(Newswire.net — January 4, 2019) — Stone floors are more delicate than we think. Not only that, but they’re also quite a costly investment that needs proper maintenance to last. Natural stone requires simple care to retain its beautiful appearance. However, using some substances to clean it can cause the surface to become dull or discolored. Many of us don’t know how to keep stone floors clean, and some of the cleaning methods we use cause damage to the natural stone. For instance, using acid-containing cleaning agents and substances when cleaning stone floors with vinegar, lemon juice, and tile cleaners damages the natural complexion of stone floors.
Cleaning Stone Floors
Your natural stone floors may also be damaged if you do the following things:
• Using abrasive cleaners like soft and dry cleansers.
• Using a mixture of powerful cleaning chemicals like bleach and ammonia.
• Using grout cleaners, bathroom cleaners, and tub cleaners.
Furthermore, mixing strong chemicals like ammonia and bleach can harm your health because they produce toxic gases that might be lethal when inhaled.
Caring for Stone Floors
How does one keep their natural stone floors in good shape? Below are some tips on how to do so:
1. Protect stone floors at entry points from scuffs and scrapes by covering them with area rugs and non-slip mats. These also protect them from loose sand particles and dirt from shoes.
2. Dust mop and sweep stone floors as frequently as possible to keep dirt and grime from accumulating. You can also vacuum it, but ensure you don’t use vacuum cleaners with missing or worn wheels.
3. Wet mop stone floors with water and mild vegetable soap solution or a special stone cleaning agent. Cleaning them daily is recommended especially if the stone floors get high amounts of foot traffic.
4. Aside from cleaning stone floors daily, you should also perform a deep clean periodically to get rid of any stubborn stains. The number of times you perform deep cleanings will be determined mostly by whether you have kids and pets.
5. Spot cleaning should be performed immediately in case of an accidental spill. Don’t allow stains to stay on the stone floors for long. Tend to them immediately with a moderately strong detergent solution (or a poultice for stubborn stains).
In addition to giving them the right care, you should also be careful not to do things that may cause damage to them or lower their lifespan. It is not recommended that you:
• Mop your natural stone floors with commercial cleaners unless it is safe for use on marble and granite surfaces.
• Vacuum natural stone floors with equipment that has faulty or missing wheels.
• Use vinegar, lemon juice, and other acid-based cleaners to clean natural stone floors of all kinds, whether it’s onyx, limestone, travertine, or marble as they can cause irreparable damage to them.
Bottom Line
Remember, accidental spills should be cleaned up immediately to avoid permanent staining or discoloration. Always place coasters under your glasses especially if they contain citrus juices or alcohol. Some foods may contain acids that can dull the surface of natural stone, so be careful not to spill anything on floors made from calcareous stones (travertine, onyx, marble). Hot items or items that can scratch the stone surface should also be placed atop mats and trivets to avoid causing damage.
Many of us may think that using other household cleaning solutions may also work for cleaning stone floors, but that can result in irreparable damages. Homeowners with natural stone floors should avoid cleaning stone floors with vinegar, lemon juice, or any other acidic solution. Instead, they should use mild soap solutions with water and clean frequently.