[david@zap-clean]

I've been asked to clean a terracotta tiled floor.  I've not had the hard floor training yet.  Is anyone willing to give me the low-down of cleaning this please.  It's very dirty, and there has been flooding, the image shows the salts washed out of the tiles...

I suspect my 15" rotary is the correct tool - I just need to know about solution and sealing really (I think).

[Kev Martin]

If those salts have calcified it may be a bit harder than usual and you may cause the Efflorescence to manifest itself again by feeding it.

1.  Take a Medium to stiff Brush and use it dry on your rotary and then vac up any salt you manage to loosen.
2.  If there is still efflorescence visible you may need to use Aqua Mix Phosphoric Acid first then rinse and vac up as quickly as possible working in small areas.
3   Once the Efflorescence is gone apply a diluted High Alkaline cleaner and allow to dwell then agitate with rotary vac up, rinse & Vac again.
4.  Now I would get some floor dryers on it and go back after a couple of days to check the Efflorescence
5.  If it has reappeared then dry brush only with rotary and vac again
6.  Then once you are satisfied that the efflorescence has stopped seal it appropriately

Kev Martin
Marblelife Ltd
Tiling Logistics

[david@zap-clean]

Thanks Kev,

Not a quick job then!  Okay, I've already told the customer I'll be seeking advice and will not be charging full prices as I'll treat it as a learning exercise. From what you've said, full price would be similar to HWE on carpets I think...

Cheers,

[AshWhite]

David, the chemicals for hard floors are considerably more expensive than carpets - and I'd say call for higher rates than carpets.

[Graeme Smith]

David forget carpet prices! - I am no expert in hard floors but from what I know the price per square metre has to be alot higher. So far I would say as a man with a van (not vat registered) £15.00 per square metre is cheap and if you are doing return visit to put sealant on £15.00 is not nearly enough.
Looks like a good floor to have a mess about with if the customer knows you are learning as you go.

[Jamie Pearson]

From what you've said, full price would be similar to HWE on carpets I think...

You are right................if you charge upwards of £15/m for carpet cleaning.

If its a clean only you will be spending around £40-£50 to procure the products needed.

Sealing can add anything up to another £250 depending what spec of sealer you specify for the installation and the size.

[B Bailey]

Minimum price I charge for terracotta is £500 + vat

[david@zap-clean]

Thank you for the feedback guys.

I think I'll pass on this job due to lack of knowledge/experience.  Who wants their details passed to this customer (nr Knutsford, Cheshire).

[Kev Martin]

Thank you for the feedback guys.

I think I'll pass on this job due to lack of knowledge/experience.  Who wants their details passed to this customer (nr Knutsford, Cheshire).

David

I may have led you a little astray with my explanation on how to do it!  Essentially it is not a difficult job.  Just need to remember that Efflorescence needs three things to manifest itself.

1.  Water
2.  Salts in Substrate or Grout
3.  Route

Take anyone of the 3 away and Efflorescence can't happen!

If however you still don't want it I can give you a list of people who cover that area who would do it or maybe even do it with you!

Kev Martin
Tiling Logistics
Marblelife Ltd

[B Bailey]

I would take up that offer, you not only learn from some-one on the job, but get paid aswell.

[DavidStainberg]

the terracotta floor in my home is just as bad as the one you show on the picture. I found professionals here http://phoenity.org/professional-tips-on-windows-cleaning-with-less-water/ and hired them, so when i have it cleaned, i'll tell you what kind of money did i pay!

[Kev Martin]

the terracotta floor in my home is just as bad as the one you show on the picture. I found professionals here http://phoenity.org/professional-tips-on-windows-cleaning-with-less-water/ and hired them, so when i have it cleaned, i'll tell you what kind of money did i pay!

So this article you wrote in the link???  What you are saying is ionised water will get rid of Efflorescence or what?  Please clarify

Kevin Martin
Marblelife Ltd
Tiling Logistics