INITIAL CLEANING
These are the so-called final cleaning operations: this is the most important step, as it influences the results of the subsequent use of the product. Its purpose is to remove any trace or residue of foreign matter from the surface of the slabs. If you have used a cement-based sealant during installation, once the grout has dried, Florim recommends carrying out the following operations:
- remove any coarse dirt using a vacuum cleaner;
- wet the floor with clean water in order to soak and protect the joints against the corrosive action of the detergent;
- clean using a suitable acid detergent, which can be applied by hand (with a clean cloth) or with a machine (a single-brush machine with medium, non-abrasive bristles or a high-pressure water cleaner);
- soak up the cleaning solution with a clean cloth or a suitable vacuum cleaner;
- thoroughly rinse surfaces with clean, warm water to neutralise the action of the detergent;
- remove any build-up by scraping it off;
- if needed, clean the surface again with the single-brush machine, using a diluted neutral or alkaline detergent, then rinse using clean warm water and dry.
If an epoxy sealant has been used during installation of the product, given the chemical nature of such product, any remaining residue on the porcelain tile’s surface should be removed before the grout has hardened completely and carefully follow the instructions supplied by the manufacturer.
Warning
– Some of the components contained in sealants are not resistant to acids. This is why we always recommend you ask the grout manufacturer for advice on the most suitable detergent for cleaning purposes.
– With particularly difficult stains, clean the area by following the instructions in the Type of detergent according to the type of dirt table, included at the beginning of this chapter.
TYPE OF DETERGENT ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF DIRT
Below are some of the substances indicated to remove stains. The instructions are grouped by type of product and do not contain references to specific detergents: however, these features are clearly indicated on the labels of detergents available from most retailers.
| Type of dirt | Type of detergent |
|---|---|
| Grease and oil | Alkaline detergent |
| Ink | Sodium hypochlorite solution (bleach) or acid detergent |
| Rust | Acid detergent |
| Limescale and cement build-up | Acid detergent |
| Beer, wine, coffee | Sodium hypochlorite solution (bleach) or alkaline detergent |
| Tire marks | Organic solvent (trichloroethylene, thinner) |
| Ice cream | Alkaline detergent |
| Resin | Organic solvent (white spirit, thinner) |
| Fruit juice | Diluted sodium hypochlorite solution (bleach) |
| Pen marks (permanent marker) | Organic solvent (acetone, thinner) |
| Aluminium scratch marks | Acid detergent or abrasive detergent (cream/powder) |
| Other stains | Abrasive cream detergent |
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
This is the normal cleaning carried out on floors and walls and usually consists in:
– vacuuming dust, dirt, grit;
– washing with diluted neutral of alkaline detergent.
Anti-slip surfaces and areas demanding high hygiene standards (kitchens, food stores, etc.) need to be cleaned more frequently, even on a daily basis.
Natural surfaces
To clean natural surfaces only use warm water and mild alkaline detergents available from most retailers (products containing hydrofluoric acid and its derivatives should not be used).
We do not recommend using detergents containing wax, to avoid creating an oily coating on the surface of the slab. With particularly difficult stains, we recommend you clean the area by following the instructions in the Type of detergent according to the type of dirt table, included at the beginning of this chapter.
Polished and glossy surfaces
To clean polished and glossy surfaces only use warm water and mild alkaline detergents available from most retailers (products containing hydrofluoric acid and its derivatives should not be used). We recommend you periodically carry out special cleaning with specific detergents, such as buffer acids or professional oil-repellents: this will allow you to remove any remaining dirt and helps maintain the floor’s shine over time.
We do not recommend using detergents containing wax, to avoid creating an oily coating on the surface of the slab.
With particularly difficult stains, we recommend you clean the area by following the instructions in the Type of detergent according to the type of dirt table, included at the end of this chapter.
Structured and relief surfaces
To clean this type of surface use warm water and mild alkaline detergents available from most retailers (products containing hydrofluoric acid and its derivatives should not be used).
When cleaning these surfaces, we recommend you follow the outline of the relief pattern and, if necessary, rub gently to remove the dirt from the surface’s cavities.
We do not recommend using detergents containing wax, to avoid creating an oily coating on the surface of the slab. With particularly difficult stains, we recommend you clean the area by following the instructions in the Type of detergent according to the type of dirt table, included at the beginning of this chapter.
SPECIAL MAINTENANCE
This is a particularly intense and accurate type of cleaning that you may need to carry out once a year or every six months. It it conducted by following the same instructions given for routing maintenance, but by using alkaline detergents with medium concentration.
WARNING
– We recommend you always follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosages and times by carrying out tests on non-installed material or concealed areas of the installed surface.
– If using acid detergents, we recommend you always thoroughly soak the joints before cleaning to protect them from the corrosive action of the detergent.
– If dealing with an area with special cleaning needs (kitchens, hospitals, shops, ect.) or an area subject to particularly difficult dirt to remove (outdoor flooring, offices, ect.), it is best to carry out the abovementioned cleaning operations in combination with washer-driers and specific products.
– Before cleaning, we recommend you always carefully read the technical files contained in the catalogues of each collection.