A home is a place, where we live happily and safely with our loved ones, sharing cherished moments. It is a personal paradise built with the love and hard work of every family member. Therefore, it is crucial to keep it in the best condition by keeping the indoors clean and tidy to keep outdoor floors shiny.
This is especially important if the floors are made of natural stones. While these stones have many benefits such as appealing looks, strength and slip resistance, they need little care to last long.
In this blog, we will share a few tips and tricks for cleaning natural stone floors so they keep looking new and you from the hassle of expensive repairs or replacement sooner than expected.
Keep reading here!
Sealing
While installing the natural stone pavers and tiles, you have to make sure they are dip sealed. Since stones have naturally occurring pores, the sealing procedure will make them stain and moisture resistant.
Sealing creates a protective layer over the stone surface and minimizes the chances of damage. It also helps in the easy cleaning of the paving stones. Be it Travertine coping, Granite flooring, Sandstone pavers or any other flooring, sealing is a basic requirement for every natural stone before you think of its maintenance.
Regular Cleaning
Irrespective the stone is sealed, or the strength it has, regular cleaning is the key to its preservation. All you need to do is sweep the dirt and mop the stones with a damp cloth. Make sure not to use any harsh chemicals in the cleaning process.
You can use the regular water to complete the job. Washing with water helps clear the dust and grime settled on the surface or grout joints. Clearing debris regularly would also reduce the chances of staining. This is true for both indoor and outdoor floors.
Avoid pressure washing natural stone floors as it affects the sealing, opens the pores, weakens the grouting or any coating, and eventually leads to saturating the stone. In case it is unavoidable, keep the intensity low or go for hose washing. Mostly after pressure cleaning, the stones require sealing. It is hence advisable to avoid the same.
Stain Removal
There are various ways to remove stains from a natural stone. The process depends on the type of stain and the type of stone it is.
- The moment you notice a spill, clean it instantly, especially dark coloured and even slightest acidic liquids like wine, fruit juice, coffee, tea, or oily food items. Since natural stones are porous, they tend to absorb liquid spills and get stained before you know it. This is likely to happen in light-coloured stones like Limestone, Travertine, Marble or Sandstone. Therefore, we suggest you clean the stains with a damp cloth as soon as it happens.
- A simple solution of warm soapy water is enough to cleanse the stain from any stone flooring. Spread the solution on the stain, allowing it to rest for at least half an hour. Thereafter, gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush, the stain will be gone. In softer stones like Travertine and Marble pavers, replace the brush with a damp mop. This is universally accepted and a safe method of stain removal from natural stones.
- Never use acidic solutions or alkaline-based cleaners to get rid of the stains from natural stone floors. Such cleaners only cause more harm to the surface instead of removing the stains. It is suggested to read the label and manufacturer’s guidelines of the commercially available cleaners while buying. All cleaners should be pH neutral. Some chemicals are specially manufactured for some specific stones. Please discuss with the seller/retailer during purchase.
- For deeper stains, using baking soda is the safest option. Apply a paste of baking soda and water over the stain and leave it for 24 hours. Gently scrub the area and rinse it with plain water. Stains on Sandstone pavers, Travertine floor tiles, and Marble floors can easily be cleaned with a baking soda solution.
- There are lots of DIY videos available on the internet on cleaning natural stone floors with vinegar. Please be cautious while using vinegar because it strips off the natural colour of the stone, causing them to fade and make it look dull. Do not use vinegar especially, while cleaning Travertine floor or Marble stone. Moreover, diluted vinegar can still be used to clean Limestone and Bluestone floors.
- Moss, mould, and algae growth usually occur on floors in shaded areas, places with high humidity, or where natural light doesn't reach. To get rid of them, make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and poultice, apply to the affected areas, and leave it for 24 hours.
Scrub off the affected area with a semi-hard bristled brush. This would slow down future growth and get rid of the existing growth too. Diluted hydrogen peroxide works well on Sandstone, Marble, Bluestone, and Travertine. In the case of Granite floor, simply brush the area in dry condition. No solution is required to cleanse moulds or algae from Granite floor.
Summing Up
Using natural stone to enhance the beauty of your outdoor space is great if taken care of regularly. These stones can last for around 50 years depending upon their usage, foot traffic and maintenance.
Cleaning natural stone floors is as easy as placing the cherry on the cake if done regularly. You must make sure to follow all the special instructions for cleaning and maintaining the natural stone. We're insisting on regular cleaning because it reduces the chances of chipping, fading, cracking or any other sign of wear and tear. Another added benefit is that you don't have to invest much amount in replacements or repairs.
Furthermore, every stone has its own specific needs, the care and cleaning tips are almost similar. Just remember to keep the water pressure, acidic cleaners and liquids away. Read the labels of the cleaners carefully before purchasing them. Happy Cleaning and Shiny Floors!
FAQ's
- What is the best way to clean natural stone Floors?
- How to protect natural stone from staining?
- Why is sealing natural stone floors important?
- How often should I clean my natural stone floors?
- How can I prevent moss, mould or algae on my natural stone floors?
The best way to clean natural stone tiles or pavers is to mop them either with plain water or with soapy water.
The best way to prevent staining is to seal them. We recommend dip sealing before installation. You can do the resealing after every 2-3 years as a part of maintenance.
Sealing is an important process as it creates a protective layer on the stone’s surface. This coating further helps in preventing stains and moisture damage. It also makes cleaning easier and helps the stone look as good as new.
You should regularly sweep the floors and mop them with a damp cloth once or twice a week to remove any debris or dirt.
Clean damp or shaded areas with a hydrogen peroxide paste to get rid of algae or moss, then scrub with a semi-hard brush. This prevents the regrowth of moss and mould keeping the floors clean.
*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.
