How Do I Know What Hard Surface Floor I Will Be Cleaning? – Floor Identification Series – Part 5 of 7 – Acid Sensitivity Test

Off Business Management and Marketing, Flooring Identification, Hard Surface Floors, On the Job Procedures, Pre-Inspection, Estimating and Bidding,

 

Testing Procedures for Floor Identification:

There are actually six different “tests” or evaluations you can perform to zero in on the type of floor you are being asked to clean. The fourth test or evaluation is to determine whether the floor is acid sensitive – the acid test.

  1. Acid Test – Place a few drops of  HydraVitalize Acid Cleaner in an inconspicuous area on a spot on the floor.Image
    1. Observe whether it bubbles, fizzes, or does nothing.  If it turns white and bubbles, it is because the acid is reacting with the calcium in the floor.  This indicates an acid sensitive material, likely marble, limestone or travertine.
    2. A good quality penetrating sealer may slow an acid test so let it dwell for a few minutes.
    3. The acid reaction test can also be used to identify sanded grout. Sanded cementatious grout will react by bubbling and fizzing. Unsanded cementatious grout will have little reaction. Epoxy and other grouts will not react at all to the acid.
    4. Do not use an acid cleaner on any surfaces with dark, calcium based grout ( black, dark brown, dark gray, deep colors) as it will remove color and lighten the grout.
    5. If in doubt always use an alkaline cleaner such as HydraStone or HydraSolv as it will not damage stone, tile or grout surfaces.
    6. Cleaning application – you can’t use an acid cleaner on a stone floor that contains calcium carbonate. Alternative for brightening is QCT with OxyBreak.

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About The Author

R. Doyle Bloss has been a part of the cleaning and restoration industry for over 35 years. He presently serves as the Vice President of Marketing for HydraMaster in Mukilteo, Washington. Doyle has a long, successful track record of developing education and training systems in the areas of technical procedures, as well as marketing and management principles for the cleaning entrepreneur. He has headed up the two largest training programs in the industry, assisted in developing complete chemical lines for three leading manufacturers, and has been honored and awarded for his innovative programs that build bridges throughout the cleaning and restoration industry. He has a passion for hands-on presentation that provides an entertaining and thought provoking style that fully engages the student into the learning process. When not thinking about the latest innovations for removing cat pee, and how to market that service, Doyle enjoys college football, wildlife photography, Yellowstone National Park, and church activities. Doyle and his wife Tammy have three children and currently reside in Snohomish, Washington. Doyle can be reached at doyle.bloss@hydramaster.com