Malvern Tile Cleaning Archives - Worcestershire Tile Doctor

Slate Floor Cleaning and Sealing Knightwick Malvern

Restoring a High-Gloss Finish to Slate Tiled Flooring in Knightwick

Recently I worked on the renovation of a Slate tiled floor at a property in the small village of Knightwick in the Malvern Hills. The owner had asked me to restore its appearance as it had lost its original charm and now looked flat in appearance.

This is not an unusual issue with natural stone like Slate, basically it needs to be sealed to prevent dirt from becoming embedded in the pores of the stone and grout. Sealers do wear down with use so unless you have been maintaining the sealer dirt will creep into the floor and become increasingly difficult to clean.

Slate Floor Before Cleaning Knightwick

After visiting to survey the floor and quote for the renovation which included deep cleaning the Slate and Grout and then protecting it with a fresh sealer. Happy with the renovation plan the quote was accepted and a date agreed to start the work.

Removing Old Sealer and Deep Cleaning Slate Tile and Grout

To deep clean the Slate the floor was sprayed with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which was then left to soak into the stone for ten minutes. I used a strong dilution to ensure any remaining sealer would be removed and the dwell time gives the product time to break it down. This was followed up by scrubbing the floor with a rotary machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad. This combination cleans the stone and removes ingrained dirt, grime, and surface contaminants from the slate. The cleaning solution turns into a dark slurry due to the dirt and once done this is thoroughly extracted with a powerful wet vacuum.

The pads can struggle to reach into the recess of the Grout line so the next step is to clean the Grout. I prefer to use Tile Doctor Oxy-Gel for this as being a gel it stays in place along the grout line. After leaving it to soak in for ten minutes it was worked into the grout line by hand using a stiff brush until it was as clean as it could be.

After a final rinse and extraction with the wet vacuum the floor was left to dry out overnight.

Sealing Slate Floor Tiles

I returned the following day to seal the floor, first checking the stone was dry enough to accept a sealer. I use a damp meter to check the moisture levels on various parts of the stone and all the readings were within tolerance. We do not recommend applying a sealer to a damp floor as the results can be patchy.

Slate Floor During Sealing Knightwick

My client wanted a glossy look to the Stone so for this floor Tile Doctor Seal and Go was chosen. This is a great choice for Slate as it enhances the colour depth and leaves a rich, high-gloss finish.

Once complete the floor was restored to its original deep, vibrant appearance with a uniform gloss finish that highlights the unique character of the Slate. The fresh sealer will also ensure dirt remains on the surface where it can be easily cleaned away for which we recommend using Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner. It’s important to use a ph. neutral cleaner on a sealed floor as anything stronger will strip the sealer off.

Slate Floor After Cleaning and Sealing Knightwick

Professional Slate Floor Renovation in Worcestershire

Restoring a High-Gloss Finish to Slate Tiled Flooring in Knightwick Read More »

Victorian Conservatory Floor Extended in Malvern

Extending a Victorian Tiled Conservatory floor in Malvern

1 Comment / Malvern Tile Cleaning, Victorian Tile Cleaning / Mark Conway

I was contacted by a homeowner in Malvern who had a conservatory floor that was tiled in Quarry and Victorian tiles. They wanted a quote for removing the Red Quarry tiles and replacing with matching Victorian tiles. The Victorian floor tiles looked so much more interesting and beautiful than the Quarry so it was definitely the right thing to do.

Victorian Conservatory Floor Before Extending Malvern 064734

My background is tiling so undertaking this sort of work is not a problem, my only concern was tracking down Victorian tiles that would match the original. With this in mind I popped over to the house and took all the necessary measurements and tile colour samples. I was then able to use this to research suitable matching replacements and put together a quote for the work. Happy with my price my quote was accepted and agreed a date for the work to commence.

Extending a Victorian Tiled Conservatory Floor

The first step was to remove the Quarry tiles and prepare the base to accept the new tiles making sure to get the level just right. This can be a messy and dusty job but fortunately being in a conservatory there was plenty of ventilation through the patio doors. The floor was then cleaned up ready to take the replacement tiles which as it turned out wasn’t that difficult to source as they are still very popular.

Victorian Conservatory Floor During Extension Malvern 064734

I then set out spirit and laser levels and tiled the inset of the main floor, this is meticulous work as many of the tiles had to be cut to just the right size to match the original pattern. The tiles are then laid dry onto the floor so ensure they pattern is exactly right before being fixed permanently in place with adhesive.

Once this central section was dry, I moved onto the borders making sure to replicate the existing border pattern along the walls, again this was meticulous work and it took 3 days before all the tiling work was complete and I was able to grout the floor.

Cleaning a Victorian Tiled Conservatory Floor

On the fourth day the tiling work was complete, and I set about giving the original Victorian floor a thorough clean starting with the application of Tile Doctor Remove and Go to remove any remnants of sealer, paint splashes from decorating and other marks. The solution was left to soak into the tile and grout for ten minutes before being worked in with a 100-grit diamond pad to really get the dirt off.

After a rinse with water the soiling was then removed with a wet vacuum. This was followed up with a 200-grit diamond pad applied only with water for lubrication and again the soiling generated was rinsed off and extracted with a wet vacuum.

The whole floor was then treated to an acid wash using Tile Doctor Acid Gel. This final step in the cleaning process removes any grout smears left over from tiling and further cleans up the tiles. After a final rinse and extraction, the floor was left to dry off overnight.

Sealing a Victorian Tiled Conservatory Floor

I returned the next day to seal the tiles checking first that the floor was dry by taking a few moisture readings with a damp tester. This confirmed the floor was dry and ready for sealing for which I used Tile Doctor X-Tra Seal which is an oil-based sealer that adds character and a subtle shine to Victorian tiles. It’s also fully breathable sealer with built in UV protect that is rated for internal and external use and so ideal for a conservatory floor.

Victorian Conservatory Floor After Extension Malvern 064734

Over the course of the five days the floor was transformed, and my customer was very happy with result and confirmed it was the right decision. For aftercare of Victorian floor tiles, I recommended the use of Tile Doctor Neutral Cleaner which is an effective yet gentle floor cleaning product that won’t degrade the sealer.

Professional Extension of a Victorian Tiled Conservatory Floor in Worcestershire

Extending a Victorian Tiled Conservatory floor in Malvern Read More »

Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor Renovation Malvern

Victorian Floor Renovation in Malvern Worcestershire

1 Comment / Malvern Tile Cleaning, Victorian Tile Cleaning, Work by Category, Work by Location, Work History / Mark Conway

This enquiry was from a property owner in the picturesque Malvern hills who needed some help with a Victorian tiled hallway. The floor had an unsightly concrete door threshold that the client wanted tiling, several tiles throughout the floor were loose and needed restoration and the floor needed a deep clean and seal. All of this was possible so after my site visit, I produced a quote which I sent by email and the work was scheduled.

Victorian Hallway Floor Before Renovation Malvern Hills

Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Malvern is a spa-town that lies at the foot of the Malvern Hills in in Worcestershire. The centre of Malvern, known as Great Malvern, is an historic conservation area and the town dramatically during Victorian times. So, it’s no surprise when I get called to maintain the many Victorian properties here.

Cleaning and Repairing a Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor

The first day was spent removing the concrete from the door threshold. I didn’t want to cause damage the surrounding area, so I had to proceed carefully and so this part was quite labour intensive.

I then used cement boards which were cut to size to build the floor level, allowed to dry, and then tiled following the pattern from the opposite door. Fortunately, we had managed to source some reclaimed tiles which were very close in colour and size to match the existing floor. Once this was completed, I moved onto resetting the loose tiles. The floor was then left to dry overnight so the adhesive and grout would set.

The following day I rotary cleaned the floor with a 200-grit milling pad and a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, this gave the floor a really deep clean. The floor was rinsed, and the soil removed using a wet vacuum. The floor then needed to dry overnight before we could apply the sealer.

There didn’t seem to be any signs of Efflorescence on this floor, which is where salt deposits appear on the surface due to moisture. It can be particularly common in floors of this age which are too old to be fitted with a damp proof membrane. However, this floor appeared to be ok.

Sealing a Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor

We retuned the following day and tool a couple of moisture readings with a damp meter before concluding the floor was dry and ready to be sealed. First, I applied a coat of Tile Doctor Stone Oil which is an impregnating sealer that improves character and then followed this up with three coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow allowing plenty of drying time between each coat.

Victorian Hallway Floor After Renovation Malvern Hills

Colour Grow is also an impregnating sealer however this product is designed to improve colour as well as provides long lasting durable protection to the floor. This product is also breathable so any future moisture can rise through the tile and not become trapped underneath where it could cause problems.

By the time I had finished the Victorian floor looked transformed, the colours were richer and most importantly my client was very pleased with the result and even left the following feedback.

“We are very pleased with the work”

Before leaving I recommended, they use Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner to help keep the floor in the best condition, especially in a high traffic area such as the hallway. Using this product will ensure the sealant lasts longer.

Professional Restoration of a Victorian Tiled Hallway in Worcestershire

Victorian Floor Renovation in Malvern Worcestershire Read More »

Marble Floor Before After Polishing Callowend

Polishing Honed Marble Flooring in Callow End near Worcester

1 Comment / Malvern Tile Cleaning, Marble Tile Cleaning, Worcester Tile Cleaning, Work History / Mark Conway

The pictures below are of a Polished Marble floor installed at a property in the village of Callow End which is a few miles South of Worcester. The owner of the house had attempted to clean and seal the floor by themselves and as you can see from the photographs, they ended up dulling its appearance. The physical nature of Marble and natural stone floors in general make them a difficult project to attempt without expert knowledge and the right equipment.

Marble Tiled Kitchen Floor Before Polishing Callowend

Marble Tiled Floor Before Polishing Callowend

I arranged to survey the floor and explained to the client how I intended to restore the appearance of the Marble to how it should look. I demonstrated the process on a small test area so they could get an idea of the result and explained that the floor could look even better than the day it was installed.

Tile Doctor has developed a system called burnishing for natural stone floors which involve the application of a set of diamond pads which are used in sequence to clean and restore the polish to the stone. My quote was accepted, and a date set for the work to begin which should take two days.

Cleaning and Polishing a Marble Tiled Floor

I arrived on the agreed date and started by sealing up the bases of the kitchen kickboards and skirting with silicone to protect against any damage from water ingress. I then vacuumed the floor to remove any debris and grit.

Tile Doctor Stone Soap was then worked into the floor with the first of a set of diamond encrusted Burnishing Pads. The first pad is a coarse 400-grit pad and is run over each Marble tile four times. The floor is then rinsed with water and the soil extracted with a wet vacuum. This process was then repeated with an 800-grit, 1500-grit and then finally a 3000-grit pad which is applied dry with only a little water spayed onto the floor.

Tile Doctor Stone Soap is a stone cleaning product designed for maintaining the patina on polished stone. Additionally, it has a sealer friendly pH Neutral formula which is ideal for floors like these. Many floor cleaning products you find in supermarkets are too harsh for use on natural stone and can cause damage over time (always read the label).

Sealing a Polished Marble Floor

Once the burnishing was complete the floor needed to be sealed to protect its’ final finish. Tile Doctor have a whole range of sealing products available but for a really durable shiny finish on Marble I recommend the application of Tile Doctor Shine Powder. This is a crystallising powder that provides a very high shine and tough durable finish, it’s worked into the stone using a white pad fitted to a rotary machine.

Marble Tiled Kitchen Floor After Polishing Callowend

My client was absolutely delighted with the result and agreed the floor had never looked so good and lived up to the high standard I told them they could expect.

For aftercare I recommended the use of Tile Doctor Stone Soap which will keep the floor clean and help maintain the deep patina that I had built-up on the Marble tiles.

Marble Tiled Floor After Polishing Callowend

Professional Polishing of a Marble Tiled Floor in Worcestershire

Polishing Honed Marble Flooring in Callow End near Worcester Read More »

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Bewdley Tile Cleaning, Ceramic Tile Cleaning, Droitwich Tile Cleaning, Elmbridge Tile Cleaning, Encaustic Cement Tile Cleaning, Evesham Tile Cleaning, Fireplace Cleaning, Flagstone Tile Cleaning, Grout Cleaning and Sealing, Grout Colouring, Kidderminster Tile Cleaning, Leigh Tile Cleaning, Limestone Tile Cleaning and Polishing, Malvern Tile Cleaning, Marble Tile Cleaning, Pershore Tile Cleaning, Porcelain Tile Cleaning, Quarry Tile Cleaning, Sandstone Tile Cleaning, Slate Tile Cleaning, Stourbridge Tile Cleaning, Tenbury Wells Tile Cleaning, Terracotta Tile Cleaning, Terrazzo Floor Cleaning, Travertine Tile Cleaning, Upton upon Severn Tile Cleaning, Victorian Tile Cleaning, Vinyl Tile Cleaning, Worcester Tile Cleaning, Work by Category, Work by Location, Work History / Mark Conway

Worcestershire Tile Doctor

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