Need Help Cleaning & Sealing Your Quarry Tiles?
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If Your In Need Of Help with Cleaning And Sealing Your Tiles Contact Us
You’ve probably walked on quarry tile at your local bank, restaurant or mall and not even have known it. Quarry tiles are made from clay or shale through a special mold or nozzle. They are extremely durable and can handle lots of foot traffic so they are highly used in places where very sturdy floors are needed. In decades past, quarry tile was unglazed and either red or gray, but now contemporary “decorator” tiles come in a variety of colors and finishes. Some quarry tiles used in manufacturing facilities come with harsh frit entrenched in the surface to keep people from slipping in wet areas such as commercial kitchens and laboratories. Quarry is suitable for indoors or outdoors. However, if winter temperatures reach freezing point, make sure to a freeze-resistant grade of quarry tile.
Cleaning quarry tiles is a little more tedious since you have to be extra cautious about the kinds of cleaners you use because these types of floors can be scratched very easily. Vacuum the quarry tile thoroughly with a canister vacuum cleaner. Be sure to avoid a vacuum with a beater bar because this can drag particles across the floor and cause scrapes. Next, mop the floor with an enzyme-based cleanser. You can try products such as EnziBrite or AquaMix, especially if your quarry tile is in the kitchen since these types of solutions are known to cut through grease and get rid of odors. After mopping thoroughly, rinse the mopped floor to eliminate any cleanser residue. Use soft or distilled water to avoid leaving deposits on your floor. The last step is to dry the quarry tiles with towels. This process will help you see if your tile has a haze or if it is turning yellow since wax can discolor as it gets older.
If after sweeping, mopping and drying your quarry tile, there appears to be a film on it, mix white vinegar with clear water and mop the floor again. Also be sure to dry the tile completely. This will get rid of any haze.
For quarry tiles that are heavily soiled and are unglazed, you first need to figure out what elements are causing it to be dirty. Acid will remove cement residue but can’t get rid of grease or any other organic stains. The best thing to start with is a detergent or degreaser. Wash the floor down with water and apply cleaner while the floor is wet. Let sit for five minutes and then scour with a brush on an extended handle. You can then either rinse it off with clean water into a drain or remove up the dirty water with a wet and dry vacuum. Next step is to wash the pavers with clean water again and let the pavers dry thoroughly. Finally apply a penetrating sealer if you desire to achieve a natural look or if you want more of a wet look, use an enhancer sealer. Be sure to take off the extra sealer off with a lint free cloth after the sealant has set for about five minutes.
If Your In Need Of Help with Cleaning And Sealing Your Tiles Contact Us
