Whether your stone or tile is new, or you have been enjoying it for years, we always recommend regularly cleaning and sealing it to ensure it will stay looking like new. Over time, unsealed material will lose luster, accumulate dirt and grime, absorb moisture or oils causing rust, staining, or other serious problems. Our process deep cleans your stone and tile removing soil from the pores, and our sealer penetrates deep to create a barrier that will extend the life of your stone for many more years.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE CLEANING AND SEALING MY SURFACES?
The frequency with which you should clean and seal a surface really depends on the wear and tear of that surface. Stone and tile located on the exterior is going to have more wear and tear than the kitchen countertops which will in turn have more wear and tear than bedroom floors. We recommend having your services professionally cleaned and sealed anywhere from every 2 to 5 years, depending on the type of sealer used and the wear and tear of the surface. It doesn't hurt to have the sealer applied more often if the surface needs it, but we don't recommend you wait longer than five years since the stone can get more damaged.
Our impregnating sealer, enhancer sealer, and acrylic sealer last anywhere from 2-5 years. The lacquer sealer lasts 3-5 years or even longer depending on how well it is kept.
It is important to be maintaining your services with the proper cleaning solutions in between professional services to ensure that both the sealer and the stone are protected. Using the correct cleaning solutions prolongs the lifespan of the sealer we put on them too.
CLEANING AND SEALING MARBLE, LIMESTONE OR TRAVERTINE
Marble, limestone and travertine should be professionally cleaned and sealed as soon as they are installed and prior to use. There is no sealer on the market that is stain-proof or etch-proof. However most sealers provide a moisture-wicking barrier. We often seal these surfaces with an impregnating sealer which helps to keep substances from being absorbed easily into the stone. It also helps buy you time to clean up spills before they set in and cause etch marks.
Marble, limestone and travertine etch easily due to a high composition of calcium carbonate. To keep marble from etching, avoid contact with acidic substances such as vinegar, lemon juice, wine, and even hard water. When etching inevitably occurs, remember most marble types are soft and easy to restore with professional restoration.
The impregnating sealer we use at CATA Stone Care and Restoration is specially formulated for us directly from the lab. We control the amount of active ingredient in the sealer. Therefore it is must more potent and effective than any other impregnating sealer you will find at a local hardware store, or even more potent than anything your installer might use.
RUST… ANOTHER REASON TO SEAL YOUR STONE!
Many popular species, such as Carrera or Calcutta, contain iron which is the recognizable grey veining we love. It is important to install these in areas where there is minimal water contact. Exposure of iron to water will cause red or orange rust, which is difficult and sometimes impossible to remove.
Sealing Carrera or Calcutta marble does help to wick away moisture from the stone. In this way, it helps to prevent water from coming in contact with the iron as much. If you have either of these materials in your home, we highly recommend regular maintenance to ensure they always stay looking nice. Once the rusting sets in, it is difficult or sometimes impossible to remove, prevent or slow down.
CLEANING AND SEALING TILE AND GROUT
Porcelain, ceramic, natural stone and clay tiles are common in interior and exterior applications. Over time, mold and dirt can easily accumulate in the grout and pores of the tiles presenting health and cleanliness issues. Regular professional cleaning and sealing prevents unhealthy buildup of bacteria and a sparkling fresh look.
It is imperative to maintain your grout regularly for sanitary reasons. Cracked or loose grout can be easily restored to appear like new. Our experts will match the original color for a seamless look. We are even able to dye your grout to new colors if desired.
All grout can be sealed, whether it is installed with natural stone, porcelain or ceramic tile. We typically use a penetrating sealant for our grout, rather than a surface sealant. This ensures the quality of your grout will last and cleaning efforts will be easier.
REMOVAL OF CALCIUM AND MINERAL DEPOSITS
Over time, stone or tile can accumulate dirt and grime called “haze”. Our high-pressure and high-temperature washing process effectively removes this unhealthy film. Mineral deposits are common, particularly around water features or where water tends to accumulate. We use a special formula to remove mineral deposit build up in showers, around faucets, fountains, pool areas, and even where the sprinklers overspray.
Mineral deposits are the build up where hard-water dries on surfaces. When deposit builds up, it deflects light away and dulls natural stone. It can also etch the stone by eating away at the calcium carbonate. This condition is often seen in showers or on exterior surfaces. In such a scenario, we may recommend stone restoration rather than cleaning and sealing. This is because stone restoration physically grinds off mineral deposits, as well as deep cleans the pores and polishes the stone. For more information on stone restoration, please read our other blog posts.
CONCLUSION
In order to maintain surfaces and grout that are clean, mold-free, bacteria-free, it is important to regularly have them cleaned and sealed. Cleaning and sealing is also important to maintain the longevity of your surfaces. Where moisture or other substances come in contact with stone, tile, or grout, they can cause damages that are not only unsightly, but also unhealthy, and often more costly in the long run. Reach out to Cata Stone Care and Restoration to ensure your surfaces are always cleaned and sealed properly!