•The philosophy of our Tile & Grout Program is to offer each of our customer’s all

three options (clean, clean & clear, clean & color) EVERY time. The interaction with

our customer should be viewed as educational by offering them options to choose

from. Operating by this philosophy we will maximize every opportunity and grow

our program.

•The key points to developing a solid program are:

• Know WHAT (tile & porcelain), HOW (technically), and WHEN (pre-

inspection) to clean,

• Know how to perform a demonstration and present options,

• Know how to apply sealants

•We begin the tile and grout cleaning process by completing a thorough pre-

inspection of the floor surface utilizing the Tile and Grout Cleaning Invoice. NOT

the handhelds. The invoice walks us through a pre-inspection and, more

importantly allows us to best review our options with the customer.

•The first step in the pre-cleaning inspection is Tile Identification. We must

determine if the floor type is appropriate for tile and grout services. Our

emphasis in this class is on ceramic and porcelain tile floors.

• We typically do not clean natural stone, terrazzo, and saltillo/mexican tile floors.

•Cleaning and sealing of natural stones differ from those cleaning methods used

with ceramic and porcelain tile floors. Check with your management staff to verify

what floor surfaces your operation services. Applying the wrong

products/methods can lead to costly damage.

•In this section we will discuss several methods to determine if a tile is man made or

natural. Please keep in mind that it may be necessary to use more than one of these

methods to make this determination. There are circumstances that may give a

“false indication” with some of these tests.

•A visual inspection is the first means of identifying the type of tile. It is very

important to familiarize yourself with the physical characteristics of the various

types of tiles and stones. Colors, textures, finishes, and any other unique features

related to a specific stone type will assist in your inspection.

•No two pieces of tile in a true natural stone floor will be identical. Study the tile

samples at your operation (if applicable) and/or a local retail tile store.

Many natural stones are acid sensitive and will fizz when acid is applied. This

indicates that calcium carbonate is present. If the acid reacts, you know that the

tile floor should not be cleaned using ceramic tile and grout cleaning methods.

Acid Sensitivity Test

•Solution-50% Stanley Steemer Acid Cleaner to 50% water in a 2oz bottle.

Apply a small drop to the tile in an inconspicuous area

•The solution will fizz if calcium carbonate is present, verifying that the tile is a natural

stone and that it is acid sensitive. Remember, not all natural stones are acid sensitive

•Once you have determined the stone sensitivity, quickly wipe down the tile to minimize

the possibility of etching the stone.

Acid Sensitive Not Acid Sensitive

Marble Ceramic

Limestone Porcelain

Travertine Saltillo/Mexican Tile

Onyx/Quartzite Slate

Terrazzo Granite/Polished

•Once you’ve determined that the tile is ceramic or porcelain, we must then

identify the type of grout joint. This is crucial in determining which services can be

performed. Most ceramic and porcelain tile floors have sanded grout joints.

Sanded grout joints are the only type of grout joint that we can effectively perform

all three services on.

•Sanded: Textured, containing sand, wider than 1/8” (clean, clean/clear,

clean/color)

•Non-Sanded: Smooth, 1/8” or narrower (clean, clean/clear)

•Epoxy: Normally textured, less absorbent than sanded, slightly pliable (clean)

•Caulking: Typically found around bathtubs, shower stalls or baseboards (none)

Once we have determined the surface is man made and we can service the grout,

the next step is to complete the “Pre-Cleaning Inspection Checklist”, which is

located on the Tile and Grout Cleaning Invoice. This is mandatory before we

begin the cleaning process.

The benefit of using the Invoice is that it walks you through each of the important

points of a pre-inspection. It also provides an area for the customer to sign-off

on the inspection, which is mandatory if there are any pre-existing conditions.

Film Formers: This refers to any topical treatment that may be applied to the floor. The

identification of a pre-existing film former is important in knowing if we can clean the floor

and, if so, which cleaning agent to use. At times, this is easily identified, but other times it will

be necessary to do a scratch test or acid test to determine the existence of film formers.

Remember, it may be present on the entire surface or just on the grout. Check the grout, as

well as the tile.

Cracked Tile: Look carefully to identify hairline cracks, as well as larger cracks. Many times

hairline cracks are present and will extend across several tiles. This is often a result of

“settling” and will not cause additional problems if proper procedures are followed.

Loose Tile: Most times, cracked/missing grout is an indicator that tiles are loose. You may

also hear a “hollow” sound when walking across the floor. If you see an area with

cracked/missing grout, take a broom handle or something similar and lightly knock on the

tiles. If you hear the “hollow” sound, please indicate loose tiles on the Invoice. If the area is

wide spread, you may want to reconsider cleaning the floor, because the floor may be

compromised and our normal procedures may cause more damage.

Pre-Cleaning Inspection

Grout Identification Pre-existing Conditions “Scratch Test”

“Grout Acid Sensitivity Test”

If you are still using square foot pricing, start by accurately measuring the area. Do this with

care and in a systematic way to show the customer you are trying to be as accurate as

possible. Separate the floor into sections first and then add the totals together. Use the

measurements collected to generate an estimate for clean only, clean & clear seal and

clean & color seal. This process is much easier if you are using “area pricing” for some or

all of the options. SEE SAMPLE INVOICE (NEXT SLIDE)

When reviewing the estimate with the customer the different services should be explained in

detail. By asking the customer questions you will have a better understanding of what

they will need and which service is best for them. After describing the options, it is best to

let the customer know the difference in price between clean/clear and clean/color. We

want the customer focused on one of our protection options. If they decide against color

seal, they are more likely to select the clear seal option. If presented properly, the

customer’s attention will be focused on the quality difference between the two protection

options and the benefits/value of color seal will outweigh the price variance.

Cleaning – “We will get the floor as clean as it can be”. We use tile specific cleaning agents and our powerful

truck-mounted cleaning equipment to thoroughly clean and extract. There is a possibility of grout being

permanently discolored in some areas, but it will be as clean as possible.

After describing the cleaning it is important to let the customer know that we strongly recommend protecting

all surfaces after we’ve cleaned them. Let them know we have two options…

Clear Seal – This is our basic protection. After the cleaning we apply a clear penetrating sealer directly to all

grout. This protection works in the same way our Super Shield works on carpet. It will make the grout

more stain resistant and give you more time to clean spills and accidents; however, it will still be porous,

and therefore not stain proof!

Color Seal – This is our premium protection service. As you can see from the demonstration performed, it will

make the floor look brand new. In addition the grout will be completely waterproof and easier for you to

maintain. The protection benefits last about 4-5 times longer than clear seal.

•A pH of 7 is considered neutral. Neutral is the pH of pure water.

• As you move away from a pH of 7 in either direction, each number indicates an exponential

increase in strength of 10 times. For example, a pH of 10 is 10 times as alkaline as a pH of 9,

100 times as alkaline as a pH of 8, and 1,000 times as alkaline as a pH of 7.

•The key ingredient that must be present to measure pH is water.

•PH <1

•Phosphoric Acid

•Is our most aggressive cleaner WHEN WORKING DIRECTLY ON GROUT.

•Acid cleaner will etch and dull natural stones, such as marble, travertine, and

limestone and also cause serious damage to stainless steel.

•Acid cleaner is the best option when dealing with: grout haze, calcium based

stains (hard water stains), efflorescence (white residue on tile and grout that

is caused by deposits of minerals in the grout that wick to the surface due to

moisture) and stain removal.

•PH 12

•Removal (stripping) of film formers like household waxes or sealants

•Oil based stains-cooking oil

•Organic based stains

•Grease

•Soap Scum

•Alkaline cleaners can cause damage to previously painted or finished wood

surfaces, such as baseboards, cabinets and wood floors.

•PH 7

•Neutral cleaner should be used when performing a maintenance

cleaning on a floor that we’ve previously color sealed.

•We recommend that the customer use a neutral cleaner for routine

floor care, once we’ve applied a clear or color seal to the grout

joints. That is why we sell a 32 ounce concentrate of neutral

cleaner. Aggressive cleaners such as vinegar or bleach will

deteriorate the sealant over time.

Be Careful!!!!!

Tile and Grout Products Requiring Extra Care due to exposure risk:

•Alkaline Tile and Grout Cleaner

•Acid Tile and Grout Cleaner

There are 2 key considerations:

a.) The proximity of the crew member to the product during the act; and

b.) How much product is being transferred or used.

Be Careful!!!!!

Examples:

1.) Diluting or mixing products from larger containers of concentrate to smaller

container or applicators: Protection Needed

2.) Applying* product onto a horizontal surface such as a floor, shelf or

counter top: Protection Not Needed

3.) Applying* product onto a vertical surface such as a wall, divider, or shower

stall: Protection Needed

4.) Working product onto a horizontal surface such as a floor, shelf or counter

top: Protection Not Needed

5.) Working product onto a vertical surface such as a wall, divider, or shower

stall: Protection Needed

6.) Applying or Working product by hand with a pad or sponge: Protection

Needed.

*NOTE: "Applying", for this discussion, is defined as the pouring or spraying

of product at arms length.

Be Careful!!!!!

Protective and Safe Practices:

�Wear splash goggles (not safety glasses) per examples

�Wear chemical resistant (vinyl) gloves per examples

�Ensure any work area is well ventilated by means of positive air flow from:

•Doors

•Windows

•Air mover

•Vent fans (bathrooms)

•Vent hoods (kitchens)

�If any of these products are swallowed, seek medical attention immediately

and provide the appropriate MSDS to the medical service (available through

PowerMagic).

�Use an absorbent pad (or comparable) under any products being

transferred to catch any spills

General Safety Tips

• Follow proper parking procedures (at least 25 feet from the point of entry) to avoid carbon monoxide incidents.

• Use proper lifting techniques when moving all furniture. Lift as a team and use furniture movers to prevent injury.

• Review the slip/fall warning with the customer and have them sign the acknowledgement prior to cleaning.

• Place slip/fall warning signs during the pre-cleaning walkthrough.

• Wipe up any excess moisture after cleaning to prevent slips/falls.

Corporate Support

• Danny Sylwestrak: (513) 593-0327

• James Burk: (801) 381-3115