Stone floor cleaning

Different types of stone are available for flooring and with common types being slate and limestone although there are many more to choose from.  The natural element of the stone combined with a variety of colours, shapes and finishes mean that stone is often chosen for purely aesthetic reasons.  It is often also chosen based on the fact that stone scores highly in terms of cost durability and is, compared to other types of flooring, relatively low maintenance.

Despite the inherent toughness of stone, it is still necessary to regularly clean and maintain it in order for it to keep looking good.  Stone floors imply a hefty investment so it is wise to invest a little time in order to protect it.  Cleaning the floor should not be particularly difficult as long as it is done regularly, but several tips need to be followed.

The first step is to seal the floor with a good quality sealant, which will offer an extra ‘barrier’ and help to protect the floor from staining and especially spillages.  Spillages can easily affect stone floors, no so much the stone itself (although they can become marked) but the tile grout used to fill the gaps between the tiles – it is a porous substance.  The sealant should be applied to an already clean floor and there are separate sealants for the grout.  It is important that the correct type of sealant is applied – if in doubt a stone floor cleaning specialist will be able to recommend one for you.

Once the floor has been sealed, it will need to be protected from surface scratching and abrasions.  Scratches can remove the sealant and expose the surface of the tiles and grout – this can often cause an uneven appearance.  Surface scratching is generally caused by particles of grit and dirt walked in on the soles of shoes as well as heavy objects, furniture and chair legs.  Placing doormats at entrances and using them as well as regular sweeping and vacuuming should remove the majority of this surface dirt, while care should be taken when moving heavy objects (lift – don’t drag) and padded tips should be applied at corners and sharp points.

Cleaning should be a relatively simple matter if the floor has been protected and the aforementioned steps followed.  It can involve no more than a mop and warm water with a little detergent, washing the floor and rinsing.  If you must use a cleaning product check it doesn’t contain any acid or bleach as this can mark and dis-colour the stone.  When the floor has been cleaned, every 3rd or 4th time you should consider re-applying a tile sealant.

If you notice a stain you cannot shift, or general dulling and an uneven unsatisfactory appearance you will probably need to consult a professional stone floor cleaning company.