How Not to Clean

Calcium carbonate (lime) buildup relentlessly occurs in most homes. Your faucet in your sink, if never cleaned, would resemble a stalactite if given enough time. We dissolve it one layer at a time (the temptation is to scratch it off) when necessary, to assure no damage occurs even if it takes more than one attempt. However, if there has been no damage to the fixture or counter surface, it will literally look brand new. This is the same with showers, tubs and toilets.

Phosphoric, sulfuric, citric, acyclic, and other acids mixed with soapy water creates most of the “Soap and Scum” tile cleaning products that are designed to dissolve calcium, however, it also reacts to aluminum. We have to be patient in cleaning the aluminum trimming in showers since any residual product left behind would continue to corrode the finish. Polished nickel reacts the same. Have you ever noticed a drawling/milky look on the polished aluminum trimming or gaps in the grouting? This usually is from these products not getting properly rinsed and removed. We are even more careful when the build up of the lime deposit (CaCo3) has to be removed from travertine which has a matrix of (CaCo3). We have found the dark brown Brazilian brachia used as vanity tops are also the most sensitive surface to show damage from most anything such as common tap water. It is a well worth the investment to seal your grout that preserve the clean “framing effect” of your tiles or to preserve the rich natural unpolished and especially polished rock surfaces. We can usually provide the appropriate sealants when requested. Please visit our additional services page.