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How Chemistry Saved My Bacon (and the Client's Marble)
🎧 Key Takeaways & Topics Covered:
1. Know Your Stone (The Foundation)
Ceramic & Porcelain: These are "vitreous" (glass-like) and highly durable. They can handle standard cleaners.
Natural Stone (Marble, Travertine, Limestone): Made of calcium carbonate. These are highly sensitive to acids (vinegar, lemon juice) which will etch and dissolve the surface instantly.
Granite: A silicate (mostly quartz). Harder than marble, but still requires pH-neutral cleaners to protect the sealer, not just the stone.
2. The Chemistry of Cleaning (The pH Scale)
Daily Cleaning: Must be pH Neutral (6-8). This removes dirt without stripping your sealer or damaging the stone.
Alkaline & Acidic Cleaners: Used only for deep restorative cleaning. Warning: These will strip your sealer and must be used with caution.
3. LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) Care
Dry Cleaning: Use an "S" or "Infinity" pattern when dust mopping to trap debris rather than flicking it forward.
Wet Cleaning: Keep it simple. Damp microfiber mop, warm water, and a tiny drop of dish soap. Never use polishers or abrasive scrubbers.
4. Deep Cleaning Solutions
DIY Grout Paste: Baking soda + 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (great for standard grout).
Yellow Grout: Straight hydrogen peroxide (let sit for 5-10 mins).
The "Nuclear" Option (Cement Grout Only): A 2-step process involving an alkaline degreaser followed by an acid micro-etch. Never use this on natural stone.
5. Sealing & Stain Removal
Impregnating Sealers: These soak into the pores to block oil and water.
Frequency: Kitchens (~1x year), Showers (every 2-3 months due to heat/moisture).
Application: Apply with a paint pad (not a rag), let dwell for 15 mins, and wipe off all excess to avoid a sticky film.
The Poultice Method: How to remove deep oil stains using a paste and the "capillary effect" over 24-48 hours.
6. The "Hand Feel" Test
Run a clean, dry hand over your shower tile. If it feels gritty or textured (like sandpaper), you still have soap scum and need a degreaser.
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
Follow for Tile Tips: Craig on Instagram (@tilenerdarmy)
Shop Materials: Tilebar.com
Products Mentioned:
STONETECH Stone & Tile Cleaner (Daily/Neutral)
STONETECH Mold & Mildew Stain Remover
STONETECH Bulletproof Sealer
STONETECH Revitalizer (Cleaner + Sealer hybrid)
View all episodes
By TILE THE WORLD🎧 Key Takeaways & Topics Covered:
1. Know Your Stone (The Foundation)
Ceramic & Porcelain: These are "vitreous" (glass-like) and highly durable. They can handle standard cleaners.
Natural Stone (Marble, Travertine, Limestone): Made of calcium carbonate. These are highly sensitive to acids (vinegar, lemon juice) which will etch and dissolve the surface instantly.
Granite: A silicate (mostly quartz). Harder than marble, but still requires pH-neutral cleaners to protect the sealer, not just the stone.
2. The Chemistry of Cleaning (The pH Scale)
Daily Cleaning: Must be pH Neutral (6-8). This removes dirt without stripping your sealer or damaging the stone.
Alkaline & Acidic Cleaners: Used only for deep restorative cleaning. Warning: These will strip your sealer and must be used with caution.
3. LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) Care
Dry Cleaning: Use an "S" or "Infinity" pattern when dust mopping to trap debris rather than flicking it forward.
Wet Cleaning: Keep it simple. Damp microfiber mop, warm water, and a tiny drop of dish soap. Never use polishers or abrasive scrubbers.
4. Deep Cleaning Solutions
DIY Grout Paste: Baking soda + 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (great for standard grout).
Yellow Grout: Straight hydrogen peroxide (let sit for 5-10 mins).
The "Nuclear" Option (Cement Grout Only): A 2-step process involving an alkaline degreaser followed by an acid micro-etch. Never use this on natural stone.
5. Sealing & Stain Removal
Impregnating Sealers: These soak into the pores to block oil and water.
Frequency: Kitchens (~1x year), Showers (every 2-3 months due to heat/moisture).
Application: Apply with a paint pad (not a rag), let dwell for 15 mins, and wipe off all excess to avoid a sticky film.
The Poultice Method: How to remove deep oil stains using a paste and the "capillary effect" over 24-48 hours.
6. The "Hand Feel" Test
Run a clean, dry hand over your shower tile. If it feels gritty or textured (like sandpaper), you still have soap scum and need a degreaser.
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
Follow for Tile Tips: Craig on Instagram (@tilenerdarmy)
Shop Materials: Tilebar.com
Products Mentioned:
STONETECH Stone & Tile Cleaner (Daily/Neutral)
STONETECH Mold & Mildew Stain Remover
STONETECH Bulletproof Sealer
STONETECH Revitalizer (Cleaner + Sealer hybrid)