Natural stone flooring, with its unique beauty and durability, adds a touch of luxury to any home. However, maintaining its natural beauty requires proper care and cleaning.
Over time, dirt, spills, and foot traffic can dull the stone’s surface and even cause long-term damage if not properly addressed. This is why regular cleaning is essential to preserve the elegance and longevity of your natural stone floors and protect your initial investment.
5 Reasons to Regularly Clean Your Natural Stone Floors
There are various reasons to clean natural stone floors. Let’s explore why keeping your stone flooring clean is crucial and how doing so will prevent staining, wear, and other costly repairs over time.
1. The Stone Is Porous
Natural stone is a porous material with tiny holes and crevices that can easily absorb dirt, liquids, and other debris. If left uncleaned, this grime can penetrate deep into the stone, leaving behind stains that may be impossible to remove. Over time, this absorption will weaken the stone, making it more prone to chipping and cracking.
In addition, certain acidic substances that come into contact with the flooring can create etching when absorbed, further damaging the stone’s appearance. Because of this, it’s important to regularly clean the stone and remove any contaminants before they seep into it, thereby preserving its beauty and strength.
2. Your Flooring Experiences Heavy Traffic
Natural stone flooring endures a lot of wear and tear over time in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens, entryways, and hallways. Dirt, sand, and other abrasive materials from shoes can get tracked onto the floor, scratching its surface. Even the most durable stone can become dull and worn if not properly maintained.
Routine cleaning helps eliminate dirt particles from foot traffic, reducing the risk of scratches and preserving the floor’s polished finish. Additionally, keeping your floors free of dirt can enhance their safety by making them more slip-resistant.
3. Your Flooring Can Become Heavily Stained
If natural stone flooring isn’t sealed or the sealant has worn off, it can be prone to staining. Spills from oil, wine, coffee, or other substances can quickly seep into the stone and leave hard-to-remove stains. This risk is the highest in kitchens and bathrooms, where spills are more common.
You should remove any potential staining agents by cleaning your natural stone flooring before the stone absorbs them. It’s important to spot-treat any stains as soon as they occur, as this will help maintain the stone’s appearance and prevent permanent discoloration.
4. The Stone Loses Its Luster Over Time
Over time, your natural stone flooring may lose its luster. Even the most maintained stone flooring may be subject to this if not regularly cleaned and cared for. Daily wear combined with dirt and spills can dull the stone’s surface.
By regularly cleaning the floors and removing dirt buildup, you can help restore their natural shine. In addition, using proper cleaning techniques and products designed specifically for natural stone can help protect its finish, allowing it to retain its original brilliance for years to come.
5. Bacteria Can Build on the Stone
In areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or other spaces prone to moisture, natural stone flooring can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew if it’s not properly cleaned. Because stone is porous, moisture can penetrate the surface, creating the perfect environment for these harmful microorganisms to thrive.
Bacteria buildup on flooring can compromise the cleanliness of your home and even pose health risks to your family—particularly those with allergies or respiratory issues. To remove harmful contaminants and promote a healthier, cleaner living environment, regularly clean your natural stone flooring with the appropriate products.
How to Clean Your Natural Stone Flooring
Caring for your natural stone flooring requires specific protocols to ensure it doesn’t incur any damage and maintains its natural beauty and durability. By using the correct care and cleaning procedures, you can ensure your natural stone floors remain in pristine condition for years to come.
Daily Maintenance
It’s important to clean your natural stone flooring to keep it looking its best. For everyday cleaning, use a soft-bristle broom or microfiber dust mop to remove dirt, dust, and debris. You can also use a vacuum to remove these particles.
Mopping
Use a pH-neutral natural stone flooring cleaner for routine mopping, such as Rock Doctor’s Flooraid Multi-Surface Liquid Floor Cleaner. Avoid acidic or harsh chemical cleaners, such as vinegar, lemon juice, or ammonia, as these can etch or dull the stone’s surface.
When mopping, stick with microfiber mop pads and change them as needed to prevent excess dirt from damaging the stone.
Cleaning Spills
Because natural stone is prone to staining, cleaning up spills as soon as they happen is crucial. It’s better to blot the stain up rather than wipe, as blotting will only spread it further. Once the spill is absorbed, clean the area with Rock Doctor’s cleaner and dry thoroughly.
Deep Cleaning
You should deep clean your natural stone flooring every few months to remove stubborn dirt. To remove additional grime, clean tile crevices and grout lines with Rock Doctor’s Tile and Grout Cleaner.
By following these cleaning practices and being mindful of the products you use, you can preserve the beauty, longevity, and structural integrity of your natural stone floors.
Rock Doctor makes natural stone care easy! We have a full list of products to ensure your natural stone flooring is properly maintained and cleaned. Shop online today, or find us at these local retailers.
