If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and timeless aesthetic to your space, stone tile flooring is a great way to do so. Stone flooring comes in different variations like Marble, Limestone, and Travertine. Each type brings its own form of beauty. However, it’s up to you to decide on the longevity and the ever-sparkling look of your natural stone tile. And this largely depends on how you care and maintain it every day. In this guide, we will go into essential daily cleaning procedures and maintenance practices. As well as the precautions you should be keeping in mind when cleaning your natural stone flooring. The goal here is to provide you with an arsenal of knowledge that’ll keep your neatly-looking floor as good as new for a long time.
Why is it important to clean natural stone tiles?
Natural stone tiles are porous, meaning they can absorb liquids, dirt, stains, and bacteria. If left uncleaned, these substances can damage the surface of the tiles, cause discoloration, dullness, and even cracking. Moreover, uncleaned natural stone tiles can pose health risks, as they can harbor harmful microorganisms that can cause infections or allergies. Here are few reasons on why to clean natural stone tiles:
- Preserving appearance and quality: Cleaning natural stone tiles regularly and thoroughly can preserve their appearance and quality. Natural stone tiles have a unique and elegant look that can enhance the beauty of any space. However, they can also lose their shine and color over time if they are not cleaned properly.
- Preventing damage and deterioration: Cleaning natural stone tiles can also prevent damage and deterioration caused by liquids, dirt, stains, and bacteria. Natural stone tiles are porous, meaning they can absorb these substances and cause discoloration, dullness, and even cracking. Cleaning natural stone tiles can remove these substances and protect the surface of the tiles.
- Avoiding health risks: Cleaning natural stone tiles can also avoid health risks associated with uncleaned tiles. Uncleaned natural stone tiles can harbor harmful microorganisms that can cause infections or allergies. Cleaning natural stone tiles can eliminate these microorganisms and ensure a hygienic and safe environment.
- Enhancing comfort and convenience: Cleaning natural stone tiles can also enhance the comfort and convenience of living or working in a space with natural stone flooring. Natural stone tiles can provide a warm and cozy feel to any room, as well as a smooth and easy surface to walk on. However, if they are not cleaned properly, they can become rough and dirty, making them uncomfortable and inconvenient to use. Cleaning natural stone tiles can ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience for anyone who uses them.
Care and Maintenance of Natural Stone Tiles
The luster of natural stone tiles requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:
- Regular Sealing: Stop stains from happening with sealing. This is especially important for types like marble and limestone.
- Polishing: Give your stone the shine it deserves while protecting it at the same time. If you’re interested in finding out more about polished concrete services in Melbourne check out Policrete.
- Repair Minor Damages: Little imperfections can turn into big problems over time. Make sure to fix them as soon as possible to keep the stone looking good.
- Avoid Rough Cleaning Tools: You can’t use any tool in your arsenal for cleaning. If you want to prevent scratches, use soft materials.
- Professional Cleaning: Every once in a while, it’s good to get a professional involved to deep clean your floors and help maintain their appeal.
By following these tips, you can keep the elegance of your space intact. However, there are still precautions you should keep in mind whenever you clean.
What products and tools should you use to clean natural stone tiles?
When it comes to cleaning natural stone tiles, you should always use products and tools that are gentle and suitable for the specific type of stone. Some general guidelines are:
- Use gentle and suitable cleaners: Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners, such as vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, ammonia, or scouring pads. These products can harm the surface of the stone by causing etching or scratching, which can reduce the shine and smoothness of the stone. Moreover, these products can also damage the sealant that protects the stone from stains and moisture.
- Use pH-neutral or alkaline cleaners that are specially formulated for natural stone: These cleaners are designed to effectively remove dirt, grease, stains, and bacteria from the stone without affecting its natural color or texture. You can find these cleaners at most home improvement stores or online. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and test the cleaner on a small inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface.
- Use soft or microfiber cloths, mops, or brushes: Use these tools to wipe or scrub the tiles. These tools are gentle enough to avoid scratching or scuffing the stone, but also strong enough to remove any dust or debris from the surface. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove loose dirt from the tiles before cleaning them with a cloth or mop.
- Use clean water to rinse the tiles: Use this step to remove any soap residue that can dull the shine of the stone or attract more dirt. You can use a spray bottle or a bucket of water to rinse the tiles thoroughly. Make sure to change the water frequently to avoid spreading dirty water over the tiles.
- Use a dry cloth or towel to dry the tiles: Use this step to prevent water spots or streaks from forming on the surface of the stone, which can affect its appearance and quality. You can also use a fan or a hair dryer to speed up the drying process. However, avoid using too much heat as it can cause cracking or warping of the stone.
Conclusion
Maintaining a natural stone tile floor like Marble Flooring can be easy if you know how to do it right. Even though it’s a delicate process, with the correct procedures and daily cleaning, it can last for a long time while looking good too. That means it can retain its elegance and durability. If you’re not careful, it’ll be ruined in no time. The last thing you want is a centerpiece of your domain to look dull Treat your floors right and they will last you for years to come and remain as functional as ever.
FAQs
Are natural stone tiles hard to keep clean?
No! Natural stone tiles are actually quite easy to look after and keep clean when you note the simple key steps above. There’s a misconception about it not being up to the job for kitchen hexagon tiles and ground floors, but as with all things, users just have to know how to care for it.
Can I use bleach to clean natural stone tiles?
Using bleach or anything acidic isn’t advised. Instead, opt for a cleaner that has a neutral pH or is explicitly designed for stone. Any acidic cleaner will eat away at the sealant and eventually damage the stone.
How can I get rid of stains on natural stone tiles?
The best way to avoid staining is to spot clean as soon as possible. Once you notice a spillage occurs go in with cleaning supplies right away. If that doesn’t work we recommend Lithofin Power Clean.
What can I use to clean my natural stone tile floor?
To clean your natural stone tile flooring, it would be best if you use a cloth or mop that is soft/non-abrasive along with some neutral pH cleaner specifically designed for stone. It’s important to never use any alkaline or acidic cleaners as they have the ability to cause damage or etch onto your beautiful stones. Spills should also always be promptly cleaned.
Why is my stone floor always dirty?
A build up of dust, dirt, or spills can lead to the appearance of your floors looking dirty, especially if they aren’t immediately cleaned. Another factor may be due to incorrect or harsh cleaning products used which can lead to damage of both the aesthetic and functionality of your floors. Noting these issues and doing your best to resolve them through regular dust mopping prompt spill cleaning, can help achieve a pristine appearance for your homes flooring.