Most stone surfaces can be brushed with a soft brush, or gently vacuumed with the correct hard floor attachment. You'll need to make sure the vacuum cleaner itself is in good condition and that there is no risk of the stone floor being damaged by worn, rough-edged wheels and attachments.
Prone to water damage: Stone flooring is susceptible to water damage. Natural stone can easily stain, scratch and chip when exposed to water. It makes falls more dangerous: The natural strength of stone flooring can make slip and fall accidents more hazardous as there is less cushioning from the floor.
As you mop, check the pad for dirt. If the pad is getting dirty, change it out for a new one, never let the pad get too dirty. Always carry clean mop pads in a bucket with solution. The microfiber scrubber mop pad is perfect for stone floors, since it is aggressive without being abrasive!
Another factor is the use and traffic the floor receives. Some stone floors may take as long as seven years before you decide you need to give them a deep clean and a reseal. 'Stone floors certainly aren't as high maintenance as needing to be resealed every six months,' says Aidan.
Natural stone material, granite and marble floors are beautiful additions to any home, however, care must be taken to keep them clean and free of damage. Although strong and hard, these surfaces are very porous and the surface can be easily stained and the polish marred.
Stone is very durable, it won't date but will improve with age, it is very traditional and will work with any design scheme as your interior fashions change over the years. Getting the basics right will make your life easier in the long term. Some stone can be used outside and indoors – e.g. Slate/ Limestone.
What are the key things you need to know to clean stone floors safely? 'Don't over-mop and don't use too much water ,' say the experts at Beswick Stone. 'This is the number one cause of dirty, stained floors. Lock up the mop and get it out once a week.
But a long lifespan means you might never have to replace your flooring again. These floors can last up to 100 years or more with ease, giving you plenty of time to enjoy their benefits. A professional installation is the best way to get the most out of your natural stone flooring.
You should vacuum and sweep your stone floors as frequently as possible. Tiny particles, like dust and dirt, can get trodden into the stone, causing scratches. A regular vacuum or soft-bristled broom are sufficient for sweeping up dirt and debris.
The hard flooring material is durable, easy to clean, stain-resistant, and cooling underfoot. Natural stone can also be used in homes with heated flooring. How long does stone flooring last? With proper care and maintenance, natural stone can last for up to 30 years.
What Floors Are Safe For Use? Swiffer SteamBoost powered by BISSELL is safe on most floor types. You can use it on marble & stone, ceramic tile, vinyl & linoleum, finished wood & laminate.
Clean Your Surfaces Consistently
To tidy things up, be sure to clean the flooring daily with a dry mop and a pH-balanced cleaner. Although natural stone is a tough material, it actually calls for a mild type of cleaner because an acidic or abrasive one will most likely cause scratches to appear.
Fill a recepient of warm water and use only water, or mix it with a small amount of neutral liquid “All-Purpose-Cleaner”, detergent or cleaning solutions specific for stone. Change the solution when it starts to get dirty. Dip a microfiber towel, a duster or a mop into the water mixture and start cleaning.
In general, stone flooring tends to be more suitable than wood in the more used rooms of a house, particularly the kitchen, bathroom and dining room where its toughness, ease of cleaning and versatile, enduring aesthetic make for a long lasting, beautiful solution.
Plank Vinyl
If you're looking for a realistic hardwood or stone alternative, plank vinyl is the cheapest choice for rivaling the look of pricier flooring. And unlike sheet vinyl, planks come in small sizes, making the entire installation process easier.
It's essential to only use cleaners which are appropriate for natural stone surfaces. This means avoiding using vinegar. Stones like limestone, marble, or travertine will react to vinegar because it's an acidic cleaner with harsh effects. It can even lead to burning or etching to occur on the surface of the stone.
Steam cleaning can cause a condition known as spalling. Since most stone is porous, the high temperature of steam cleaning can cause pressure within the stone, which can lead to pitting and/or flaking of the surface of the stone.
For most floors, condensation is the main reason for the sweating, especially in warm weather. When warm humid air from outside comes into contact with the cold concrete the air rapidly cools and condenses on the surface causing the wetness.
However, as we approach the colder months, we here at UK Slate know that it can feel impossible to keep warm. Stone has a natural habit of being a bit chilly in winter, due to its high thermal conductivity, however, this is something that can be used to your advantage with some smart thinking.
The short answer to this is yes. Because natural stone tiles are porous to different degrees, all do require some surface sealer over time. This will help extend the life of your tiles and really get the most out of your investment.
Because natural stone is, well, natural, it's one of the more expensive tile options. Their luxurious look makes the expense worth it if the budget allows for it. Ceramic tile is one of the most affordable options available today. The prices do range depending on the style, finish and grade of the ceramic tile chosen.
Use a 1/2 cup of any of the following: ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide and a gallon of water. Reminder: do not mix bleach and ammonia. On light colored stones, clean with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. On dark colored stones, clean with lacquer thinner or acetone.
The best way to keeping stone floors shiny is by maintaining them regularly by vacuuming and mopping to keep dirt and grit off the floor. This will not only keep you from having to perform more aggressive stone floor services too often, but will save your customers money in the long run.
Use A Microfiber Damp Mop
With modern microfiber mops, there is no need to use a mop and bucket on your stone floors. Old style cotton mops are unhygienic and inefficient. They leave most of the soil on the surface of the floor. They are one of the main causes of dirty grout lines.