Common Mistakes using Household Chemicals

What is pH?

       pH is sometimes referred to as the power of the hydrogen ion in an aqueous solution, and refers to the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance in water or liquid. The scale of 1-14, with 7 being neutral, is logarithmic. Logarithmic means each full unit is different (higher or lower) by a factor of 10 from the one adjacent to it. For example, a pH of 8 is ten times more alkaline than a pH of 7. So it follows that a pH of 10 is 1000 times more alkaline than a pH of 7 (10 x 10 x 10 = 1000). The same goes for acidity when the pH goes below 7 towards 1.  The acid will take a fine layer of the grout off, so your grout looks almost brand new again.  You are sacrificing the life of your grout to remove some of the stains.

       After we seal your grout, the acidic will not get to the grout to etch it.  The acidic will just lay on top of the seal and until it is fully mopped up.  In most cases the home owner or janitor never completely remove all the acidic from the floor and grout lines.  This left over residue will start to corrode on top of the tile and seal and can cause damage over time.  This is why we recommend D'Sapone's Imperia Cleaner with a ph of 8.45.

NEVER IGNORE  pH VALUES:

       It is important to have a basic understanding of pH when choosing a cleaning product for your Natural Stone, Tile and Grout.  Ignoring the pH of a solution can be expensive and dangerous. Surfaces as well as structure can be damaged by an inappropriate pH value. The pH of a cleaning product does not signify cleaning performance or strength. It simply indicates the concentration of hydrogen or hydroxide ions. A common misconception about cleaning products suggests that a higher pH means superior cleaning, it does not. Many off the shelf brands of cleaners have a pH of 11 – 12 or even higher. The cleaning product you grabbed off the shelf could have a pH value that is not proper for your use. Some of the corrosion, tarnishing and crazing you see could be from the cleaning products you chose in the past.  D’Sapone’s products that have "neutral pH" on the label have been tested to be safe on Sealed Natural Stone, Tile, and Grout throughout your house.

We carry Imperia Grout Cleaner!  (click on the picture below)