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Hard Surface Cleaning

Tile maintenance cleans consist of cleaning methods that are specific to the type of tile and not only upkeep the appearance of the tile but help protect flooring that undertakes commercial traffic on a daily basis. We service ceramic tiles, vinyl composite tiles, and natural stones.



Tile cleanings are key to upholding the overall appearance to any commercial facility. A common misconception when maintaining hard surface flooring, is that a quick mop over with detergents are the best way to remove grease and grime. However, we highly discourage using any form of soapy detergents on hard surface floorings as the detergent acts as a binding agent and traps the build up of grime to the surface of the flooring over time.

Our cleaning processes are tailored to treat the specific hard surface flooring used in your building paired along with the appropriate chemistry treatment for where that flooring may be (kitchen, lobby, hallway, etc).

Hard surface flooring cleaning methods include a wide range of processes. Here are a few of our main cleaning methods:

We treat Vinyl Composite Tiles (VCT) with complete removal of any existing wax, cleaning the composite tiles untreated surfaces of any debris, and the re-application of a smooth even wax finish. This process is recommended on a quarterly to annual basis.

Natural Stone is maintained with a process called honing. Through using a high speed buffer and diamond bit pads, we carefully remove the surface layer of the natural stone where micro scratches exist. In doing so, this creates a clean even surface on the natural stone, leaving behind a like new appearance. This process is recommended every few years or as requested by customers to uphold an even appearance.

Lastly, our most commonly used method of cleaning is performed on ceramic/man-made tiles. We use industry leading chemistry to treat grease and with a tile spinner/circular extraction wand, we use high water pressure and extraction to break away and remove built up grease and grime from the flooring.

FAQ’s about Tile and Grout Cleaning

Years and even a few months of grease buildup will mask damage within the existing grout below. After a thorough tile cleaning, missing or cracked grout may be exposed. In some cases, the lack of regular cleaning may lead to staining that has penetrated beyond the surface level of the grout. When this happens, we are unable to remove any inconsistencies left in grout lines. We recommend regular application of sealant new or freshly cleaning grout lines to prevent future staining. Newly installed tile and grout are not normally sealed and will need an application as soon as possible following the installation. Our cleaning process does not damage grout or tile. We cannot guarantee that all stains will come out of grout, as grout lines act like a sponge and can absorb many liquids, leading to permanent staining. Epoxy grout does not absorb liquids.

Natural stone, such as marble, can be cleaned with the same process as ceramic tile. However, it will need to be polished using a burnisher using diamond pads. We have differing levels of pads that will produce varying levels of shine. Cleaning natural stone is a multi step process and we are happy to consult you on the proper and best ways to clean and polish your tile to your standards, and provide a cost on the restoration of your natural stone. 

In some rare cases, a facility may have had wax applied to the ceramic tiles which is not recommended. This may also create a dull look to man made tiles. In most cases, we can easily remove wax but do not recommend re-application of wax specifically to ceramic or man made tiles. 

Because of the nature of a pool environment, calcium build up accumulates on pool tile, especially in low areas that consistently collect water. The term used to describe this is “efflorescence” : 

  1. Minor Efflorescence – Depending on the severity of mineral build up on the tile surface, a regular quarterly or semi annual cleaning of the tile with a mild acid based cleaner will remove the white mineral deposits. 
  2. Severe Cases of Efflorescence – In some cases, the mineral buildup has gotten so severe that it becomes hardened and browned on the surface of the tile. This type of efflorescence is very difficult to remove and requires much stronger acid applications to remove the buildup on the surface. A restorative and intensive cleaning process can be used and we can provide a cost to you on restoring your pool tile. 
  3. Maintaining Your Pool Tile in Between Visits – Any method of dry mopping remaining water and a routine hosing down of the pool tile will help reduce the settling of mineral deposits. Have your pool tile cleaned regularly by a trained professional at minimum twice per year, ideally once per quarter. 
  1. Kitchens – quarterly
  2. Lobby or entryways – twice per year to annually
  3. Restrooms – annually
  4. Pool areas – annually
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