How to Maintain and Clean Stone Flooring

Natural stone flooring is some of the most beautiful flooring you can invest in for your home. It is durable and attractive, and there are also many styles to choose from. Stone flooring is also very versatile, and can be used both indoors and outdoors to enhance any space it graces. While every type of stone floor is different in nature, and there are specifics to cleaning and maintaining based on the type of stone and finish that it has, there are some basics to maintenance and upkeep of a stone floor that should be followed for the floor to maintain its natural beauty and perform its function in the household.

Stone floors, particularly finished stone floors are very susceptible to sand and dirt because they are abrasives and can damage natural stone surfaces. Stone floors should be dust mopped frequently with a dry dust mop or broom that is clean and untreated. This can help you stay on top of dirt and other abrasives that can cause damage to your floor. Vacuum cleaners can also be helpful, but they should not have a beater bar as that would scratch a beautiful stone floor. Area rugs or doormats can provide a lot or preventative maintenance by protecting your floors from outside dirt in high traffic areas.

Most stone floors can be damp mopped periodically to maintain their luster and sheen and to pick up any dirt that a dry mopping might have missed. If there are any spills, it’s important to blot them up immediately to prevent staining. For periodic cleaning, warm water and soap can be used for stubborn stains and spills. After cleaning with the soap and water mixture, always rinse the floor with a water mopping and dry the surface with a clean, soft cloth. Cleaners and soaps can cause a residue buildup and streaks.

Certain stone floors such as marble, limestone or travertine do not react well to acids. Never use products that contain lemon juice or vinegar or any other acid on these types of floors. They can damage the floor and leave a permanent stain and ruin the finish.

As stated earlier, abrasives and stone floors do not mix. Just as sand and dirt can damage a stone floor with their abrasiveness, so too can abrasive cleaners and ammonia based cleaners.  Abrasives can scratch a floor and can also lead to the floor’s finish dulling over time. Scouring pads should also never be used on a stone floor. Sealing a stone floor is a good idea to protect it from moisture and staining. If you follow these suggestions, your natural stone floor should stay beautiful and retain its luster for years on end.