Cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning and maintenance

Before cleaning any surface of the LayerStone panels, make sure to perform the following operations: 

 

  1. Check the chemical resistance of the laid panels in the general catalog.
  2. Perform a preliminary test directly on the laid LayerStone panels using a detergent and leaving it in contact with the surface for a similar time to that actually used for cleaning.
  3. Ensure that the detergents to be used do not contain hydrofluoric acid and/or its derivatives; sulfuric acid, bleach, and substances that, by their very nature, damage all stone products.

 

Below are some guidelines for cleaning after installation (after laying LayerStone panels), whether daily cleaning or specific cleaning to remove stains or any extra maintenance that may be required. 

"After Installation" Cleaning

  1. “After installation” cleaning helps remove grout residues, cement, lime, and cementitious adhesives. This type of cleaning is necessary at the end of the installation.
  2. If “after installation” cleaning is not performed correctly or not performed at all, this often can cause permanent marks that prevent proper floor cleaning even if good daily cleaning is then performed.
  3. When possible, especially for medium-large surfaces, it is recommended to use a single-brush machine with soft discs (white or beige).
  4. Cleaning of cementitious grouts mixed with water. This type of cleaning must be carried out with specific detergents available on the market, such as:

 

  • MARBLEWASH (Fila)
  • FASEZERO (Fila)
  • PS87 PRO (Fila)
  • ULTRACARE MULTICLEANER (Mapei)

 

Instructions for “After Installation” Cleaning

 

  1. Clean 4-5 days after grouting (the mortar must be hardened); do not wait more than 10 days. After this period, cleaning can become very difficult.
  2. Wet the floor with water before cleaning. This way, the grouts are soaked with water and contact with detergents is reduced.
  3. Let the detergents work for limited periods, then rinse with water as soon as possible.
  4. Should not be carried out if the surfaces of the panels are very hot (e.g., exposed to the sun during very hot days); this must be avoided as the action of aggressive chemicals becomes very harsh. In summer, proceed with the operation during the cooler period of the day.
  5. Always make sure to perform a precautionary test before using the product (on an uninstalled panel), especially for polished or smoothed products.
  6. Cleaning for epoxy, two-component, and reactive grouts. In these cases, removal must be carried out immediately and carefully following the manufacturers’ recommendations, as these mortars harden very quickly, even in a few minutes. It is recommended to carefully follow the cleaning method specified by the mortar manufacturer; verify its effectiveness (with backlighting) with a preliminary cleaning test before grouting the entire floor/wall.

 

Daily/Standard Cleaning 

 

Use warm water and a high-quality microfiber cloth, such as MAGIC CLEAN by Bonasystems Italia. If necessary, use warm water and a very diluted neutral detergent (one cap in 5 liters of water) or warm water and a universal degreaser (4-5 sprays in 5 liters of water). At the end, always rinse with water and a clean microfiber cloth. 

Type of detergent: Neutral 

Detergent name (manufacturer) 

 

  • MARBLEWASH (Fila)
  • CLEANE PRO (Fila)
  • ULTRACARE MULTICLEANER (Mapei) 

 

If not otherwise indicated by LayerStone, follow the manufacturer’s packaging instructions very carefully. 

 

Extra Cleaning 

 

This procedure is performed to remove stains or particularly old or stubborn residues. Always make sure to perform a precautionary test before using the product (on an uninstalled panel), especially for polished or smoothed products. The table below indicates the detergents that are effective based on the type of stains. 

 

Residue to be removed  Detergent’s name (manufacturer) 

 

  • Grease, dust footmarks, base cleaning  PS87 Pro (FILA) 
  • NOSPOT (FILA) 
  • Ultracare Stain Remover (MAPEI) 
  • Coffee, Coke, fruit juices  PS87 Pro (FILA) 
  • Wine  MARBLE RESTORER KIT (FILA)  
  • Calcareous deposits  CLEANER PRO (FILA) 
  • Rust  NORUST (FILA) 
  • DETERDEK PRO (FILA) 
  • ULTRACARE RUST REMOVER (MAPEI) 
  • Inks, felt-tipped pen, Graffiti  NOPAINT STAR (FILA) 
  • PS 87PRO (FILA) 
  • Tire traces, stains from rubber, metal or pencil  PS 87PRO (FILA) 
  • Panel joint stains  FUGANET (FILA) 
  • PS 87PRO (FILA) 
  • Ultracare Grout Cleaner (MAPEI) 

 

Always perform a precautionary test in a hidden area. 

If not otherwise indicated by LayerStone, follow the manufacturer’s packaging instructions very carefully. 

 

DO NOT USE: 

 

  • Waxing and impregnating agents;
  • Acidic or alkaline detergents;
  • Abrasive pastes;
  • Abrasive brushes or sponges.

 

Special Maintenance 

 

Stain-resistant products for grouts/joints 

 

  • Product name (manufacturer) 
  • Ultracare Grout Protector (MAPEI) 
  • Fugaproof (FILA) 

 

If not otherwise indicated by LayerStone, follow the manufacturer’s packaging instructions very carefully.