Post-Holiday Cleanup Inside and Out
Natural stone is a popular choice inside and outside of many of buildings throughout South Florida. Marble, granite, terrazzo, and other stones are often used for countertops, floors, backsplashes and more. These surfaces require special care and attention to protect them from costly damages. With the holiday season now at an end, the new year is a wonderful opportunity for home, business, and yacht owners to start to do a post-holiday cleanup.
It is important to understand which natural stone cleaning and maintenance tasks can be completed without professional attention. The following guide was developed to provide the information needed to in assist quickly, safely, and effectively cleaning up post-holiday.
Natural Stone Surfaces
Natural stone surfaces are prevalent in many Florida homes, businesses, and yachts. These areas require special cleaning products, techniques, and caution.
Common Types of Natural Stone Include:
These precious stones are often used for countertops, backsplashes, floors, and for outdoor patios and walkways. It is critical to the life and quality of these surfaces to clean them correctly. Failing to do so could result in unsightly damages and expensive repairs.
Use Opportunity to Inspect
Post-holiday cleanup is a good time to inspect the condition of natural stone surfaces in and outside of homes, commercial buildings, and yachts. Check these surfaces for any signs of damages as you clean, including scratching, etching, chips, crack, and/or stains.
Cleaning Inside the Home
The condition of homes, offices, and yachts can be a stressful experience for many individuals and families after the holidays come to an end. Start the new year off on the right foot by deep cleaning all areas inside and out.
Declutter
The first step to cleaning up after the holidays is to declutter living and/or workspaces. This includes getting rid of all items no longer needed. Separate all excess items into categories, including things to keep, things to donate, and things to discard.
Remove all trash from the home, take donations to appropriate locations, and put things that aren’t regularly needed into storage.
Decluttering these areas will provide more living and/or workspace to enjoy. This will also make cleaning more effective and easier to perform.
Cleaning
For your post-holiday cleanup, start with walls, cabinets, countertops, and other furniture, before cleaning floors. Which cleaning agents are safe to use on these surfaces depends on the material of which these surfaces are constructed. Use non-acidic, mild detergents to clean most areas, including natural stone.
Never use hard wire-bristle brushes or other tools on natural stone. It is also important to mop up any excess water on these surfaces. Leaving any liquid on natural stone can seep into the stone and leave deep, permanent stains.
Rearranging Furniture
Furniture can be rearranged after decluttering and deep cleaning these spaces. Natural stone flooring that is prone to scratching, chips, and cracks. It is important to remember to never drag furniture across the floor. Always lift and set down furniture carefully with at least two people. It is also wise to use rugs underneath these pieces to protect flooring.
Outside Areas
Many homes and commercial buildings choose natural stone for their patios, driveways, and walkways because of its impressive curbside appeal. These surfaces are more durable than other materials and can last for many years if maintained.
Use cleaners that are specifically developed to clean these surfaces and a soft mop. Never use a pressure washer or hard-bristled brush to clean natural stone.
Other Outside Stone Cleaning Tips Include:
- Never acidic cleaning products on areas outside that are composed of natural stone.
- Always mop up excess liquid. Never leave large amounts of any liquid, including water, on these surfaces.
- Do not scrub natural stone even if stains do not lift with normal cleaning and a mild detergent.
A professional stone technician will need to examine these surfaces if stains do not improve with regular cleaning methods.
When to Contact a Natural Stone Professional
It is important for homeowners to remember to contact a professional for all-natural stone repairs. A natural stone technician will need to evaluate any issue that regular cleaning provisions do not correct. These professionals have the required tools and experience to do these jobs correctly.
Never attempt to fix permanent stains, cracks, and/or signs of etching with aggressive methods, including harsh cleaning agents or tools. Doing so would only worsen the condition of natural stone, likely resulting in costly damages.
Just Call Classic
We hope our tips help you with your post-holiday cleanup. Contact Just Call Classic for a thorough cleanup of your natural stone. Just Call Classic Inc. is South Florida’s choice for all of their natural stone and marble maintenance and repair needs. Protect the beauty and life of your natural stone or marble surfaces by contacting a team of experienced, qualified, and reputable technicians.
Just Call Classic’s Service List Includes:
Contact Just Call Classic today for any questions or to discuss your natural stone repair, cleaning, or maintenance needs. Just Call Classic provides their services inside Florida condominiums, homes, office, commercial buildings, yachts, and more.
Reach out today by calling 954-578-3600.
