How to Care for Stone Flooring
Natural stone flooring is a beautiful material to use for the floors in your house, but they do need specific care. Natural stone will need to be cleaned, polished and sealed depending on the type of natural stone and the amount of wear and tear. You want to keep them clean and free from debris in high traffic areas because dirt, sand and grit can grind into them and harm the natural stones’ look.
For a cleaner you want to use one that is neutral with a pH of 7. If you use anything below a seven it is too acidic and if use anything above seven it will be alkaline and leave a residue. A multi-surface liquid floor cleaner is best at treating staines, it is non-abrasive and is eco-friendly.
One way to keep the grit from harming your floors is to vacuum and sweep as frequently as possible. A microfiber cloth is perfect for collecting dust while protecting the floor’s finish. Also it can be used when mopping your natural stone floors but needs to be changed frequently so the collected debris does not damage the floors. Do not put too much liquid floor cleaner on the stone’s surface when cleaning them.,
Most natural stone floors will have tile crevices and grout lines which will also need to be cleaned. Dirt gets caught in grout lines and can hurt your stone floors. There are many tile and grout cleaners available on the market. When cleaning use a small scrubbing brush that will clean out the dirt in the crevices. Make sure to use a rubber brush to avoid scratching your stone floor.
If there are any stains or spills, the stains should be blotted up as soon as it happens. To clean the area where the stain is, first sweep up any dust or dirt and then flush the area with water and cleaner. Never wipe a stain because it can potentially spread the spill. Once you have rinsed it several times, take a dry clean soft cloth and dab the area. Remember, never use anything such as lemon juice or vinegar due to the acid content.
Remember maintenance of your stone floors will keep them shining and in great condition. Doing daily cleaning will make it easier to clean and maintain the stone floors. You can always call a professional who can do the job for you if you are unsure on the do-it-yourself method.
