Maintaining Your Natural Stone Floor

You’ve made the investment. You are now the proud owner of a stunning natural stone floor. Now you just need to maintain it effectively to make sure it retains its beautiful colour and finish. Follow these simple tips to keep your floor pristine.

Top Tips for maintaining your natural stone floors

• Clean regularly to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on the surface. 
• Mop your floor gently with a pH-neutral cleaner designed for stone floors.
• Seal your natural stone floor tiles to protect it from spillages and surface damage.  
• Avoid acidic cleaners that contain vinegar or lemon juice.
• Protect from furniture damage by placing pads under the legs of heavy furniture.

Following these simple steps is straightforward and simple.

What Are the Key Things You Need to Know to Clean Natural Stone floors Safely?

As flooring professionals, there are many questions that we hear from customers. We have compiled a list of the most common questions.

How to Clean Old Stone Floors 

You may be in the fortunate position of inheriting an old stone floor with a new home. How do you go about cleaning it and restoring it to its former glory?

• Assess the condition of the floor. If it is too badly damaged we would recommend hiring a professional to do the work. 
• Remove dirt or debris using a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. 
• Choose the right cleaning solution
• Select a recommended pH-neutral cleaner designed for your stone floor. 
•  Test the cleaner on a small area of the floor.
• Gently scrub the floor with a soft brush or mop. Avoid excessive force as this may damage the surface of the stone. 
• Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water and remove any excess water with a mop. 
• Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel. Remove all water to prevent water spots from forming on the surface of the stone.
• Seal the floor to protect the porous surface from damage.

Once cleaned and restored to its former beauty, your old stone floor can be a beautiful and timeless addition to your home.

How To Prepare Stone floors for Cleaning

It is essential that before you clean your natural stone floor you prepare it thoroughly. Here are our top tips. 

• Remove dirt or debris with a broom or vacuum cleaner.
• Check the type of stone your floor is made from before using any cleaning products on it.
• Remove stains with a specialist stain remover. Apply the stain remover and let it sit for a few hours before removing it.
• Protect nearby surfaces such as baseboards or skirting boards with sheets or cloths to prevent them from being damaged by the cleaning solution.
• Choose the correct type of pH-neutral cleaning solution for your natural stone floor.
• Test the cleaner on a small corner of the floor to make sure no damage occurs.

How to Clean Grease and Dirt from Stone Floors

To help your natural stone floor retain its stunning finish, it is essential that you clean and maintain it regularly. Here are our tips for removing grease and dirt from your floor.

• Choose a cleaning solution specifically designed for your stone floor. Follow the preparation instructions properly.
• Apply the solution to the area affected by dirt or grease and let it sit for several minutes.
• Scrub the area with a brush focusing on the dirty areas. Rinse the brush frequently.
• Rinse and dry the floor thoroughly making sure all cleaning solution has been removed.
• Repeat if necessary.

How To Remove Stains from Natural Stone Floors

Stone floors are beautiful and durable but can be vulnerable to staining. Here are our top tips to help you remove stains from your stone floors:

• Identify the type of stain to ensure you follow the right approach.
• Blot up the stain with a clean cloth - avoid rubbing and applying force.
• Apply a poultice made from a cleaning agent and an absorbent material, such as baking soda. Cover it with clingfilm and leave for several hours.
• Remove the poultice and scrape it off the floor. Rinse the area with clean water and dry with a clean cloth.
• Repeat as necessary
• Alternatively use a stone-specific cleaning product. Make sure it is appropriate for your stone. Use a stone-specific cleaner designed for your stone flooring type.

Do stone floors have to be sealed?

Natural stone floors such as limestone, travertine and even marble tiles should be sealed to protect them from damage. Here are the reasons to seal your stone floor.

• Stone is naturally porous so it will absorb liquids and stains easily.
• Stone can be vulnerable to scratches and surface wear and tear.
• Sealing will make maintenance easier.
• Sealed floors have an enhanced aesthetic appearance, with more consistent colour and texture.

If you are still unsure about whether to seal your natural stone floor we would recommend why. consulting a stone flooring professional.

Is It Safe to Use Vinegar to Clean Stone Floors?

You should not use vinegar or any other acidic product to clean your natural stone floors. Here’s why.

• Vinegar is acidic and will cause etching or discolourations of the surface of the stone. 
• Vinegar can damage the sealant making the floor vulnerable to staining and damage.
• Vinegar can leave a residue causing your floor to look dull and dirty. 

Always use a pH-neutral floor cleaner, designed for use on natural stone floors.

How To Keep Life Simple When Cleaning Stone Floors

Here are some tips to simplify the process of cleaning stone floors.

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent the build-up of dirt.
• Clean up spills straight away to avoid staining.
• Always use a pH-neutral recommended cleaner to help protect the surface of your stone floor.
• Use soft brushes and cloths to avoid scratches and marks.
• Keep floors dry to protect the floor sealant.

With these simple steps to care for your floor, the natural stone can last for decades and continue to add beauty and value to your home.

What To Avoid When Cleaning a Natural Stone Floor

To preserve your stone floor, there are a few important things to avoid if you don’t want to damage the surface and appearance of your stone floor.

• Abrasive cleaners such as scourers, steel wool and harsh chemicals.
• Acidic cleaners such as vinegar and lemon juice.
• Heavy tools such as power cleaners or hard-bristled brushes.
• Standing water - clean up spillages straight away.
• High pressures cleaners such as pressure washers.

Avoiding these things will ensure that your own natural stone flooring retains its stunning appearance for many years to come.