FAQ
frequently asked questions

• Do you charge an estimate fee?

  No. There may be an occasion, under special circumstances, that we may ask for this, but only if we tell you up front.

• Where can I find information about caring for my stone?

  Please see our Stone Care Tips page where you can download and print our very thorough Stone and Tile Care Guide.

• Why won’t the water spots on my marble or travertine clean up?

  These are not water spots, but an etch mark in the surface of the stone. This is what happens when an acidic substance comes in contact with any calcium based stone. To get rid of the etch marks, the stone will need to be polished out, much like a gemstone would have to be if it were scratched.

• Is there routine, daily or weekly maintenance I should be performing?

  The #1 culprit of damage to floors is dirt, (grit, sand & dust). The best treatment for your floor is a dry, untreated microfiber dust mop or vacuum, used every day when possible. Damp mopping is recommended on a weekly basis and whenever there are visible spills. For more information about stone care, consult our CARE TIPS AND PRODUCTS section.

• I have a beautiful entry rug. Will it harm my stone floor?

  Rugs are a good idea to catch dirt and grit. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. It is important to use rug holders designed to go under rugs to keep them in place. Sliding rugs are not only dangerous, they are a constant source of new scratches. Do not use rugs that are backed with rubber or latex.

• My floors had a beautiful shine when new. How can I restore that new shine?

  If your floor is not deeply scratched, surface polishing may bring back an acceptable shine. However, existing scratches may remain. If your floor has worn badly, a complete restoration is warranted. This decision should be made between you and us.

• I have Marble Natural Stone floors in the kitchen. Some vinegar got on the floor and now we have a light spot. I believe that it is the sealer (polyurethane coating?) that got discolored. What is the best way to get rid of these dull spots and bring the normal shine back?

  When acid (vinegar) comes into contact with marble (calcium carbonate), it causes a chemical reaction. The result is called etching. Natural stone sealers penetrate the stone and do not prevent this natural reaction. If you do in fact have a polyurethane coat on top of your stone, then you have a different problem altogether. If the stone is etched, we can refinish it.

• How much dust will be created during the restoration of my floor?

  There is no dust created during the restoration process, because we use diamond abrasives and water.

• My Natural Stone countertops are no longer shiny. How do I get the shine back?

  Most of the time when a customer asks us why their countertop is not shiny anymore, it turns out that some sort of film is sitting on the surface. This happens when one does not use the proper cleanser, or when they clean their granite surface with water and dish soap. (This will eventually lead to soap film build up.) Give us a call. We can provide solutions for you.

• Recently a cleaning firm spilled a cleaner that is obviously acid on my marble vanities. They were sealed, but the damage is still very evident in the form of hundreds of small circles. What would you recommend as the way to repair them, the materials to use, etc? Would it be better to replace the vanities?

  Sealing DOES NOT prevent etching. Sealing your stone inhibits staining. Depending on the severity of the etching, you should not need to replace your vanity tops. They can be restored instead.

• Are you able to get the pet odor out of my carpet?

  Pet odors are a common problem. Superior Floor Care can help you deal with your pet challenges. From minor problems to major headaches we can help find the solution that works best for you.

• Does your cleaning process soak the backing of the carpet?

  No. Our process scrubs and rinses the carpet deep down but moisture does not penetrate the backing of the carpet. Our powerful truck mounted equipment thoroughly rinses and extracts the carpet leaving the carpet surface damp to the touch.

• I’ve heard that the cleaning products used in carpet cleaning leave a residue that makes the carpet get dirty quicker, is this true?

  Soaps, detergents and emulsifiers do leave a residue that attracts dirt, grim and grease. That is why Superior Floor Care uses our patented formula that does not contain soaps, detergents or emulsifiers. The carpet comes cleaner and stays clean longer. Our product is environmentally friendly and safe for children and pets.

• Is it a good idea to put off having the carpet cleaned as long as possible?

  No. Many major carpet mills recommend professional cleaning at least twice a year. That may be overkill depending on the wear your carpet receives. But once a year will help lengthen the life of your carpet by eliminating the soil build up and abrasion from foot traffic that breaks down carpet fibers. The higher the traffic in specific areas, the more often the carpet will need cleaning.

• How long does it take the carpet to dry after it has been cleaned?

  Normal drying time is from 10 –12 hours. Factors such as outside temperature and humidity can effect this time, but with usual low humidity for Colorado 10–12 hours is a good rule of thumb.

• What process does Superior Floor Care use to clean carpet?

  We use a truck mount hot water extraction

• I want to get the carpeting in my home professionally cleaned for the first time. I want to do it before I have company over for the holidays. How long will the cleaning take? And how long do I have to wait before the carpeting can be walked on again?

  A professional carpet cleaning should take an hour for every 400-500 square feet of carpeting. You should wait at least twenty-four (24) hours to walk on your carpeting after it’s cleaned.