Some Useful Guidelines for Tile & Grout Cleaning and Natural Stone Maintenance

Bathroom cleaning is an important task and is necessary to keep it hygienic. The ingredients of commercial cleaners are often harsh chemicals that can disturb the delicate PH balance of your natural stone surface. These strong chemicals will also affect the stone’s mineral layers and destroy the overall look and feel.  Some cleaners also have lemon or vinegar composition which are acidic and can etch the surface. Thus it’s clear that even though commercial cleaners do clean your bathroom, they can affect the tiles and grout. This will necessitate frequent repairing or even replacing the tiles with the passage of time.

Recommended cleaning products such as stone soaps and cleaners are PH balanced and designed to gently penetrate porous surfaces of natural stones and lift in-grained dirt. If you want safe and effective bathroom cleaning, you should call for professional stone repairing and cleaning services.

Grout Sealing   

Sealing the grout is a must to safeguard it from damages. Sealing helps the grout looking its best and last longer. After thorough cleaning of the tile and grout, leave it dry and then apply the sealer. You can use either penetrating sealer or membrane sealer. Penetrating sealers get absorbed into the grout and require to be applied once in 3 years. Whereas the membrane sealers protect the tile and grout by forming a barrier and they need to be refreshed once in two years. While applying the sealer, follow the grout lines and apply using pen like applicator. If the tiles are glazed you can spray or brush the sealer over the surface. After it gets dried apply the second coat.

Natural Stone Honing 

Water ring and spots: It commonly occurs in marble and other natural stones due to etching or hard water minerals such as magnesium and calcium that are left behind when water gets evaporated forming spot or rings. Professional honing can restore the stone from this water rings and spots.

White stun marks: They appear commonly in certain type of marbles which are tiny explosions of the stone. The marks are caused by pin point pressures which may be due to blunt pointed instruments or women’s high heels. They are difficult to remove and may need honing or grinding by stone restoration specialists. 

Stone Polishing and Diamond Grinding

The best and optimal method to restore the stone is mechanical abrasion which is also called as diamond grinding. Stone restoration done with diamond grinding will retain its fresh look longer than the same done with other methods like honing powders, sanding screens and paste polishes. It may cost you more initially but can be done once in 4-6 years instead of 1 to 2 years with other methods.

High quality granite is very resistant to damage, but the stone will chip if hard or heavy object hits the weak corner. Cracking can also result if there are errors in installation or fabrication. Some stones that are sold as granite absorb cooking oil easily and it darkens the surface significantly. Only through poultice you can remove these stains. Stone containing calcium gets etched and whitened by acidic substances like vinegar, citric juices etc. These stones are marked as granite but true granite doesn't get acid etching. The sealers also get damaged by these acidic substances.   

Christmas Time Cleaning & Restoration Tips for Natural Stone Surfaces

It is important for you to clean and repair your natural stone surfaces before Christmas celebrations to make your home neat, tidy and impressive for the great occasion. You will have distant family members and friends coming around and it is your part to show the affection by a warm and clean welcome!

Christmas time stone cleaning and polishing should be planned in advance so that you do not end up being in a long queue. Our stone restoration schedule is almost full with pre-Christmas orders; there are just a few slots left with. So hurry now to order your stone cleaning or repair works on time for Christmas, and avoid the rush at the last minute.

Some of the stone maintenance works we do are:

• Marble, Granite, Travertine, Onyx, Terrazzo and other natural stone restoration.
• Natural stone Repair works.
• Stone Cleaning, Polishing, Seal & Maintenance.

Christmas is the right time to give a polished, shining perfection to your:

• Benchtops
• Floors
• Showers
• Walls and
• Table Tops

Some of the Repairs we carry out on stone benchtops are:

• Cracks
• Scratches
• Chips
• Stains
• Measurement & Adjustments

We have different types of stone sealing methods using “Wet look enhancing sealers; Penetrating sealer for marble, limestone, travertine; Penetrating sealers for natural granite; Penetrating sealers for sandstone; Penetrating sealers for concrete” as per your requirements. Sealing can be carried out on Kitchen Bench Tops, Vanity Benchtops, Bathrooms and  Floors.

At The Marble Man, we use all the latest techniques available in the stone restoration sector including: Honing, Grinding, and Buffing.

We can inspect your natural stone surfaces, and our expert team can propose a customised stone restoration procedure for scheduled restoration, sealing and regular maintenance. Even if a local provider has spoiled your costly natural stone surface, don't replace it before consulting The Marble Man- sometimes our skilled technicians can repair it professionally.

Here are some all-time and also Christmastime cleaning and maintenance tips for your natural stone-

• Avoid spilling glues, pastes etc.on the marble floor while decorating Christmas trees.
• Always use coasters under glasses with alcohol or citrus juices, which will etch natural stone surfaces.
• When you notice a spill, immediately blot it up.
• Natural stone surfaces are to be cleaned regularly with warm water and a neutral cleaner using a nonabrasive clean cloth, sponge or mop.
• Ensure to rinse and dry the stone surface after cleaning.
• During Christmastime, there will be more foot traffic in the house and so protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs. Stone countertops are to be protected with coasters, trivets and placemats.
• Place felt pads underneath tables and chairs in order to avoid scratches on stone floors.  
• To avoid hard water or soap scum build-up, make sure to dry or wipe the water from shower walls immediately after you use it.  

Thus, with the above stone care tips and ideas, you effectively can get your home sparkling for Christmas. This is sure to prolong the natural life of your stone surfaces.

The Marble Man has over 25 years of experience, servicing many places in the QLD and NSW regions including: SYDNEY | CANBERRA | NEWCASTLE | CENTRAL COAST | BRISBANE | GOLD COAST | and SUNSHINE COAST  

We are the most trusted and credible natural stone repair & restoration Company in Australia. Our stone professionals are trained and licensed in the latest equipment and technologies. For affordable stone cleaning and maintenance works before Christmas, contact Themarble Man on 1300 627 626.

Give Your Stone Tiles the Best Care by Natural Stone Restoration Professionals

Cleaning tile floors with hand and towel is not very effective as tile and grout are porous and gather dust, dirt, spills etc. which go deep under the surface.  This makes cleaning such surfaces messy and uncomfortable. Though regular mopping and spot cleaning is a must, they don't ensure the lifelong protection as they are unable to reach the hidden dirt that lies deep within the pores of the grout lines.

Regular maintenance of tiles and grout will slow down the discolouration process and prevent mould from growing. Periodic inspection and timely cleaning or repair by stone care professionals is the best thing you can do for your natural stone tiles.

Marble and granite tiles are much more than just a flooring or wall decoration. In fact they can be the centre of attraction for your kitchen and bathroom if well cared for. Cleaning grout is the most important and effective way of keeping your tiles looking impressive. Unlike black tiles, white tiles get stained easily and put up a dirty look even if cleaned. Thus these tiles should be mopped regularly and don't forget to keep a tile cleaner handy so that immediate action can be taken in case of spills and stains.

Experts recommend the use of the mixture of baking soda and bleach as an effective way for deep cleaning grout. Mix the baking soda and bleach together in the bowl until it forms a thick paste. Use this paste on the dirty grout lines for about 5 to 10 minutes. The bleach will do most of the work just sitting there, but after 5-10 minutes, scrub it with a scrub brush so that the cleaner reaches deep down in to the grout. Wait another 5-10 minutes and then rinse the cleaner off of the grout.

In case of marble tiles, it’s best to use a mild dish-washing soap, as acidic products, such as things like vinegar, can cause damage. Apart from troublesome areas that need thorough clean up, you don't need to scrub as vigorously as when cleaning grout. A good quality cloth will do the work. Bathroom tiles give rise to growth of mould, particularly in light colored tiles. In such case, use of vinegar is often recommended along with cleaners that will prevent further mould growth.

At The Marble Man, you get stone tile cleaning services the result of which you can hardly expect if done manually at home. The stone restoration experts there inspect your floor and determine the exact type of treatment required for bringing back the vitality and lusture of the floor. The Marble Man team is the No.1 stone repair and restoration experts servicing many places in the QLD and NSW regions. They also employ latest professional floor cleaning methods to get you that extra shine and sheen. For more information contact their experts now on 1300 627 626.  

Natural Stone Experts Discuss Standard Cleaning Practice for Granite Counter Tops

Is there a best way to clean granite countertops? If you ask three persons, there will be four different answers for this! “You can use Windex.  No, never use Windex.” “Use special granite cleaner. No, you do not need special granite cleaner; simple cleaner is enough,” etc. etc.

After doing extensive research, the natural stone cleaning experts on the Gold Coast, Australia discovered how to take care of granite. You do not need any special cleaners to make the counter tops look shiny, fresh and attractive.

Essential Facts on Cleaning Granite:

Do’s:                                                                                                       

• Ensure the granite surface is sealed. Granite is very hard and competitively less porous than marble. However, weak or unsealed granite will easily soak up spills, stains and oils. To check the sealing of granite, place few drops of water on the granite surface. If the water drops beads up, your counter top is securely sealed. If after few minutes, the water got soaked into the granite, it is time to reseal it.
• Wipe up the food spills as soon as you notice them.
• Use warm water, gentle dish wash soap, microfiber cloth for daily wipe downs.

Don’ts:

Do not use harsh and abrasive cleaners & sponges, acidic cleaners, vinegar, lemon, lime, ammonia or bleach. Frequent application of these chemicals will dull and darken the sealant over a period of time. The harsher the cleaner, the quicker it breaks down the sealant.

What to do for Disinfecting a granite countertop? 

A granite counter top which has been sealed well is highly impervious to bacteria. Sanitize granite countertop regularly to keep down the population of bacteria that healthy immune system of human beings can handle.  A Brazilian/Portuguese study reveals that 590 percent more bacteria can live on a granite surface comparing to a plastic surface like polypropylene polyethylene. So to prevent colonisation of bacteria, sanitising the granite countertop is very important. 

To properly sanitise and clean granite counter tops, all you need are warm water, gentle dish wash, dish cloth, terry cloth towel, and 91 percent isopropyl alcohol. The granite cleaning procedure is as follows:

• Wet the dish cloth with warm soapy water.  Initially fill the sink with warm water and mild dish soap, and then wet the clean dish cloth.
• Now wipe the granite countertop to remove any spills or crumbs on it.
• To avoid streaking, dry with a micro fibre cloth or terry cloth towel.

About Special safe cleaners for granite: 
There are different granite cleaners available in the market. Some all purpose surface cleaners specify that they are safe to use for granite cleaning. Use them only if you’re sure about it, or else ask a stone restoration specialist. 

To periodically disinfect your granite counter top, restore the shine and remove any residue, you can mix equal amount of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol. Spray the solution on the surface of the granite. Allow it to be there for three to five minutes, then you can rinse with water. Dry the surface with clean microfiber cloth.

This way you can enjoy shiny, nice cleaned granite counter tops. If you would like to have regular granite sealing and maintenance in Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Gold Coast, Central Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast, call Australia‘s No.1 stone polishing and sealing specialist, ‘The Marble Man’. Their team of professionals will provide affordable and appropriate sealing, restoration and maintenance services after checking your granite counter tops. You can contact them by visiting their website or calling them on 1300-627-626.

Benefits & Drawbacks of Marble and Granite Countertops- a Comparative Study

Natural stones such as granite and marble are used as a favoured material for various structures for centuries. They are highly regarded for their durability, aesthetic appeal, performance and longevity. The granite and marble countertops are quite impressive and speak about sophistication and luxury.  Both the stones transform an ordinary interior decor into elegant space. They considerably increase the market value of a home; increase its potential for higher price and quicker sale.   

MARBLE: Formed from sedimentary carbonate rocks through metamorphic formation, the marble stone is truly unique and they are distinguished by veins of various mineral deposits that includes clay, quartz, iron-oxide, fine-grained chart, silt and other sediments. The materials are fused together naturally under great pressure forming different kinds of patterns of swirls in different ranges of colours such as white, cream, red, grey, blue, pink and green.

Apart from ornamental use, marble stone is also suitable for building applications such as marble flooring, marble sink, marble counter top and marble dining table. In addition it is used as columns, bathtubs, tiles, fireplace mantels, window sills etc.

Benefits of marble:

• It increases the real estate value of a house because of the professionally worked high quality marble used in structure and design.
• It is a unique material choice, No two pieces look alike.
• It enhances the decor and aesthetic appeal with matchless beauty.
• This natural stone is highly durable if properly cared for.
• It provides a good sanitary surface.
• It is easy to disinfect, improves the indoor quality of the air, and does not trap dust, pollens and other allergens.
• It is cooler in warmer and hot summer than other types of stone choices for flooring.

Marble has few negatives also such as:

• It is expensive, and easily gets scratches,
• Can get damage when in direct contact with hot items,
• Requires routine resealing,
• Stains easily and should be wiped promptly,
• Requires annual restoration for its maintenance.

GRANITE: Like marble, granite is another popular stone, visually impressive and coveted for its rich elegance. It is a composite of fused elements like mica, quartz and feldspar which influences the colour of the granite. It is formed deep in the earth with intense pressure for thousands of years to become marvellous granite.

Granite is incredibly hard, durable, tough and versatile. It is removed from earth as huge blocks and used after precision cutting and polishing into granite slabs and tiles.

Granite with different colours and mottled patterns is used as countertops and tiles for residential use in kitchen and bathroom. The major benefits of granite are:

• Competitive price than any other natural stone.
• It resists moisture and scratching, and is resilient to heat.
• Cleaning granite is very easy and it is known for its self cleaning ability and sanitation comparing to other natural stones.
• Once polished, it maintains the shiny and lustre appearance.
• It endures extreme temperature and resists wear.
• It is highly durable and popular for its longevity.
• Each piece of granite is unique.

Despite resistance and durability to water, spills on natural stone surfaces should be wiped up and cleaned immediately to prevent etching. Coasters should be used under glass vessels when carrying hot items.

Natural stone counter tops create a dramatic appearance to your kitchen and bathrooms. They are becoming the preferred choice as they complement any decor and are budget friendly.

Maintenance of granite and marble countertops is made easy with regular sealing and restoration works by stone care professionals. The Marble Man has been doing the stone restoration for over 20 years and they are the best choice for all your store counter top maintenance. The technicians at The Marble Man offer guaranteed stone restoration work and service Queensland and NSW regions.

Some Common Misconceptions about Marble Countertops

Since the days of ancient Romans, marble has been used as countertops. It is a design option that has no age, and continues to attract people of all types and ages due to its versatility, beauty, durability & functionality. However, there are certain misconceptions and myths about marble countertops that need to be addressed.          

Some of the popular myths about marble countertop are as follows:

Marble needs great maintenance: Every type of stone countertop requires some common sense maintenance on a routine basis. It goes well for the Marble countertop also. Like any other type of stone countertops, marble will also get damaged on abusing it. If you consider your marble countertop with due importance, professionally seal it after installation, then your maintenance will be very minimum- little more than a routine wiping after finishing all the work and reminding the people not to place the red hot pans directly on the countertop.

Marble is a very costly stone: Marble is not cheap. But the cost of marble varies greatly with the type of marble. Some marble types are rare and very expensive. Other types of marbles are abundant and less expensive. Marble countertops add real value to your home and if they are cared properly, they add value for decades thus serving even your great grandchildren as they did for you so grandly.

Marble looks great but it is not very tough: One myth about marble that circulates is ‘Marble is a look but do not touch type of material’. The marble stone functions excellent for cosmetic purposes like decorating or lining the walls of palaces and cathedrals but cannot put to work. This is the hardest to accept or understand of the marble myths as marble stone has been used for floors in heavy traffic areas for centuries. If it is capable of withstanding such traffic for so many years why cannot we use it as countertop as well? Yes it can be- even brilliantly.

Marble is easily prone to Staining and scratching: Contrary to this popular belief, marble is really a dense tough stone and cannot get stained easily. Sealing the marble countertops properly will reduce getting stains. If something get spilled and threatening to leave the marble surface, you can neutralize it adding a mixture of baking soda and water. Leave it overnight and then clean. Certain acidic substances like lime juice and vinegar may change the surface dull and etch the spilled areas, but if it is attended immediately it will not be an issue at all.

Marble counter tops are Unhygienic: Microscopic living beings are everywhere. Marble is not susceptible to undesirable bacteria than any other surface. If you are much concerned about this issue, you can make a point of cleaning your countertop with anti-bacterial soap during the normal cleaning.

Do not let misconceptions and rumours prevent you from considering marble as your favourite countertop.  Marble can imbue your bath and kitchen with prestigious look and ageless style, and it’s versatile enough to complete any home decorating motif. They get damaged and lose their beauty due to lack of maintenance and improper use. 

Contact The Marble Man for all your stone countertop issues and they’ll provide convenient and affordable marble restoration and other stone repair works. They service Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle and Central Coast. You can visit The Marble Man website or dial 1300 627 626 for a FREE quote on all your stone restoration needs.

Keep Your Shower Tile and Grout Looking New by Professional Cleaning and Sealing of Tile & Grout

There is no doubt that everybody wants to have the best way to maintain tile and grout in the shower area and avoid costly repairs in the future. 

Grout is made with the property of water repellence so that it should remain in good condition for years. In a simple way to say, your grout should appear bright and shiny forever. However that is not found in most of the houses. Even with the best practice of tile and grout cleaning, mildewing and yellowing still persist. Why it happens so?

Grout experiences lot of wear: When we consider a home of 3 people showering at least once in a day then for 365 days the shower is used 1095 times in a year.  Only if your car stays outdoors your shower can get sunny days in between to get dried.

This heavy use creates a need to maintain your tile and grout professionally to keep them clean, sealed and look new. 

Unfortunately, the cleaning products that are sold in the market today to clean the tile and grout are harsh chemicals that quickly fix the problem. But they wear down your grout’s repellence in a course of time and change the grout to be water absorbing one with chalk like consistency. Therefore discolouring and mildew happens and stains the grout permanently. The only way left is to totally regrout which is an expensive option.

Another culprit for the stained grout is the local water supply which contains rust. If your house water supplied is rust filled then the whole house water filters have to be considered.  

Sealing: Professional sealing brings back the water repellence in the grout which has been lost over time. Moreover, the grout which is sealed becomes more stain resistant. High quality sealers such as the ones used by The Marble Man do not alter the surface appearance or colour of the stone tiles and grout. So it is recommended to seal the grout and tiles at least once or twice in a year according to your shower usage.

It is highly recommended to have annual professional maintenance of your shower tile and grout to keep your shower appears fresh and new. Marble, granite and other natural stone floor tiles need professional cleaning. There are fine pores on the surface of the stone which require cleaning with stronger cleaners and specialty scrubbing machines. Most people hesitate to call professional stone cleaners thinking it’s costly, but it is negligible when compared to the cost of rip out and replacing new shower when it goes bad. 

Contact The Marble Man today on 1300 627 626 to clean your tile and grout hassle free and excellently.  They offer expert and affordable stone restoration services on the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle and Central Coast. You can avail their stone care services not only for cleaning but also to seal the tile and grout, if needed, making your daily maintenance easy.