How Chemistry Saved My Bacon (and the Client's Marble)

04/12/2025

Listen "How Chemistry Saved My Bacon (and the Client's Marble)"

Episode Synopsis

🎧 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) CareDry 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 SolutionsDIY 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 RemovalImpregnating 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" TestRun 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.comProducts Mentioned:STONETECH Stone & Tile Cleaner (Daily/Neutral)STONETECH Mold & Mildew Stain RemoverSTONETECH Bulletproof SealerSTONETECH Revitalizer (Cleaner + Sealer hybrid)