Natural stone floors are a beautiful addition to any home or business. Not only do they offer an elegant touch to any space they are present, they also have the ability to last a lifetime when properly cared for. Maintenance for these surfaces should not be neglected as they are vulnerable to a wide range of issues such as etching, cloudiness, weakening surfaces, and more. You should be willing to dust daily, clean weekly, and have professional care biannually.
If you are still wondering, ‘What Maintenance Do My Stone Floors Require?’ keep reading. Home Guides shares helpful information about the routine maintenance your stone surfaces will need to continue looking great for decades to come.
Sealing
Stone may be hard, but it is porous and can absorb spills and stains if it is not treated. Surface preparation, along with the stone’s density and porosity, will affect the type of sealant used. Impregnating sealers penetrate the stone and protect against water and oil-based stains. Once the floor surface is sealed, it is protected against everyday spills and stains. Be aware that some sealants can alter floor color. Manufacturers recommend, however, that even with sealant, you should mop up spills and stains on stone floors as quickly as possible to avoid possible damage.
Prevention
Because stone flooring is not indestructible, a little preventive maintenance can go a long way toward keeping the floor attractive. Placing a mat near entryways helps prevent dust and dirt from tracking into the house and grinding into the floor. Periodic vacuuming also will remove dirt that could grind into the floor, as will dusting with a dry mop. Stone floors in wet areas such as bathrooms should be properly caulked to prevent damage to the floor and subfloor. Add protectors to chair and table legs. When moving furniture, avoid dragging pieces across the floor.
General Cleaning
Damp mopping your stone floor frequently will keep it looking beautiful. Using the proper tools, however, is just as important as regular maintenance. Purchase a good quality mop and bucket. Instead of a sponge mop, a closed-loop string mop or a microfiber mop will produce better results. Use a neutral cleaner formulated for stone, diluted in warm water. Never use acidic products such as lemon or vinegar, because these liquids can etch into the stone, ruin the surface polish and even change the color of the sealant. Never use abrasive cleaners, ammonia-based products, grout cleaners and powders or bathroom tub and tile cleaner on stone floors. All these products have the potential to dull the floor. Always rinse thoroughly to remove cleaning residue.
Heavy-Duty Cleaning
Every stone floor will need occasional heavy-duty cleaning to remove built-up dirt and grime. Use pH-balanced cleaners specifically manufactured for stone flooring. Honed and rough-finished stones require occasional scrubbing due to surface texture. Stubborn stains may need an application of a “poultice” of specially formulated paste covered with plastic to renew the stone. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on tools and products when performing heavy-duty maintenance.
Polishing
Crystals in a polished floor surface eventually become dull after normal use. Renewing stone flooring through polish can be accomplished by do-it-yourselfers through commercial kits. To polish a floor, use commercially available polishing powder and an automatic scrubber or a low-RPM buffing machine. Polishing of larger stone floors may be best accomplished by commercial companies specializing in this service.
Safe Stone Floor Cleaner
Modern Stone Care Stone & Tile Floor Cleaner is a neutral (ph 7) marble safe floor cleaner which is to be used for regular maintenance on any hard surface not harmed by water. It was originally made to protect calcite based stones, such as marble, limestone, & travertine, which are alkaline in nature due to the mineral content, from chemical etching. It’s no rinse, streak free properties make this cleaner ideal for any hard surface, as it does not leave a dulling film or residue. Special organic slats in its formula act as “moisturizers” thus preventing natural stone from “drying out.” It also contains optical brighteners to enhance the finish of the surface on which it is used.
If you have any questions or concerns about this cleaning product contact us today. Our customer service representatives will be happy to go over the ingredients and instructions when using this natural stone safe cleaner.
Natural Stone Cleaning In Houston TX
At Modern Stone Care, our team of highly knowledgeable technicians specialize in the restoration, cleaning, polishing, and sealing of all-natural stone surfaces. This includes flooring, countertops, outdoor pool coping, and more. We work hard to ensure your natural stone maintains its beautiful and vibrant appearance for as long as possible. When it comes to the care of your delicate natural stone surfaces, leave it to the professionals at Modern Stone Care. We work in Houston and surrounding areas to offer the best stone care in the city.
Modern Stone Care
970 Bunker Hill Rd
Houston, TX 77024
(832) 814–2041
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