In most cases, if the area becomes white, use non-solvent chemicals. Another testing procedure involves using diluted phosphoric acid. If after an hour the floor fizzles due to the acid, only non-acidic chemicals can be used. Still another test requires applying a small amount of an alkaline cleaner on the floor. If the floor dulls where the alkaline has been applied, a neutral-pH cleaner is required. Grout Concerns Identifying the type of floor installed is the first big step in tile and grout cleaning; the second is taking a look at the grout. For instance, in most cases, you will find that the grout was sealed when the floor was installed. This will help protect the grout and make it easier to clean. This does not mean, however, that it is impervious to all stains and spills. Even chemicals used to clean the floor can leave a residue in the grout area. When this happens, grout discoloration is the first sign that soils, mildew and bac-teria are building up. Eventually, the entire floor will likely need to be resealed to prevent further discoloration; but, before that is done, it must be cleaned. The following are some dos and don’ts when it comes to grout cleaning. Dos: Make sure the area being cleaned is properly ventilated Read and follow the chemical manu-facturer’s use and dilution instructions Use a neutral-pH cleaner and test it first to ensure it does not damage the grout Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including goggles If machine cleaning, use equipment with brushes, as a rotary pad machine may not be able to reach deep into grout areas. Don’ts: Avoid acidic cleaners, as they can erode the grout Do not use brushes or tools with metal bristles or stainless steel to clean the grout, as they can cause erosion Never mix chemicals or use them other than as instructed by the manu-facturer. If the floor is a smooth VCT and an automatic scrubber has been used, the machine’s vacuum system should ensure that the floor dries fairly quickly. When an autoscrubber has not been used or if the floor has large grout areas, drying time may be slower. In addition to presenting safety issues, the damp areas of the floor can become breeding grounds for bacteria. To avoid this, use a wet/dry vacuum system. This helps extract not only moisture, but also any remaining contaminants or chemi-cal residue left behind. CM Huong Pham is the product marketing manager for Powr-Flite, a leading manufacturer of profes-sional cleaning equipment. Choose your rut carefully, because you are going to be in it for a very long time. Totally Booked TM U NIVERSITY is your complete customer acquisition marketing program. Philadelphia -Saturday, April 2 Columbus -Wednesday, April 6 Dallas -Friday, April 8 Boston -Wednesday, May 18 Atlanta -Saturday, June 11 Cincinnati -Friday, June 17 St. Louis -Thursday, July 14 Sacramento – Friday, August 5 Chicago -Friday, August 12 Portland -Wednesday, October 12 Cincinnati -Friday, November 11 Tampa -Friday, November 18 "The industry needed a quick customer acquisition program. I provided the answer." Cleanfax magazine and senior editor Jeff Cross are traveling the country with a fantastic marketing program designed to help carpet cleaning and restoration companies find customers — fast. No sales pitch, no back-of-the-room deals. And you go home with a flash drive full of marketing tools for your business. The Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cleanfax Totally Booked TM U NIVERSITY seminar (740) 919-0228 www.totallybookeduniversity.com [email protected] Which marketing techniques will you learn? Scan code with your smartphone for more information. Website Optimization — Internet Marketing — Group Buying Programs — Press Releases — Referral Programs — Coupons and Print Ads — Social Media Marketing — Getting commercial leads — and much, much more! Visit the Totally Booked University website (www.totallybookeduniversity.com) for a complete listing of seminar locations in 2011. Circle Product Information no. 211 on page 32 www.cmmonline.com 41
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