Stone Floor & Tile Cleaning Services : Lake of the Ozarks
Tile & Grout Cleaning and Restoration Services
While ceramic tile is extremely durable and will last for decades, the grout between the tiles is very porous and will readily absorb dirt and spills. Ozark Stone Restoration specializes in tile and grout cleaning and restoration.
Grout can be professionally protected using a specialized process called color sealing. Color sealing provides the highest degree of stain protection and greatly reduces the maintenance required to keep tile and grout looking clean and fresh.
Color sealing creates a long lasting layer of protection that prevents dirt and spills from absorbing into grout. The original grout color is “locked in” while dirt and spills are “sealed out”.
- Preserves New Look
- Locks in Uniform Color
- Seals Out Dirt And Spills
- Same Day Transformation
- Change Grout Colors
- Easier Maintenance
Natural Stone Floor Restoration Services: Stone Tile, Marble, Granite, Travertine, and More
Natural Stone Floors
There is no other material on Earth like natural stone. Formed from millions of years of geologic forces, natural stone is quarried from different parts of the globe to make its way into our everyday lives in the form of countertops, floor tiles and many other building materials. It is one of the most beautiful and durable construction materials available.
As durable as natural stone is, it requires a special care and protection to ensure a lifetime of beauty and utility.
Using a properly trained and qualified stone restoration professional ensures the stone is safely restored to its original beauty and luster using proper techniques and products.
Cleaning Stone Floors
Natural stone floors must be maintained properly to avoid damage to the stone surface. Many common household cleaners can permanently damage natural stone leaving dull etch marks or white marks in the stone.
In many cases, a professional restoration process must be used to restore the stone back to its original condition.
Grinding
Restoration of marble, granite, limestone, travertine or other natural stone involves the removal of scratches and/or other damage from the surface of the stone. Grinding is accomplished by mechanical abrasion known as diamond grinding. The grinding process is normally used to remove “lippage” from a stone floor.
Lippage occurs normally during the installation process where one tile is installed slightly higher or lower than an adjacent tile creating a “lip”. Grinding will remove the lippage and create a flat surface to continue the restoration process.
Honing
Honing is a continuation of the grinding process, using finer and finer abrasives to achieve an even finish to the stone. Honing can be accomplished using diamonds, abrasive powders or sanding screens depending on the condition of the stone. Honing can leave the stone with a dull, even finish or a matte finish depending on the desired look.
Polishing
Polishing goes beyond the honing process, using even finer abrasives to achieve a shine on the stone surface. Taking it to this level further enhances the natural beauty of the stone surface. As the polishing steps continue to use finer abrasives, the reflectivity of the stone is enhanced, creating a mirror like finish. This can densify the surface of the stone, and can help prevent stain absorption.
Sealing
Sealing natural stone is one of the most important ways to prevent permanent stains and discoloration. Penetrating sealers and impregnators fill the pores of the stone and help to repel dirt and spills from the surface. Most natural stone should be re-sealed every 18-24 months to maximize protection and minimize permanent staining and damage.
Natural stone is an investment that will give you many years of beautiful service. Stone is a natural product and does require some simple care and maintenance to retain its beauty. These are some recommendations supported by the Marble Institute of America.
- Do dust mop floors frequently
- Do clean surfaces with cleaner designed specifically for use with your stone.
- Do thoroughly rinse and dry surface after cleaning.
- Do BLOT up spills immediately.
- Do protect floor surfaces with quality mats or area rugs, and stone tops with trivets or placemats.
- Don't use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on stone surfaces.
- Don't place cleaner bottles that contain acids such as toilet bowl cleaner, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners on stone surfaces.
- Don't use abrasive cleaners such as dry or cream cleansers.
- Don't mix ammonia and bleach (or other household cleaners) as these combinations can create toxic and deadly fumes.
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 stone surface. Use trivets or placemats under china, ceramics, silverware or other objects that can scratch the surface.
All stone surfaces
Clean surfaces with a neutral cleaner made for use on stone and warm water. For best results use a microfiber mop or cloth. Do not use too much soap in the water as it may leave a residue which can cause streaks and attract soil. Do not use products with lemon, vinegar or acids on marble or limestone. Rinse thoroughly after washing with the cleaning solution and dry with a microfiber cloth. Change your rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams, these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.
Floor surfaces
Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean, non-treated dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Quality mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help minimize the sand, dirt and grit coming into the home. Avoid using foam-backed mats or rugs as they tend to "delaminate" and leave foam stuck to the floor. This foam can prove quite difficult to remove and may cause damage to the surface. If possible do not wear shoes used outdoors in the house. Mop your floors once a week as described above. Do not use vacuum cleaners with beater brushes on stone surfaces as they may scratch the stone. Do not wax or use products that advertise "shine as you clean", as these will leave a coating on the surface which will attract soil and grit. These products are totally unnecessary.
Bath and wet or damp areas
In the bath or shower, rinsing and using a squeegee after use can help minimize soap scum buildup. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover. Remember to always test any cleaner in a small spot to determine if it will adversely effect the surface.
Vanity tops
Many products used near the vanity contain acids. These may etch or dull the surface. Wipe the surface immediately after use to minimize adverse effects.
Sealing
Many polished stones actually can not be sealed contrary to popular advertising. When a stone is polished, the pores are closed so tightly that sealer (or most other substances) can not penetrate the surface. There are exceptions. A good test to see if your stone needs sealing is to create a small puddle of water on the surface. Leave for 15 minutes and wipe the water off. If the stone has darkened where the water was left to sit, then your stone will accept a sealer.
Caring for Tile
All glazed ceramic tile requires less maintenance than many other flooring types. Now that your tile and grout have been professionally cleaned, follow these few tips to maintain the beauty of your tile floor.
- Do test cleaners and scouring pads in an inconspicuous area before use.
- Do seal all cement grout to prevent staining
- Don't combine ammonia and bleaches (or any household cleaners) This can cause toxic fumes which can be harmful or even deadly.
- Don't use harsh cleaning agents (steel wool or ajax) which can scratch or damage the surface of your floor.
- Don't seal or wax your ceramic tile. Stay away form products like Mop&Glo. These coatings are unnecessary. They will attract and hold dirt on your floor's surface.
- Don't use vinegar or bleach for regular cleaning. These can adversely affect the tile and grout with continual use.
Sweeping
Tracked in dirt is abrasive and can wear the surface of your tile. Sweep floor regularly to prevent loose dust and abrasive soil form dulling your floor. For best results, use a dust mop or vacuum but without a beater brush or bar.
Mopping
Mop your floor lightly at least once a week. For best results, use a microfiber mop and a neutral cleaner designed for ceramic tile. Use cleaner sparingly as more is not often better, and it may leave a soil-attracting residue.
Beware that many "all-purpose" cleaners will leave a residue which will attract soil. Change mop water often. As always, follow the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning and rinsing for best results.
Spills
Blot, don't wipe spills. Wiping a substance that may stain your grout can actually push the spill deeper into the grout or widen the area of the spill. Clean the area immediately with a microfiber mop or cloth using a neutral cleaner. Rinse with clean water.
Protect your investment
Equip furniture legs with FELT floor protectors. Dirt and sand embedded into plastic or wooden legs act like sandpaper when furniture is moved across your floor.
Place quality rugs or mats both inside and outside of exterior entryways, and near kitchen sinks and dishwashers to prevent impact damage from dropped dishes, pans or utensils.
Avoid foam backed rugs and mats as these tend to "de-laminate" due to moisture or sun exposure and may stick to your floor. The foam can prove very difficult to remove from many surfaces.
After your initial restorative cleaning, Tile Care Inc. recommends an annual professional cleaning. By following the care and maintenance guidelines listed above, the annual cleaning will take less time, therefore costing less.
Company History
Ozark Stone Restoration Is Fully Insured And We Stand Behind Our Work
Tom McDonnell started his stone, tile, and grout restoration business because a contractor did a poor grout job on a remodel of his home. To add insult to injury, the contractor did a terrible job hiding his poor workmanship.
Tom McDonnell has been a part time resident at the Lake since 2007. He moved to the Lake full time in 2009 and has brought his stone, tile, and grout restoration techniques to Lake of the Ozarks.
Ozark Stone Restoration is committed to providing their customers with quality workmanship at a fair price.
Call Tom McDonnell for a FREE consultation today at 573-480-7278 or send email to tom@ozarkstonerestoration.com.
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Ozark Stone Restoration takes pride in providing a high level of customer service.
Our satisfaction comes from having satisfied customers.
"If you're not happy, we're not happy and we will make it right!"
~ Tom McDonnell, Owner
Ozark Stone Restoration always recommends the most appropriate and cost effective methods of restoring and enhancing your existing stone, tile or grout. In many cases, our solutions are far less costly than our clients imagine. Rather than assume stone, tile or grout replacement is your only recourse, consult with us first. Chances are, we can repair the problem for a fraction of the cost of replacement.
Ask about our new lifetime guarantee, it's the best in the industry!
Whether you're a homeowner with a small problem, a retail business with unsightly flooring or restrooms, you can rely on Ozark Stone Restoration.
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