Final answer:
Masonry floors may be coated with efflorescence or grime, requiring detergents with phosphates for general cleaning or industrial-strength cleaners with quaternary ammonium compounds for tougher stains.
Step-by-step explanation:
Brick, stone, or other masonry floors may require additional cleaning because the surface may be coated with efflorescence or grime. Efflorescence is a white, powdery substance that may form on masonry surfaces when water-soluble salts are brought to the surface and crystallize.
Grime is a layer of dirt or dust that can accumulate over time. To effectively clean these surfaces, it is often necessary to use specific cleaning agents. For instance, detergents containing phosphates like Finish can be used to remove general soil, while more persistent or harder-to-remove deposits might require industrial-strength cleaners containing quaternary ammonium compounds. These cleaners are designed to tackle tough stains and heavy build-up on hard surfaces, ensuring that masonry floors are not only clean but also free from potentially damaging substances.