StoneTech All Purpose Stone, Marble & Grout Cleaner
from Bane-Clene® Corp.
StoneTech All-Purpose Stone and Tile Cleaner Concentrate is a streak-free all purpose daily cleaner and grease cutter with a clean, fresh scent for all natural stone such as granite, marble, limestone, travertine, porcelain & ceramic tile, and grout.
Natural stone floors and countertops such as granite, limestone and marble are an investment in lasting beauty that will give many years of wear - if properly maintained. Following some simple precautions, properly sealing, and using the correct cleaning methods and products, will insure a lifetime of use from natural stone. Stone floor tiles can lose their sparkle over time, and the grout can discolor. Fortunately, most types of stone are easy to care for and keep clean with some simple maintenance.
All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner Concentrate is specially formulated for stone, unlike most general purpose cleaners, acidic and alkaline solutions, abrasives, ammonia or bleach which can break down the sealers and damage stone surfaces.
StoneTech All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner is the professional’s choice in preserving natural stone’s proper sealing. Cleaners not designed for cleaning stone surfaces will often strip off the protective sealer.
Stone & Tile Cleaner is carefully designed for stone, providing you with peace of mind. Its neutral, gentle formula cleans everyday messes and is great for countertops, stone & ceramic tile floors!
StoneTech Stone and Tile Cleaner has a gentle formula and neutral pH—perfect for daily cleaning.
It is also ideal for use on natural stone such as marble, granite, limestone, travertine, slate, sandstone & Zodiaq® as well as ceramic tile, porcelain tile & grout.
How to Clean Stone Surfaces with StoneTech All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner:
- Read entire label before using StoneTech Stone & Tile Cleaner. Use only as directed.
- Be sure surfaces to be cleaned are swept or vacuumed to remove loose debris.
- Avoid skin and eye contact with product. Wear protective eyewear and gloves when handling concentrate. Keep children and pets out of the area during application and drying.
- Dilute 2-4 oz. per gallon of warm or hot water depending on level of soiling.
- Apply mixed solution with a damp mop, sponge or appropriate professional cleaning equipment.
- Clean entire area with mop, changing mop water often to ensure that soil is not redeposited. Wipe or rinsed cleaned area.
- Let area dry completely before using to prevent soiling or accidents.
- Repeat for heavily soiled areas.
How to Properly Take Care of Natural Stone Floors, Countertops, etc.:
- To maintain stone’s natural beauty, use All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner every day.
- For optimum protection, seal and protect the natural stone every 3 - 5 years with StoneTech Impregnator Pro™, Bullet Proof™, Stone Sealer or Sta-Clene>®.
- Seal porcelain tile grout with Sta-Clene or All Purpose Grout Sealer.
- For heavy duty cleaning on ceramic tile & grout, use Restore™ to remove soap scum, hard water deposits, grout haze and efflorescence.
- Use Klenz All™ to clean stubborn grease and soils on natural stone and ceramic tile & grout.
Cleaning Procedures & Recommendations
Keeping stone free of dust and dry, sandy soil will minimize the scratches and wear-patterns that can develop from everyday use of some natural stone, such as marble, limestone and sandstone. Sweep or dust all natural stone surfaces regularly to remove loose soil and dust.
Clean natural stone on a regular basis with warm water and a clean, non-abrasive cloth, sponge or mop. In addition, using StoneTech All Purpose Stone and Tile Cleaner, specially formulated for natural stone, will help remove soils that normal dusting or damp mopping leave behind. Its unique blend of neutral cleaning agents make it gentle on your stone, porcelain and ceramic surfaces, floors and countertops.
Do not use general purpose cleaners or you may damage the stone or the sealer applied. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on acid-sensitive stones such as limestone, marble and terrazzo as these may etch the stone surface and damage the polish. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.
Countertops and Vanities
Use StoneTech All-Purpose Stone Tile Cleaner on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills as well as hair spray or other cosmetics. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch or dull the stone surface. Also, some common toiletries (e.g., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.
Stone Floor Surfaces
Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the potential damage from these particles. In addition, be careful when using a vacuum cleaner as the metal or plastic attachments or wheels may scratch the surface. Damp mop the stone floor with All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner as directed on the label. Keep off floor until completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.
Allow the product to work for 10-20 minutes, periodically scrubbing badly stained areas. The grouting, being rougher than the stone, is particularly susceptible to ingrained dirt and grease.
Wipe away the dirty cleaner. Rinse with a mop and a bucket of clean water. Go over the stone floor tiles with an old towel to reduce drying time.
Once dry, check if the tiles need to be resealed by leaving a few drops of water on the surface. If water soaks in, the floor needs an application of an impregnating sealer such as Bullet Proof.
Bath and Other Wet Areas
Periodic use of StoneTech All-Purpose Stone Tile Cleaner will remove any soap scum or hard water deposits that may have formed. In the bath, or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup.
StoneTech All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner Concentrate is recommended for cleaning:
Advantages of StoneTech All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner Concentrate:
- Cleans everyday messes.
- Neutral, gentle formula.
- Great for daily cleaning on stone, porcelain, ceramic tile floors, counter tops and walls.
- Neutral pH formula is safe for all types of natural stone, tile and grout.
- Streak-free.
- Little to no rinsing required.
- Non-abrasive - safe for soft stone such as marble and limestone.
- Chelate-Free cleaner - will not dull the shine (Chelating agents, used in most cleaners, soften water by removing calcium which is also what marble, travertine and marble are made of.)
Properties & Specifications of StoneTech All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner Concentrate:
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Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid.
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Odor: Clean Scent.
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pH: 6 - 7.
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Container Size: Gallon.
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Manufacturer: StoneTech® / Laticrete® International.
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Country of Manufacture: United States of America.
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VOC content: 0.
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Flammability: Non-flammable.
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Coverage (Concentrate): Depending on level of soiling and dilution rate, approximately 15,000 and 30,000 sq. ft. per gallon of concentrate. One gallon of concentrate makes up to 64 gallons of stone-cleaning power.
Additional Stone, Ceramic and Porcelain Tile & Grout Information:
Related Stone Care Videos:
Click the “Usage & Tips” tab above for article titled “How to maintain, clean, restore, protect and seal Mexican or Saltillo Tile”.
Usage & Tips
How to maintain, clean, restore, protect and seal Mexican or Saltillo Tile
“Mexican Tile” or “Saltillo Tile” is a type of terra cotta (terracotta) tile.
However, Terra Cotta has its own unique characteristics that requires a separate page. True Mexican Tiles are hand made and fired at relatively low temperatures. Therefore, they are not flat or perfectly square. There might even be animal tracks in the surface. The colors vary considerably from beiges, yellows and oranges. Mexican tiles do not get baked in a kiln at high temperatures. Instead, they are left to bake outside in the Mexican sun and if it is a cloudy day the temperature can fluctuate which increases the porosity of the tiles.
Mexican Tile’s natural, warm colors and durability make it a popular choice for informal rooms, such as the kitchen and sunroom. Even a properly sealed floor eventually acquires layers of soil from foot traffic and frequent spills. Where the sealer has worn away or was never applied, the porous tile holds the dirt deeper than normal household cleaners and mops can reach. Dirt and stains are ground into waxes and acrylic coatings.
The one big downside to Terra-Cotta tiles is that they have no glaze on the surface and can soil deeply dirt very quickly. The answer of course, is to seal them. Terracotta tiles are the most problematic to seal. Wax sealants tend to discolor to a darker shade and the wax or floor finish will scratch and powder off - leaving quite a mess!
Fortunately, Mexican Tile can be cleaned with StoneTech™ All Purpose Stone Cleaner, Klenz-All™ or Revitalizer™ without altering its natural tone or texture. Year of soil can be dissolved and vacuumed away. Old finishes are more of a problem, especially if a petroleum based coating was applied.
Saltillo, a form of Mexican Tile, is often with a stain that can wear off or be harmed. Saltillo is very porous and is sun dried instead of fire-hardened like ceramic tiles. Efflorescence is common with saltillo tile. Efflorescence is the wicking up of salts within the tiles when unfinished tile gets wet.
Because Mexican Tile and Saltillo are somewhat soft (Saltillo being the softer), these should never be cleaned at pressures above 800 PSI and then only if the grout is in good condition.
Care & Maintenance of Mexican Tile:
Mexican Tile requires care to ensure that it lasts for years and generations and imparts natural beauty to the surroundings. Keep surface free of dust, which may otherwise produce scratches. Hence, dust interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Use warm water to clear regularly using a mop or sponge.
Mexican Tile is very porous. The best way to prevent stains is to treat the surface with a protective sealer. The sealer fills in the pores and repels spills on the surface, allowing you time to completely wipe it away.
We recommend that you use care and maintenance products from StoneTech™ that are specially formulated to protect and enhance the beauty of your sandstone. Seal with Sta-Clene®, Impregnator Pro™ or Bullet Proof™ to maintain a natural color. To deepen color, seal with Enhancer Pro™. Use Revitalizer cleaner for regular maintenance.
 Although we usually think of Mexican Tile as “hard”, it is a porous material. If left unsealed, spills and everyday messes can easily penetrate the surface. The liquid eventually evaporates but the stain is left behind.
Removal of oily stains is easily accomplished with StoneTech Oil Stain Remover.
Technology, incorporated into StoneTech Bullet Proof is the most advanced technology available, providing the ultimate shield against both water and oil-base stains. The micro-molecular formula actually bonds with the stone surface to deliver unsurpassed wear resistance and durability. And because the sealer reacts with the stone, you no longer have to worry about its porosity. It works on all types of stone, from ultra-porous Juparana Columbo to super-dense Absolute Black.
Restorative Cleaning of Mexican Tile:
Depending on the type of soil, stain or other foreign matter present, select one or more of the following options:
For stripping off any existing topical acrylic, urethane, epoxy, heavy wax coatings and epoxy grout haze:
- Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated.
- Sweep or dust mop loose dirt and debris.
- For heavy, hard to remove coatings, use StoneTech Heavy Duty Coating Stripper as is.
- For softer coatings, dilute Heavy Duty Coating Stripper with clean water up to a 1 to 1 solution.
- Apply an even coat using a chemical-resistant paintbrush, roller or deck brush.
- Allow stripper to dwell for 20 minutes to 2 hours or as long as needed to soften coating. Heavy Duty Coating Stripper will remain active for up to 24 hours.
- Agitate well using a stiff nylon bristle scrub brush, stiff bristle push broom or a weighted floor machine at 130-140 lbs., 175 rpm, fitted with a scrub brush attachment.
- Rinse well with clean water and mop, sponge or wet vacuum to remove the remaining cleaning solution.
- A hard surface extraction wand and portable or truck mounted extraction machine may be used. Repeat the rinsing and wet vacuum process to insure that all dirt, soil and cleaner residue have been removed.
For cleaning of grease, oil, dirt, dry soil and soap scum from Mexican Tile:
- Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated. Sweep or dust mop loose dirt and debris.
- Strip off all topical finishes such as waxes and coatings.
- Prepare a solution of Klenz-All mixed with warm or hot water as suggested below:
- KlenzAll™ using a low-pressure chemical-resistant sprayer, sponge or mop.
- Agitate well using a stiff nylon bristle scrub brush, stiff bristle push broom or a rotary floor machine at 130 lbs.-140 lbs., 175 rpm, fitted with a scrub brush attachment.
- Rinse well with clean water and mop, sponge or wet vacuum to remove the remaining cleaning solution. A hard surface extraction wand and portable or truck mounted extraction machine may be used.
- Repeat the rinsing and wet vacuum process to insure that all dirt, soil and cleaner residue have been removed.
- To remove deep or stubborn oil stains not completely removed by KlenzAll™, let the surface dry and use Oil Stain Remover.
For removal of efflorescence, grout haze, salts, mineral deposits and all other calcium-based stains (acidic cleaning) on Mexican Tile:
- Test in an inconspicuous area, as some materials are acid sensitive and may etch when acidic cleaners like StoneTech Restore are applied.
- Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated. Restore may damage stainless steel and other metals.
- Sweep or dust mop loose dirt and debris.
- Strip off all wax, acrylic, urethane and all topical finishes.
- Prepare a solution of Restore mixed with warm or hot water as suggested below:
- Liberally apply using a low-pressure chemical-resistant sprayer, sponge or mop.
- Agitate well using a stiff nylon bristle scrub brush, stiff bristle push broom or a weighted floor machine at 130 lbs.-140 lbs., 175 rpm, fitted with a scrub brush attachment.
- Rinse well with clean water and mop, sponge or wet vacuum to remove the remaining solution. A hard surface extraction wand and portable or truck mounted extraction machine may be used.
- Repeat the rinsing and wet vacuum process to insure that all dirt, soil and cleaner residue have been removed.
- Thoroughly rinse all metal surfaces.
Sealing & Protecting Mexican Tile:
Natural stone surfaces must be sealed to prevent or minimize staining. Leaving natural stone untreated may greatly hinder the complete removal of stains in the future. The following suggestions are for impregnating the stone and will allow the stone to breathe. Allow new installations to cure for 72 hours prior to applying sealer.
For a natural looking protector on interior and exterior surfaces (heavy duty protection, water and oil repellency) on Mexican Tile:
- Sweep or vacuum all dust, dirt and debris.
- Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated.
- Insure that surface is clean and residue-free.
- StoneTech Stone Sealer or Bullet Proof may be applied to damp surfaces one hour after standing water has been removed.
- Liberally apply an even coat of sealer using a low-pressure chemical-resistant sprayer, roller or brush.
- Allow sealer to penetrate the surface for 20-30 minutes. During this time, distribute excess over entire area to insure even penetration.
- Wipe off any remaining sealer prior to drying on the surface.
- A second coat may be needed for porous, absorbent surfaces and should be applied 30-40 minutes after initial application as directed above.
- A minimum of 30 minutes after final application, wipe entire surface with a towel dampened with sealer to remove any residue and excess sealer, if needed.
- A full cure is achieved after 24-72 hours; foot traffic may begin in 6-8 hours. Cover with red rosin paper, if foot traffic must resume before the recommended time periods have passed.
For a natural looking protector on exterior surfaces (heavy duty protection, water repellency only) on Mexican Tile:
StoneTech Heavy Duty Exterior Stone and Masonry Sealer is a water repellent specially designed for exterior projects such as facades, cladding, pool decks, parking areas and driveways. It is very resistant to chemicals (i.e., chlorine) and to the effects of weather (i.e., ultraviolet light/sunlight, driving water/rain).
- Sweep or vacuum all dust, dirt and debris.
- Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated.
- Insure that the surface is clean, dry and residue-free.
- Liberally apply an even coat of Heavy Duty Exterior Stone and Masonry Sealer with a brush, paint roller or solvent-resistant low-pressure sprayer.
- Allow sealer to penetrate the surface for 15-30 minutes; denser material may require more time for sealer to penetrate.
- During this time, distribute excess over entire area to insure even penetration.
- Wipe off any remaining sealer prior to drying on the surface.
- A second coat may be needed for porous, absorbent surfaces and should be applied one hour after initial application as directed above.
- If sealer was not completely wiped off and a residue appears, wipe entire surface with a towel dampened with sealer.
- Use a white, non-abrasive nylon brush or pad to loosen residue and follow with a clean, white absorbent towel to remove.
- Do not walk on surface for at least 4-6 hours. Full cure is achieved in 24-72 hours.
For a color enhancing, impregnating (non-topical) protector on interior and exterior surfaces (heavy duty protection, water and oil repellency) on Mexican Tile:
- Sweep or vacuum all dust, dirt and debris.
- Mask off and protect any baseboards or adjacent areas to avoid splashing and overspray onto surfaces not intended to be treated.
- Insure that surface is clean, dry and residue-free.
- Liberally apply an even coat of StoneTech Enhancer Pro™ using a low-pressure solvent-resistant sprayer, roller or brush.
- Allow to penetrate the surface for 15-30 minutes; denser material may require more time for Enhancer Pro™ to penetrate.
- During this time, distribute excess over entire area to insure even penetration.
- Completely wipe surface dry.
- DO NOT ALLOW ENHANCER PRO TO DRY COMPLETELY ON SURFACE!
- Failure to remove enhancer from the surface may result in a film or residue that may need to be mechanically removed.
- A second coat may be needed for porous, absorbent surfaces or if a darker appearance is required and should be applied one hour after initial application as directed above.
- A full cure is achieved after 24-72 hours; foot traffic may begin in 6-8 hours.
- Cover with red rosin paper, if foot traffic must resume before the recommended time periods have passed.
Maintenance Cleaning of Mexican Tile:
Highly alkaline, acidic, ammoniated, abrasive cleaners and/or bleach may break down the sealer, adversely affecting repellency and may not be good for the stone. Use a neutral cleaner specially formulated for natural stone.
For routine cleaning with protection (not recommended for lacquered surfaces):
- Sweep or dust mop loose dirt and debris.
- Prepare a solution of StoneTech Revitalizer concentrate mixed with warm or hot water as suggested below:
- (One gallon of concentrate makes up to five gallons of ready-to-use solution.)
- Apply the Revitalizer solution using a low-pressure chemical-resistant sprayer, mop, sponge or automatic scrubbing machine.
- No rinsing needed.
- Or use Revitalizer in a ready-to-use sprayer
For routine maintenance cleaning:
- Sweep or dust mop loose dirt and debris.
- Prepare a solution of StoneTech All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner concentrate mixed with warm or hot water as suggested below:
- Apply the solution using a sponge, mop or automatic scrubbing machine, then wipe or rinse off.
- Or use All Purpose Stone and Tile Cleaner in a ready-to-use sprayer.
Additional Stone, Ceramic and Porcelain Tile & Grout Information:
Specifications
| pH |
6-7 |
| Coverage (Concentrate): |
Depending on level of soiling and dilution rate, approximately 15,000 and 30,000 sq. ft. |
Safety Data Sheets
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