Maintaining Natural Stone Flooring

Abbey Tile, Kennsburg, Dove
In order to keep your natural stone flooring clean you gotta fight dirty! Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage due to their abrasiveness. Natural stone floors should be dust mopped frequently using a clean, non-treated dry dust mop or broom. Damp mopping your natural stone floor will help keep it looking beautiful for life. You can use a vacuum cleaner on the floor and it could be helpful for textured floors but make sure there is no beater bar and the vacuum is in good condition (check the wheels to make sure they will not scratch as well.) Vacuum attachments can be really helpful for hard to reach places.

Using walk-off mats and area rugs are good for capturing dirt and grim before they reach your floor. If you use a mat or rug, make sure that the underside has a non-slip surface or it could be a potential tripping hazard. And of course, keep the mats and rugs clean!

Clean spills immediately! A neutral pH detergent or pure soap, such as Liquid Ivory, and warm water, can be used for spills or periodic complete cleaning. Be sure to rinse the floor thoroughly and dry the surface with a soft, clean cloth. Too much cleaner will leave film and cause streaks. Never use acidic chemicals like vinegar or lemon juice to clean natural stone flooring. You should avoid using products that contain abrasive cleaners, cleansers (dry or soft) or any ammonia-based cleaners on any stone. These products will dull the luster of your stone. Oh, and don’t mix bleach and ammonia, it will just make a toxic and lethal gas and that isn’t good for you or your stone flooring. To remove algae or moss from your stone in outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution.

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