Q
DO YOU CHARGE AN ESTIMATE FEE?
A.
We provide free estimates. There have occasionally been special circumstances which required us to charge a fee for estimation, but this is never done without your prior notification.
Q
HOW MUCH DUST WILL BE CREATED DURING THE RESTORATION OF MY FLOOR?
A.
We use diamond abrasives and water to restore natural stone surfaces. This means that no dust is created during the process.
Q
WHAT IS MARBLE AND NATURAL STONE RESTORATION?
A.
Restoration of stone is the restoring of worn stone–marble, travertine, granite, etc.—to the state in which it was installed. Or better. It may also entail the altering of the stone’s surface to match a desired finish of the installation’s owner or management. In some cases an owner may desire a polished finish to be changed to a honed finish or vice versa. Restoration includes the use of such techniques as: polishing, honing, grinding (lippage removal), deep cleaning, sealing, and chip/crack repair.
Q
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM PROFESSIONAL STONE RESTORATION?
A.
You can expect to have your stone looking like new again and to be provided with proper maintenance instructions for long term care. Scratches, etch marks and wear can be removed. Also advice on how to avoid any future need for complete restoration. The exact details will depend upon your specific needs. We are happy to provide free estimates.
Q
OUR CLEANING COMPANY RECENTLY SPILLED WHAT WAS OBVIOUSLY AN ACIDIC CLEANING PRODUCT ON OUR MARBLE VANITIES. THOUGH THE VANITY TOPS HAD BEEN SEALED, THEY HAVE SUFFERED CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE AND HAVE HUNDREDS OF DULL SPOTS ALL OVER THEM. HOW CAN THIS BE REPAIRED? SHOULD WE JUST REPLACE THEM?
A.
First of all, let me assure you that your marble vanity tops do not need to be replaced. Second, let me address a common misunderstanding—sealing protects against staining by filling the pores of the stone so it does not quickly absorb the staining agent and you have time to wipe up a spill. Sealing does not prevent etching, which is a chemical reaction to acid rather than an absorption issue. Etching is surface damage and can be remedied by professional honing and polishing to restore your original finish and leave your vanity tops looking as good or better than the day they were installed.
Q
MY GRANITE COUNTERTOPS AREN’T SHINY ANYMORE. WHAT DO I DO?
A.
Most of the time when a customer asks us why their natural stone countertop is not shiny anymore, the dullness is not a problem with the stone, but is caused by a filmy buildup of some kind on the surface. This comes from cleaning granite or other natural stone countertops with water and dish soap or some other inappropriate cleaner that leaves a residue. Switching to a pH neutral cleaner specifically designed for use on natural stone will fix this problem, though it may take several cleanings to do so. In rare cases, there are other, less benign reasons your countertops have become dull, which could require professional restoration. So, if a neutral stone-safe cleaner does not resolve the dullness or you would like a consultation before taking any action, please don't hesitate to call us. We'll help you figure out the best course to take to get your countertops back to the shine you love.
Q
WHY CAN’T I GET RID OF THE WATER SPOTS ON MY MARBLE AND TRAVERTINE?
A.
Unfortunately, what you see are not water marks, but actual surface damage. Both travertine and marble are calcium based stones and vulnerable to damage from acid (also called etching). To get rid of the etch marks, the stone will need to be polished out, much like a gemstone would have to be if it were scratched. If the etching is not too severe, you can try to resolve this problem yourself using an appropriate polishing compound. (See our Caring For It page for a link to recommended products.) If the etch marks are too deep or cover a large area, your travertine and marble will need professional honing and polishing to get them looking beautiful again.
Q
IS THERE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE I SHOULD BE PERFORMING ON MY STONE FLOOR? IF SO, WHAT AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD IT BE DONE?
A.
Since the #1 culprit of damage to natural stone floors is dirt (grit, sand & dust), it is best to use a dry, untreated microfiber dust mop or a vacuum daily when possible. Damp mopping is recommended on a weekly basis and whenever there are visible spills. Be sure to thoroughly clean your mop and bucket after every use, and replace water frequently while mopping. A dirty mop can actually cause the damage you are seeking to avoid, so rinsing often is also recommended.
Q
HOW CAN I BRING BACK THE BEAUTIFUL SHINE MY STONE FLOORS HAD WHEN THEY WERE NEW?
A.
If your floor is not deeply scratched, surface polishing may bring back an acceptable shine. However, may result in "shiny scratches" if any of the scratches were deeper than the surface polishing could address. If your floor has deep scratches, is worn badly, or otherwise damaged, a complete restoration is warranted. This is a decision we will be happy to advise you on. We provide free estimates for all restoration work.
Q
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT CARING FOR MY STONE?
A.
There are several options. Read our informative articles and visit our Caring For It page, where you'll find our free downloadable Stone and Tile Care Guide. Of course, you are always welcome to use our contact form or give us a call at (661) 833-1168 with specific questions.
Q
WILL MY BEAUTIFUL ENTRY RUG DAMAGE MY NATURAL STONE FLOOR?
A.
Rugs are actually helpful in protecting your natural stone floors because they catch much of the grit and dirt that gets tracked in, reducing the potential wear and scratches such detritus can cause. However, there are some precautions you'll want to take. Use rug holders to prevent the rug from sliding, which is not only hazardous, but can also create the scratches you are trying to prevent. Do not use rugs backed with latex or rubber.
Q
I ACCIDENTALLY SPILLED VINEGAR ON THE POLISHED MARBLE FLOOR IN OUR KITCHEN AND NOW I HAVE DULL SPOTS. IS THIS BECAUSE THE PROTECTIVE COATING HAS BEEN DISCOLORED? HOW CAN I GET RID OF THESE MARKS?
A.
This sounds more like a chemical reaction between an acid—the vinegar—and your marble, which is a calcium based stone and is vulnerable to acidic damage. This damage is more commonly called "etching." You may be able to address minor etching using a marble polishing compound, but if the damage is deep or covers a large area it is best for you to have it professionally restored. We are experts at etch removal and would be happy to restore your marble to its original polished condition. If the issue turns out to be discoloration of a coating after all, you have an entirely different problem which we would need to see in order to address your concerns.
Q
MY DOG WENT ON THE CARPET AND I CLEANED IT MYSELF. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO STAINS OR ODORS. HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT ALL THE URINE IS OUT?
A.
The only way to be sure that all the urine is out is to be sure that the amount of cleaner was equal to or greater than the amount of urine deposited and that the cleaner was removed completely either by blotting and rinsing or with hot water extraction cleaning. How can you tell if it’s all out? The only way to know after the fact is to use professional urine detection equipment (we will test your carpet for free!)
Q
IF I DON’T DO ANYTHING ABOUT PET URINE DEPOSITS IS IT HARMFUL? IS THERE A HEALTH CONCERN TO MY FAMILY?
A.
Urine deposits left untreated will over time cause the release of harmful bacteria and other germs that are unhealthy for your family to breath and touch. Young children are most commonly subjected to urine contamination because they often play and eat on the floor.
Q
MY WIFE AND I HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING THE POSSIBILITY OF PUTTING OUR DOG TO SLEEP BECAUSE OF THE URINE PROBLEM IN OUR HOME. IS THERE ANOTHER OPTION?
A.
Check with your veterinarian to see if the animal has any health problems. If necessary we can put you on a regular program at low cost on an ongoing basis until the animal is able to stop messing the carpet.
Q
HOW MUCH DOES PROFESSIONAL PET STAIN & ODOR REMOVAL COST?
A.
It depends on the severity of the deposits, how many spots and what was used to clean the spots before we were called. Call our office to set up a free carpet audit.
Q
I’VE TRIED EVERYTHING I KNOW TO GET RID OF PET SMELLS. WHAT NEXT?
A.
Our professional cleaning system deals with even the worst urine stains and odors with a high degree of effectiveness. Consumer remedies for pet stains are effective only to a limited extent. If you don’t have the time or patience to spend hours dealing with animal stains, call Clean Sweep Carpet & Fabric Care for FREE advice and encouragement. You probably don’t need to replace the carpet or put your animal to sleep.