Using the right tool for the job makes all the difference. For the course of many years, we received calls from contractors and landscapers asking for advice on the best tools to use for cleaning and sealing tile and stone surfaces. In some cases, we were able to make a recommendation; in others, the tool didn’t exist, so we decided to source our own range of ECOPROTEC tools and cleaning pads.
In terms of solution application, the advantages of using the right tool are far reaching. You use less cleaner or sealer to do the job and application is faster and easier, saving time and money. A well applied product will also perform better; in the case of a cleaner, this may reduce the frequency of cleaning required and prevent a build-up of residue which can make maintenance more difficult and can create a slip hazard. Similarly, a well applied sealer will create a clean, uniform seal over the surface of the tile or paver, providing optimum protection. In turn, the need for more time consuming and potentially costly renovation will be removed.
A seasonal clean of a patio provides a good example – and a good professional tool beats a household cleaning tool time and time again: A specialist multi-directional deck brush is far more effective at removing dirt and algae, and at accessing corners and grooves, on textured stone surfaces than an outdoor broom or yard brush. Its bristles are stiffer, it will pivot and move more easily and it will have a higher scrubbing action, requiring less effort.
Equally, when it comes to cleaning porcelain tiles inside and outside, a pad holder, black or white emulsifying pad can be fixed to the same 4pc pole for easy multi-directional scrubbing and cleaning.
Good tools are also more ergonomically suited to the job, reducing the risk of injury, sprains and pulled muscles. Contractors and landscapers spend an incredible amount of time on their knees and, as a result, knee problems like bursitis and cartilage wear are very common. In terms of sealer application, this is especially prevalent amongst contractors that fix a lot of honed and polished natural stone indoors, or apply sealant to sawn and honed pavers outside. Using a pad holder and sealer applicator on a 4-piece pole is not only better for your knees – allowing you to stand or kneel comfortably, rather than crawling – it’s also a more efficient and quicker way of applying the protection. When used on internal honed and polished surfaces, it really helps to ensure even distribution and a streak-free finish, especially when applying a finishing coat of liquid wax.
Often, a combination of tools offers the best results. A sealer applicator is ideal for general floor application, but a hand-held emulsifying pad is best used close to skirting boards, to avoid knocking paintwork. Likewise, outdoors, a grout scrubbing brush can work really well to remove moss and dirt that has accumulated in grout joints over the winter months. Our V shaped brush really helps to get into the groove. A good tool range will provide all of these options, significantly increasing efficiency, improving job-site safety and guaranteeing a high-quality finish.
ECOPROTEC’s range of tools and cleaning pads includes emulsifying and sealant pads and holders; course and smooth pads with handles; buffing cloths; grout, deck and claw brushes; universal 4-piece handles and cleaning and sealing kits. To find out more, please visit https://www.ecoprotec.co.uk or contact the ECOPROTEC Technical Team on 01823 662722 or email technical@ecoprotec.co.uk
