MAINTENANCE AND CARE

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The term “cleanability” means the ability of a material to permit the removal of dirt and dust settled on the surface in order to guarantee the required hygienic conditions. As this feature is tightly linked with the surface compactness and impermeability and with the material’s resistance to chemical agents, Ariostea products o.er outstanding cleanability.

Moreover, Ariostea materials easily withstand the action of solvents and special cleaning products as they are resistant to the action of acids and bases, even in high concentrations (except for products containing hydrofluoric acid). Particularly powerful cleaning treatments, using machines too, can be carried out without problems, thus ensuring hygienic conditions even in spaces subject to high levels of dirtying. As to the daily cleaning of polished materials, it is important to note that floors can simply be washed with common non-greasy detergents. Never use wax or other substances to preserve surface sheen.

Nevertheless, the level of dirt visibility on and the ease of maintenance of an unglazed material can also be affected by the type of colour chosen. In fact, very bright or very dark colours require more thorough maintenance with respect to other colours. Ariostea’s relevant documentation lists the most suitable detergents for regular cleaning operations and for particularly stubborn dirt. Stain resistance test reports on samples of Ariostea materials with natural, textured, and polished finishes are available on request.

GENERAL NOTIONS

Adequate initial cleaning is of fundamental importance, both to enhance the aesthetics and sheen of the material, and to restore its characteristic cleanability and easy care. Therefore, it is extremely important to clean the surface for the first time immediately after the laying procedure, using acid-based detergents, scrubbing the surface hard then rinsing it with plenty of water. This will get rid of all the residue grout, bonding agent, cement etc. Any detergent available on the market can be used for this, with the exception of products containing hydrofluoric acid (and its compounds and derivatives) in accordance with Annex G of standard EN 14411.

We recommend carefully protecting the floor after laying; if the surface is polished/glossed, it is essential to protect the laid flooring. If other work such as painting, plumbing or any other job needs to be done after installation, we recommend covering the floor with PVC sheets, AIRBALLS or fabric. In any case, wait 48-72 hours before using the floor normally.

Pre-polished or Natural surfaces

This surface is almost completely non-porous, so we do not recommend waterproofing treatment, which is also unnecessary in this case. For everyday cleaning, simply use neutral or alkaline detergents for porcelain stoneware such as FilaCleaner or PS87 by Fila or the like, or simple household detergents like Mr. Clean, Lysoform, Ajax, etc.

Textured or Non-slip surfaces

Cleaning operations and products are the same as those mentioned above, with the addition of a few simple steps:

• Rub briskly, using large brushes and bristles, if necessary.
• Follow the movement of the texture where possible.
• Rinse with plenty of water.

Polished surfaces

For daily cleaning, always use neutral or alkaline detergents for porcelain stoneware such as FilaCleaner or PS87 by Fila or the like, or simple household detergents like Mastro Lindo, Lysoform Casa, Aiax, etc.; apply with a carefully wrung out microfiber cloth. Rinse with water and carefully dry to prevent the formation of streaks caused by detergent residue or particularly hard water. For very light colours, plan occasional degreasing with alkaline detergents in order to remove any film that may form on the surface.

Collect ions of 6 mm thick slabs

These slabs absorb almost no water at all so they do not require particularly heavy-duty cleaning. For both surfaces, we recommend postinstallation cleaning with acid-based detergent diluted in water, rubbing lightly and rinsing with plenty of water afterwards. For daily cleaning, use neutral detergents diluted in clean water and carefully wring out microfiber cloths for application, avoid concentrated detergents.

Warnings

Please refer to the documentation below for information about the most suitable detergents to use for normal cleaning and for particularly resistant stains. The stain resistance tests performed on the materials with natural, textured and polished surfaces are also available on request.

Detergents recommended for difficult dirt that resist everyday cleaning