Cleaning A Natural Stone Floor

If you need a stronger cleaner for stubborn or ingrained dirt then chose the right cleaning product for the stone.

Cleaning a natural stone floor.

One major rule of thumb for a stone floor cleaner is to avoid anything acidic. Natural stone will absorb the seal quicker in some areas than it does in others even on the same tile one half may absorb all the seal and next to it the seal will sit on the surface. Wash the floors by starting at the outermost corner of the room and working methodically towards the room exit. The ideal cleanser is a ph neutral product meaning that it s around a 7 on the alkaline acidity scale.

Also make sure to rinse the floor with clean water after using a strong cleaner. Anything more alkaline might not get the floor clean. I also use them to great effect on riven slate floors and other areas with a textured finish. To clean stone tile floors remove any oil based stains by dabbing them with a cotton ball soaked in acetone and then rinsing the area with water.

It is one of the best methods for cleaning porous natural stone floors like unfilled and honed travertine and other types of honed limestone and marble. When you have loosened the dirt with hot water the wet vac just sucks all the dirt out of the stone. A steam mop is another safe tool to clean up and sanitize natural stone floors. Natural stone will require some maintenance to keep it looking its best.

Wet mop the solution onto your stone flooring for routine cleaning. Dilute detergent with water in a ratio of 1 5 and apply generously with a sponge. Then rinse the area with water. To protect your natural stone floors dust them daily with a clean untreated dry dust mop to keep them free of abrasive sand dirt grit or debris.

Use a long handled squeegee for larger areas. Anything more acidic can damage the surface of your natural stone floor. Apply an even coat over every inch of the stone working it back and forth into the stone until it is fully absorbed into the stone. For water based stains rub the floors with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia using a soft cloth or sponge.

For other helpful cleaning tips. Allow the floors to air dry. When cleaning and sealing real stone floors use a detergent formulated for calciferous stone travertine marble or limestone as general floor cleaner may contain acid that can etch the surface. Here are a few places where you can find out about stone cleaning.