When there’s a stain on your floor or hard surface and it looks like it’s soaked right in what do you do?
Panic? Give Up? Kick the bucket?
Stay calm, there might be a simple stain removal solution just around the corner. Sure, you might have tried and failed with those heavy-duty cleaners and stain removers that usually always work for you, but have you tried a poultice?
What is a poultice?
A poultice is a powder that is mixed into a paste and is designed to remove difficult stains from porous surfaces such as marble, limestone, terrazzo or concrete by drawing them out. It has incredible stain absorption properties and non-scratch abrasives. Even with a poultice's ability to literally suck out a stain, it’s often overlooked. Yes, you need a little more patience and expertise but there are very good reasons the natural stone restoration industry loves poultices. When nothing else works for removing deep-set stains from porous surfaces a poultice can still give you amazing results.
Where do you use a poultice?
Poultice stain removers are most commonly used on porous natural stone surfaces including marble, limestone, travertine, granite and concrete. The more porous the surface the faster the poultice will tend to work.
How to use a poultice for stain removal
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and safety instructions. At XO2 we recommend Poultice Pro and here’s how to use it...
Mix Poultice Pro with demineralised or distilled water into a thick paste so it does not run (i.e. the consistency of margarine).
Apply the mixed poultice to the stained area with a wood or plastic spatula 6mm thick overlapping the stained area by 25mm. Ensure the poultice is in full contact with the stone, with no air pockets or voids.
Cover the poultice with plastic wrapping or cling wrap. Tape the plastic down to seal the edges with non-marking tape and poke several holes in the plastic to speed up drying. Allow the poultice to dry thoroughly. Drying usually takes from 24 to 48 hours.
Remove the plastic and tape by hand and then the poultice with a wood or plastic spatula to avoid scratching. Rinse the treated area thoroughly with distilled water.
Repeat the process if necessary.
Will a poultice work every time?
No. Unfortunately, poultices won’t give you a 100% stain removal guarantee. A lot depends on the skill of the person using the poultice but even the very best will have rare times when a poultice won’t work. In these instances, there is usually permanent damage present which means restoration or replacement of the surface is required.
Can you use a solvent or peroxide or other cleaning liquid instead of water when mixing a poultice?
Yes, you can in some instances. Testing is vital if you are trying any advanced poultice stain removal technique. Always proceed with caution when mixing anything other than water with your poultice. Check with the manufacturer first before mixing any non-water additive with a poultice and be sure to follow the safety directions of whatever you use. Remember that some surfaces can be sensitive to moisture and certain chemical types so beware.
All the best with your poulticing. And if you’ve had success or struggle with poultices please let us know. How do you use a poultice? What do you find works best? What surfaces do you use poultices on? Your feedback and experiences really help us. We may even add some of your suggestions to this page for others to benefit from.
If you’re looking for floor care advice or help, give the XO2 team a call today on 1300 123 499, or visit XO2’s floor care chemicals and stain removal online.
Happy poulticing.
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