West Newsmagazine 4-19-17

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April 19, 2017
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I DÉCOR & LIFESTYLES I 45
JL CONCRETE
SEALING & CAULKING
Residential and Commercial
Maintaining marble in 5 easy steps
Whether on floors or countertops, veins
of color and unique patterns give marble
tile a truly stunning appearance. However,
maintaining that elegance may seem anything
but effortless.
Common advice cautions against using
vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other generalpurpose
cleaners, while taking care to prevent
scratches from sand and dirt found on
the wheels of an old vacuum is paramount.
With all these rules, marble surfaces may
seem impractical, but once you understand
the basics, caring for them is actually quite
simple.
Step one: learn all about etches and
stains
“Marble is porous and can stain when
it absorbs liquids,” explained Jacqueline
Tabbah, vice president of Houston-based
International Stoneworks.
Stains can discolor marble and create
a dark appearance; they are oftentimes
caused by kitchen grease or makeup and
lotions.
An etch mark is chemical corrosion of
the stone’s surface layer typically caused by
the acids found in most household cleaners
and in substances like tomato sauce, lemon
juice and alcohol. Etch marks often are
most visible at an angle, when they appear
duller and less shiny than the surrounding
surface.
If a spot is lighter than the surrounding
stone, it’s most likely an etch mark. Etch
marks can usually be prevented by wiping
up spills immediately and using the right
cleaners.
If a spot is darker than the surrounding
stone, it’s probably a stain.
Step two: choose the right cleaner
To remove stains, use a poultice, which
you can buy at a hardware store. Spread it
on the stain, then cover the area with plastic
wrap, holding it down with painter’s tape.
The next day, remove the plastic, allow the
poultice to dry completely and gently wipe
it up. If the stain is still there but noticeably
lighter, repeat the procedure. If it’s just as
bad as it was, it will only come out with the
help of a professional restorer.
Be careful when selecting your marble
cleaner. Acids are the main enemy of calcitic
marbles. Avoid cleaners containing
vinegar or citrus, as well as abrasive powders
and creams, which can scratch softer
stones. Strong household cleaners like
toilet bowl cleaner, metal cleaner or oven
cleaners can cause irreparable etching or
permanent color changes in stone.
Tabbah recommends a cleaner with a pH
level of at least 7 or 8, or buying one that
specifically mentions marble.
Step three: pick the perfect mop
A microfiber mop is the main line of
defense for your marble floor,” said Tom
Workman, owner of Florida-based Floor
Cleaning Experts.
A dry microfiber mop draws in dry hair
and dirt. For deeper cleaning, saturate the
mop with water. The thin microfibers have
tiny triangular wedges that lift grease and
oil as the mop glides across the floor. Plus,
the small amount of water needed won’t
stain your marble.
Step four: watch out for water
If you have hard water, a water softener
is a must, according to Workman. Also,
be careful to prevent water from pooling
on marble surfaces, including condensation
that occurs on cold glasses and spills
that can happen during cooking. Mineral
deposits build up slowly but surely, requiring
professional honing and polishing to
remove. If you don’t use a water softener,
leave the vent fan on after showering and
squeegee or dry marble walls and surfaces
after use.
Step five: use a doormat
Place a mat outside your front door and
another mat or rug inside. They’ll absorb
dirt or sand before it gets to your marble
floors.
For more information on caring for
marble floors and other stone surfaces, visit
www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/consumers/
care.
– Family Features
• Sealing (Prevents pitting)
• Caulking (Keep out the weeds)
• Power Washing (Fresh & clean)
• Crack Filling (Keeps moisture out)
FREE ESTIMATES
Call Jerry Loosmore Jr. at 636-399-6193
SILHOUETTE® WINDOW SHADINGS
LUMINETTE® PRIVACY SHEERS
10100 Page Avenue • Saint Louis, MO • 314-428-7979
www.victorshadecompany.com
*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/15/17—6/26/17 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. For certain rebate-eligible products,
the purchase of multiple units of such product is required to receive a rebate. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate
claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter.
Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2017 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the
property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 17Q2MAGS&LC1