Natural Stone Tiles Helpful Hints by Gardening Man,

All natural stone tiles are subject to variations in colour, grain structure, tonality and veining. Expert sales staff can give guidance on the correct procedure for handling, installing and preserving each type of tile in the ranges available, but it is strongly recommend all natural stone is installed by a professional stone mason or tiler. One of the advantages of having natural stone is its long lasting beauty. Sand, dirt or grit can do damage to any surface so it is highly recommended that interior floors are frequently swept and mopped with a dry dust mop. Placing mats or rugs at the entrance of a hallway or room will also help minimise the problem. Also avoid using cleaning utensils which could have sharp edges as they could scratch and make the surface lose its shine. When cleaning natural stone always use a mild non-abrasive cleaning detergent with warm water. A clean mop for floors and a soft cloth for other surface areas should be used. The cleaning product you use should not have vinegar, lemon or acid in its contents as these will do harm to the surface of the natural stone. In wet areas, eg showers, soap scum can be reduced by applying a non-acidic soap scum remover and using a squeegee to rub it in and wipe down with clean water. In food handling areas a penetrating sealer should be applied as it creates a lining between the middle and top surface of the stone. This stops stains from penetrating the natural stone. Check with your installer for recommendations or if unsure, check with a sealer manufacturer. If a stain has been created, depending how deep it has gone, it can be removed by sanding the stone again. Check with your installer regarding the time and cost to cary out this work. For outdoor pools or patio floor areas apply a mild bleach solution to the surface and use a light pressure hose to help remove algae or moss build-up. Using these helpful and commonsense tips will help the lasting beauty of your natural stone for years to come. ,electric iron