Methods Of Cleaning Dirt On Marble

PART 1–GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

A. This procedure includes guidance on cleaning honed and polished marble surfaces by machine buffing or using liquid cleaners or mild detergents.

B. Safety Precautions: When working with chemicals, workersshould wear protective clothing including goggles, face shields, gloves, etc. in compliance with governing federal safety codes and regulations.

C. See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be reviewed along with this procedure. These guidelines cover the following sections:

1. Safety Precautions
2. Historic Structures Precautions
3. Submittals
4. Quality Assurance
5. Delivery, Storage and Handling
6. Project/Site Conditions
7. Sequencing and Scheduling
8. General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing this procedure and should be followed, when applicable, along with recommendations from the Regional Historic Preservation Officer (RHPO).

1.02 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Mock-Ups: Prior to start of general marble cleaning, prepare the following sample panels on building where directed by RHPO. Obtain RHPO’s acceptance of visual qualities before proceeding with the work. Retain acceptable panels in undisturbed condition, suitably marked, during cleaning as a standard for judging completed work.

1. Demonstrate materials and methods to be used for each type of cleaning and resurfacing for each type of marble surface and condition on sample panels of approximately 10 sq. ft. in area.
2. Have manufacturer’s representative present when the sample work is being done and when the sample work is being inspected for approval.
3. Test adjacent non-marble materials for possible reaction with cleaning materials.
4. Allow waiting period not less than 7 calendar days after completion of sample cleaning to permit study of sample panels for negative reactions.

PART 2–PRODUCTS

2.01 MANUFACTURERS

A. BASF-Wyandotte Corporation Chemical Specialties Division 1609 Biddle Wyandotte, MI 48192 313/246-6100

B. ProSoCo, Inc. 755 Minnesota Avenue P.O. Box 1578 Kansas City, KS 66117 800/255-4255 or 913/281-2700

C. Eastern Marble Supply Company P.O. Box 392 Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 908/789-6400

2.02 MATERIALS

A. Liquid Marble Cleaner: A water-soluble non-acidic chemical cleaner manufactured specifically for restorative type cleaning of polished and honed marble surfaces. Cleaner shall contain no abrasives, grease, lye, or other caustic or corrosive ingredients, such as “Sure Klean Liquid Marble Cleaner” (ProSoCo, Inc.) or approved equal.

-OR-

Cleaning Detergent: A mildly alkaline phosphorous-free biodegradable liquid soap.

-OR-

Household ammonia and distilled water

B. Cleaning Compound for Buffing a Honed Finish: An abrasive cleaning compound, containing no caustic or harsh fillers, manufactured specifically for restorative type cleaning of honed marble surfaces such as “Wyandotte Detergent” (BASF-Wyandotte Corporation) or approved equal.

-OR-

Polishing Agent for Buffing a Polished Finish: A finely ground buffing powder manufactured specifically for restorative type polishing of polished marble surfaces, such as “Marbalite #52” (Eastern Marble Supply Company) or approved equal.

C. Clean, potable water

2.03 EQUIPMENT

A. Buffing pads for Polished Finish: Fiber brush pads manufactured specifically for restorative type polishing of polished marble surfaces

-OR-

Buffing Pads for Honed Finish: Synthetic pads manufactured specifically for restorative type cleaning of honed marble surfaces

B. Soft natural bristle brushes (DO NOT USE WIRE BRUSHES OR STEEL WOOL)

C. Circular buffing machine (for floors)

-OR-

Hand-held buffing machine (for surfaces other than floors)

D. Mop and bucket (non-metallic)

E. Sponges

F. Clean, dry cloths

PART 3–EXECUTION

3.01 PREPARATION

A. Protection: Prevent chemical cleaning and stain removal solutions from coming into contact with other surfaces which could be damaged by such contact.

B. Surface Preparation:

1. Prior to cleaning, remove cellophane tape, masking tape, etc. from surface.

3.02 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

NOTE: Perform each cleaning method indicated in a manner which results in uniform coverage of all surfaces, including corners, moldings, interstices and which produces an even effect without streaking or damage to marble surfaces. CLEAN TO ACHIEVE A DESIRED (NOT NEW) APPEARANCE.

A. Cleaning Honed Marble:

1. Machine buff with a cleaning compound (see Materials, Section 2.02 B. above):
   1. Thoroughly wet honed marble surface with hot water.
   2. Sprinkle cleaning compound onto surface.
   3. Buff surfaces using a large circular buffing machine with a synthetic pad for floors or a hand-held machine for other surfaces to lift dirt build-up.
   4. Treat edges and corners of surfaces not accessible with the hand-held machine.
   5. Thoroughly rinse surfaces with clean, clear water to remove loosened dirt and standing water. Change rinse water frequently and repeat rinsing as required to completely remove water and dirt residue from surface.
   6. Repeat process as to achieve the desired appearance.
   7. Dry surfaces with clean, dry cloths or dry mop floors after rinsing to prevent streaking.
      -OR-
2. Follow procedures in Section C. below.

B. Cleaning Polished Marble:

1. Machine buff with a polishing agent (see Materials, Section 2.02 B. above):
   1. Mix polishing agent with water to create a paste compound as recommended by manufacturer.
   2. Apply paste mixture to surface and buff using a hand-held machine with a fiber brush buffing pad. Treat areas of approximately 9 sq. ft. at a time, first running the pad horizontally and then vertically across surface.
   3. Repeat process as necessary to achieve the desired appearance.
   4. Final polish by first wetting with clean water followed by running a clean buffing pad across the surface until dry.
      -OR-
      
2. Follow procedures in Section C. below.

C. Cleaning Either Honed or Polished Marble:

1. Apply a liquid marble cleaner to the surface (see Materials, Section 2.02 A. above):
   1. Apply cleaner to honed or polished marble surface using a stiff bristle brush.
   2. Allow cleaner to remain on surface for period recommended by chemical cleaner manufacturer taking care not to allow cleaning material to dry.
   3. Sponge rinse surface thoroughly using clean, clear water to completely remove dirt and cleaner residue. Change rinse water frequently.
   4. Repeat process as necessary to achieve the desired level of cleanliness.
   5. Wipe the surface with a clean, dry cloth to prevent streaking.

   -OR-

2. Apply a mild detergent solution to the surface (see Materials, Section 2.02 A. above):
   1. Mix mild detergent with warm water to create cleaning solution -OR- mix 1 ounce soft soap, 1 quart warm distilled water and 1 ounce household ammonia.
   2. Thoroughly wet the honed or polished marble surface with hot water.
   3. Apply cleaning solution with a cloth, sponge or soft-fibered brush. Wash in small overlapping areas.
   4. Sponge rinse surface thoroughly using clean, clear water to completely remove dirt and cleaner residue. Change rinse water frequently.
   5. Wipe the surface dry with clean, soft cloths to prevent streaking.