Cleaning, maintaining and re-sealing your surface should be done on a regular basis. The frequency of the maintenance will depend on the amount of exposure and frequency of traffic to cars, foot traffic, environment, water and any chemicals the surface is exposed to. The benefit of a good maintenance program will be a beautiful surface that remains aesthetically appealing after it was installed. Proper maintenance of the sealer will extend the life of the sealer/stain and also provide a long-lasting, attractive, clean surface. Any stains, soils, dirt or grease should be removed immediately to not penetrate the sealer and potentially be a permanent stain or abrasion.

• Interior floors require proper maintenance to ensure the beauty of the surface for many years to come. All sealers will likely lose their luster or shine after cleaning and normal wear or heavy traffic. Waxing and buffing the surface will assist in the protection against scratches, stains, scuffing and other blemishes and will bring back the original shine. For cleaning of surfaces a non-lotion biodegradable cleaner is recommended.
• It is recommended that all objects exposed to the surface are equipped with rubber wheels or legs. Do not drag sharp objects across the surface. Use felt floor protectors or rubber on the legs of chairs, sofas, TV stands, ladders, tables and other easily movable furniture. Also protect your floor from surface scratches by placing area rugs or mats inside any exterior doorway to collect small bits of gravel that may track on shoes. Avoid exposure to black soled shoes that may cause scuffing.

• Exterior surfaces also require proper maintenance to ensure the beauty of the surface for many years to come. The life of protective sealers is based upon use and cleanliness. Fine dust particles on the surface create a sanding effect, so periodic sweeping or removing with a blower is recommended. If you want to clean the surface, a neutral cleaner like Dawn can be used to clean the surface by agitating with a push broom and then remove excess water with a floor squeegee.
• Water overspray from sprinklers will leave white spots and/or discolor the surface caused by calcium deposits and efflorescence. Efflorescence should be removed as soon as possible. Removal can be swept off with a stiff broom. For light calcium deposits, use GST Clean Concrete and a neutralized soap. For heavy calcium deposits, have it professionally removed by TFMC. A bleach and water mix can be used for algae / mold and GST Pro Grade Cleaner can be used for tire marks and petroleum based stains. Sealer will develop a white haze from excess water exposure and will dissipate when the surface dries out. 

• EFFLORESCENCE: Natural stones, clay pavers, concrete and other tiles may absorb water from underneath the surface. As the water is released from the material a white efflorescence may be left on the material surface. Efflorescence is the migration of a salt to the surface of a porous material, where it forms a coating. Customer agrees to release contractor from claims resulting from or related to efflorescence. 
• Annual maintenance from TFMC is recommended to ensure the continuous beauty of your surfaces. Surfaces will appear to be brand new if they are properly maintained. Annual maintenance includes deep cleaning of any touch up or repairs necessary and a coat of sealer. After two years your surfaces will start to show signs of wear so if annual maintenance is not done, we recommend at least doing it every two years to reduce damage and ensure longevity. 

The warranty from The Floor Maintenance Company guarantees: 

• Five years from the date of service for epoxy. No maintenance is required.
• Five years from the date of service for overlays and stain for delamination and peeling only. Annual maintenance is required for warranty to be valid.
• No warranty is given on sealer. Please refer to the manufacturer's warranty. (We follow all manufacturer's application instructions.)
  
  The warranty is only valid if the applications have been done on a sound portland cement-based substrate or plywood. This warranty warrants against defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not include scratches from furniture or tape damage. Warranty does not include normal wear and tear that naturally and inevitably occurs as a result of normal wear or aging.

Warranty Void If: 

• Improper maintenance and use of household products or chemicals.
• Stains caused by any substance other than common food and beverages including, but not limited to, silicone, non-cooking oils, acids, inks and dyes, paints and solvents.
• Any damage that results from your failure to maintain the surface in accordance with the appropriate maintenance products.
• Items that would be expected to cause damage to the product including but not limited to: abuse, negligence, falling objects, fire, natural disaster, exposure to extreme heat or accident.
• Continuous overspray from sprinklers.
• Warranty is void if the invoice is not paid in full.
  

All claims arising from any defect in the materials or under this warranty shall be made, in writing, to TFMC within ninety (90) days of the discovery of the alleged defect and within the time period of this warranty. Upon notification, TFMC shall have the right to inspect and determine the course of repair. The absence of a written claim within this time period shall constitute a waiver of all claims, rights and damages against TFMC, and its affiliates. This warranty shall not toll or extend any statute of limitation applicable to a claim of negligence, breach of contract or strict liability against TFMC.

TFMC is in no way responsible or liable if the product cracks as a result of any movement, cracks or heaves in the existing sub-surface caused by ground movement, earthquakes, hydrostatic pressure, other acts of God, or problems caused by the substrate not being structurally sound negligent acts of others, or damages caused by misuse. User assumes all risks associated with movement of cracking of the base material or ground. The chipping or cracking of the product, which may result from such movement, is not warranted. This warranty is limited only to the replacement of the product if tested and proven defective. 

• The surface should be swept or vacuumed regularly to keep the floor free of abrasive grit and dirt which can wear the surface when walked on. Whenever possible, light sweeping or vacuuming should be done rather than wet mopping. The surface should be lightly mopped weekly, using a natural stone daily cleaner (Stone Pro Crystal Clean or Stain-Proof Daily Floor Cleaner) and a clean microfiber mop. Any spills should be mopped up immediately. Clean the mop as soon as it becomes heavily soiled. The surface can be buffed with a buffing pad or magic eraser to remove any leftover residue. If heavy duty dirt or organic staining is present use a peroxide cleaner (Stain-Proof SMC Peroxide Cleaner) to help remove impurities. Your surfaces should be professionally cleaned and/or polished every 1-5 years.
• Acidic substances (wine, orange juice, cola) will etch surfaces if allowed to sit on calcium based stone (such as limestone, marble and travertine) and should be mopped up immediately with water and Stain-Proof SMC Peroxide Cleaner with boost or a mix of an alkaline cleaner (Stain-Proof Alkaline Cleaner or Stone Pro Deep Clean Gel) and water.
• Rough surfaces treated with an impregnating penetrating sealer can be scrubbed with a bristle brush Stain-Proof Daily Floor Cleaner in clean water. The surface should then be mopped (as above) to remove the loosened dirt from the surface. Do not buff. Rough surfaces should be professionally cleaned annually.

• Floor mats should be used at entry doors/kitchen and surfaces should be kept free of dirt by regular sweeping or vacuuming. Vacuum or shake out the mats daily.
• For countertops use Stain-Proof Daily Countertop Cleaner or Stone Pro Crystal Clean weekly and Stone Pro Finishing Touch monthly, in accordance with the instructions on the container label. These cleaners help remove soiling as well as enhancing resistance to stains.
• Scrub surfaces once every six months with a strong cleaner such as Stain-Proof SMC Peroxide Cleaner. You can use an abrasive sponge (3M or Scotch Brite). For stubborn calcium deposits on marble, granite and glass use Stone Pro Stone Scrub. We recommend protecting your countertops using placemats and pot holders. Never use general bathroom cleaners that contain acids. Phosphoric acid is harmful to porous surfaces. You can use Stone Pro Poultice on heavy oil staining. 
• In showers a squeegee should be used on natural stone, tile and glass whenever wet.
• It is recommended that all objects exposed to the surface are equipped with rubber wheels or legs. Use felt floor protectors or rubber on the legs of chairs, sofas, TV stands, ladders, tables and other easily movable furniture. 

Warranty is for one year from time of service that warrants against defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not include scratches from furniture or tape damage. Warranty does not include normal wear and tear that naturally and inevitably occurs as a result of normal wear or aging.

Warranty Void If:

• Variations due to the natural characteristics of stone, including color variations, veining, holes, pits, inclusions, water lines, surface marks, density and any element inherent to natural stone and tile surfaces.
• Improper maintenance and use of household products.
• Stains caused by any substance other than common food and beverages including, but not limited to, silicone, non-cooking oils, acids, inks and dyes, paints and putty oils.
• Any damage that results from your failure to maintain the surface in accordance with the appropriate maintenance products.
• Items that would be expected to cause damage to the product including but not limited to: abuse, negligence, falling objects, fire, natural disaster, exposure to extreme heat or accident.
• Warranty is void if the invoice is not paid in full.

• Dilute one tablespoon of neutral pH soap in two gallons of warm water.
• Damp mop the surface from side to side, ensuring even coverage.
• Change the cleaning solution every 250 square feet to avoid reapplying dirt.
• Avoid using clean water for re-mopping, as it may remove the protectorant.

For light water spots, simply buff the affected area with a soft, dry cloth.

• Periodically, for more soiled honed stones and light-colored grout, dilute one cup of bleach with two gallons of warm water.
• Mop the surface as directed and then re-mop with the neutral pH soap.
• Take precautions to protect carpets and sensitive areas during this process.

Dust/sweep: Giving your floors a good dusting with a (Bona) microfibre mop or cloth will be your best daily defense against scratches and surface damage. Microfibre cleaning pads often use static electricity to trap dirt, particles, and other household allergens. Using a broom to clean can be effective as well, but it usually just pushes the dirt around. When you want to clean wooden floors without damaging them, avoid lifting your microfibre mop up from the floor when you clean - this way you keep the dirt trapped on the pad. 

Vacuum/mop: Weekly maintenance will deal with harder-to-reach areas that a daily dusting can’t reach. Vacuum cleaners and wet mops are ideal for getting dirt out of problem-areas, like corners and the spaces between hardwood flooring. However, you should take extra care when using vacuums and mops to avoid damage. If your vacuum has a beater bar, make sure that it doesn’t hit the bare floor. Also, the wheels on a vacuum might damage the floor - so watch out for that. When using a mop, remember that water and wood don’t mix! Avoid putting excess liquid on your floor. Lightly misting your floor with a natural hardwood floor cleaner will be enough to give it a great clean. In other words, keeping a gentle touch is one of the best ways to care for wood floors. When your floors are in need of a thorough clean, use a deep cleaner developed for wood floors to get rid of heavy dirt build-up, stuck-on messes and stains. 

Polish: Polish wood floors every 2-4 months, depending on the traffic in your home, to add extra shine and protection. Hardwood floor polish renews and refreshes the finish that protects your floor. With floors that have a protective sealant, it's the finish that's getting the most attention when we clean - and not the actual hardwood itself. When you polish wood floors, you fill in microscopic scratches, and even out a floor’s protective surface. Using hardwood floor polish is not a difficult task and can be done with a minimal amount of effort. 

Deep-clean: With all the foot traffic we put on hardwood flooring, consider giving your floor a deep-clean - or even a sand and refinish every 3-5 years. Refinishing your floor completely removes the old protective finish and replaces it. If your floor has some deep scratches or gouges, sanding and refinishing can repair the damage, leaving you with immaculately clean hardwood flooring. 

• It is recommended that all objects in exposure with the surface are equipped with rubber wheels or legs. Use felt floor protectors or rubber on the legs of chairs, sofas, TV stands, ladders, tables and other easily movable furniture.
• Follow the recommended cleaning schedule to prolong the look of your hardwood floors.
• Floors will fade due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. 

There is a 5 year warranty that will cover the peeling of the clear coat only. Any type of moisture in the hardwood will void the warranty. 

Wipe down countertops with a neutral pH soap solution to remove dirt and spills. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners that can damage the stone's surface.

Deep clean countertops and surfaces using a soft cloth or sponge dampened with a mild stone cleaner. For stubborn stains, gently scrub the affected area with a non-abrasive scrub pad.

Sweep or Vacuum: Remove dirt and debris from floors using a soft-bristled broom or vacuum cleaner. Avoid using abrasive brushes or vacuum attachments that can scratch the surface.

Spot Cleaning: Immediately clean up spills using a neutral pH soap solution to prevent staining and etching. For oil-based spills, use an absorbent material like baking soda or cornstarch to lift the stain before cleaning.

Mopping: Damp mop floors with a diluted neutral pH soap solution to remove dirt and maintain shine. Avoid using excess water, as it can seep into the grout lines and weaken the sealant.

After each use, squeegee shower walls to remove excess water and prevent soap scum buildup. Dry the surfaces with a soft cloth or towel to maintain shine and prevent water spots.

Once a week, deep clean shower surfaces using a mild stone cleaner and a soft-bristled brush. Pay special attention to grout lines and corners where dirt and grime can accumulate.

Sealing your natural stone is crucial for protecting it against water, oil, soil, contaminants, and stains. We use advanced sealers that penetrate deep into the stone's pores, providing long-lasting protection without altering its natural beauty.

Protective Measures: After installing new stone surfaces, take preventive measures to protect them from damage. Use mats or rugs at entrances to minimize wear and tear, and avoid placing heavy objects directly on the surface.