Cleaning Tile, Stone and Grout with Split! Non-Detergent Cleaner
Non-Detergent Cleaner for Tile, Stone and Grout
All detergent cleaners and disinfectants work by finding soil and attaching to it. Wet mopping grouted tile and stone floors leaves thin layers of detergent and soil solution in the porous surface, where it dries into a sticky residue. This residue builds up over time, attracting and trapping incoming soil and holding onto odors. Split! products work by micro-splitting all organic non-solid molecules into its base material for easier removal without leaving detergent residue behind. Even decades of detergent and soil imbedded in grout can be removed, and regular mopping with Split! will keep you will from ever restorative scrubbing again!
Initial Use or Restorative Cleaning
IMPORTANT: Ensure that the floor and grouts are not sealed. If there is a sealer or finish present, it must be stripped off with wax or sealer stripper. If you are unsure, perform a small test with Split! Restorative Cleaner and a hand scrub brush. If after a bit of scrubbing, the grout or stone does not give up soil and detergent, then perform the test with wax stripper. If a milky slurry appears, there is finish present in and on the floor, and it must be removed prior to beginning a non-detergent cleaning program.
Equip a rotary 175rpm floor machine with a fine to medium grit grout brush.
Dilute Split! Non-Detergent Cleaner at 16 oz per gallon of cold water in a mop bucket or in the clean solution tank of the floor machine.
Apply the solution to the floor by mop or through the use of the solution tank.
Allow the solution to dwell for five or ten minutes prior to scrubbing, to assist in breaking through multiple layers of soil and detergent residue.
Scrub small areas with the rotary machine in the motion used as if stripping a floor. More important than dwell time is repeated mechanical agitation, about as many passes as if you were stripping multiple coats of finish. Use long-handled scrub brush (grit, for tile) for areas that cannot be reached by machine.
It may seem as if nothing is happening for several passes – continue scrubbing the same area until you see a sudden release of soil and detergent bubbles. Continue scrubbing until you are satisfied that you have released as much detergent as you can, then move to another area.
Do not allow dirty solution to dry. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the maximum amount of liquid.
If the floor cleanliness is acceptable, rinse with clear water and a clean mop. Wring the mop out frequently, keeping it fairly dry, and change rinse water as needed.
If the floor cleanliness is not acceptable yet, repeat the above procedures. A restorative procedure of older grouted floors can take 2-3 applications.
After the final rinse, allow the floor to dry. Then identify any missed or trouble areas.
If a haze occurs, rinse the floor again being sure to use clean, clear water and wring your mop out well – microfiber string mops are very effective for both daily use and for detail rinsing. The use of a wet vacuum for initial pick up usually prevents this problem.
Maintenance Cleaning
Never mop restored floors with detergent products again! Even a single application will leave a sticky detergent residue in the grouts, and may require another restorative cleaning. If the floor is many years old or has some areas that are more stubborn than the rest, regularly clean with Split! Restorative Cleaner in your mop bucket or automatic floor scrubber mixed at 2-3 ounces per gallon. The appearance should continue to improve in the trouble spots. When the floor reaches a uniform appearance, switch to Split! Non-Detergent cleaner for daily use, 2- 3 ounces per gallon of water.
Split! also works on toilet partitions, tile walls and all kitchen or restroom fixtures. Keeping the detergent residue, even small amounts, off of surfaces will avoid a declining appearance and future needs for restorative cleanings. You will also find that odors are controlled easier as they have no place to hide and “linger”.