained, you might consider hiring professionals to come in and clean not just the stone, but other areas of the home, as well.

Cleaning Continuous Surface Stone and Concrete

Stone flooring can be found in both modern and classic construction. When dealing with this kind of surface, you most likely need to take into account the finish and top coating of your floor. Especially when dealing with the concrete flooring that is becoming ever more popular in new homes and condos, using a cleaning solution that is designed for this surface is very important if you want to keep your floor looking its best. Though stone tile cleaning is a fairly straightforward job, a polished and sealed continuous concrete or stone floor will often require a professional hand every once in a while to maintain and protect the surface.

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