MORTEX® and BEALSTONE®: cleaning and maintenance

Spring cleaning: how can you clean your floors, walls and furniture designed with MORTEX® or BEALSTONE® coatings?

With the arrival of spring comes the urge to freshen up your home. One question remains: how can you take care of your MORTEX® and BEALSTONE® floors and walls without damaging them?

Here are our tips for effective regular maintenance and deep cleaning that respect the quality of these high-end finishes.

Regular maintenance: daily care

Although MORTEX® and BEALSTONE® coatings are known for their durability and water resistance, they remain sensitive to stains and dirt, much like natural stone. Regular maintenance is therefore essential to preserve their appearance.

For surfaces made with the MORTEX® system:

• Varnished surfaces: use a neutral cleaning product free of aggressive agents.
• Surfaces protected with natural oils or waxes: use a nourishing, gentle soap (without corrosive agents) diluted in warm water.
• Surfaces exposed to damp: to prevent limescale buildup (especially in showers), weekly cleaning with diluted white vinegar is recommended.

For surfaces made with the BEALSTONE® system:

• Although this material is inherently impermeable, its surface microporosity requires an appropriate stain protection (oil, wax, or water- and oil-repellent treatment).
• For daily maintenance, a gentle soapy solution applied with a soft sponge or a non-abrasive cloth is sufficient.

Tip: always use a soft sponge, a microfiber cloth or a clean white cotton cloth to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.

Absolutely avoid:

• Corrosive products (such as standard anti-limescale sprays)
• Acidic or aggressive detergents
• Abrasive tools that could damage the protective layer

Deep cleaning: for a like-new result

If your surfaces begin to show signs of fouling or more tenacious stains and you’re planning a thorough spring clean, here are our recommendations:

For surfaces finished with MORTEX®:

• Limescale deposits: use a diluted white vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water). Always test on a small, discreet area first.
• Stubborn stains: use the capillary cleaning method:

1. Moisten the stain for 10 minutes.
2. Place several layers of damp absorbent paper over the area.
3. Let it dry without airflow so the dirt can be absorbed.
4. Repeat the process if necessary.

Important: if the finish has unprotected microcavities, stains may be more difficult to remove. In more severe cases, sanding and reapplying the coating may be necessary.

For surfaces finished with BEALSTONE®:

• The same capillary cleaning method can be used.
• In case of a persistent stain in an unprotected cavity, contact a professional to avoid worsening the issue.

Prevention is better than cure

Why is the finish so important?

A surface with a smooth finish will better resist water, grease and dirt penetration. We always recommend a smooth finish for technical areas such as floors or showers. When the finish is smooth, regular cleaning is usually sufficient.

Applications of the MORTEX® micro-mortar are nearly infinite, depending on the chosen particle size and the intended decorative effect, ranging from very smooth to more artistic finishes. The broader and more decorative the application strokes, the more microcavities there will be where dust can accumulate over time. A more specific cleaning will therefore be useful after a certain period.

Properly protecting surfaces

To ensure the durability of MORTEX® and BEALSTONE® systems, it is essential to work with trained professionals. In addition to properly applying the product, they will use the most appropriate protective layer for your surface (varnish, wax or oil). Good protection and its maintenance over the years are the best ways to ensure a long-lasting finish.

How to know if your surface needs to be retreated

Perform a simple test: pour a few drops of water onto the surface.

• If the water beads: the protection is still effective.
• If the water spreads or quickly soaks in: it is time to reapply oil, wax or varnish.

To optimally maintain the water-repellent effect of the MORTEX® mineral coating, we recommend oiling or waxing it once or twice a year, similar to natural stone.

Our tips for optimal maintenance

• Materials: white cotton cloth, soft sponge, neutral cleaning products (e.g. Finish SA TR for MORTEX®, available from BEAL).
• Frequency: weekly cleaning, nourishing treatment (oil/wax) once or twice a year.
• Gentle method: never use hard brushes or harsh cleaning agents.

In summary

With gentle, regular maintenance, a few preventive gestures and occasional deep cleaning when needed, your surfaces finished with MORTEX® and BEALSTONE® will retain all their beauty for many years to come.