Natural stone is a good choice for flooring as it comes with many benefits. Not only is it easy to maintain, but it is also aesthetically pleasing. However, most homeowners do not know that even though stone flooring does not require a lot of maintenance, they have to follow a regular stone care regimen to maintain the floor’s fresh look. Here are some helpful tips on caring for natural stone flooring and how to avoid the “dry” look.
Know Your Stone Floor
One of the mistakes most natural stone floor owners make is cleaning their floors using techniques that work for other floor types. Stone floors are unique in their own way, and the type of cleaning varies depending on which stone floor you have. Granite floors, for example, are different from marble or travertine. Porcelain floors are also different from Victorian clay ones. Knowing the makeup of your natural stone floor will help you clean it better.
Dry Sweeping
One of the easiest ways of cleaning natural stone floors is by doing a regular dry sweep. This can be done at least once a day to get rid of dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Dirt not only makes the floor dirty but also gives it a dry look. It also damages the surface of the stone as well as the sealer.
Mopping
Apart from dry sweeping, you can also dry mop your natural stone floor. Depending on how easily the floor gets dirty, you may have to do it once or twice a day. If you have children or pets or reside in a dusty area where soil easily gets into your space, you might consider doing it more frequently. Using a microfibre damp mop is ideal as it captures the dust and grit while leaving your stone floor hygienic and without any grout lines.
Use Rugs and Carpets
Caring for your stone floor can also be as easy as protecting the surface using a rug or carpet. Entrance mats and rugs are especially ideal for keeping dust from entering your indoor space. Carpets and area rugs also protect the surface from daily wear and tear and might also be an alternative to cleaning your floor regularly. All you have to do is clean every once in a while and clean your carpets regularly.
Use a Stone Cleaner
Instead of cleaning your floor with just any detergent, it is advisable to use a special kind of cleaner suitable for natural stone. One of the best cleaners in the market is MB-1 Floor Amore, which is a slightly alkaline detergent designed for stone floors. The highly concentrated detergent not only cleans your floor of dirt but also leaves it protected and “moisturized.” It is the best solution for dull-looking floors. All you have to do is mix the cleaner in the recommended proportions and clean your floor. The good news is that you do not have to rinse off the detergent because the formula contains salts that are designed to protect your floor and give it a shine.
Consider a Stone Sealer
Some homeowners only sweep or mop their floors, thinking that using a floor sealer would prevent their natural stone from breathing. The truth is that many products and dirt particles soak into your floor or stick to it, making it look dull over time. To prevent this from happening, you should consider using a sealer that is suitable for natural stone floors. Some are topical in nature, while some are impregnating or penetrating sealers. A good sealer can prolong the life of your floor, sealing it off from dirt, dyes, oil, or even water that may damage it over time.
Apply Polish
Another option for getting rid of a dry-looking floor is to add some shine to it by polishing it. This can be done using a buffing machine or a powder containing aluminum oxide. It is important to add a layer of stone conditioner to ensure that the surface does not crack.
Stone care and maintenance can be tricky if you do not know what to do to care for your floor. But with these simple and easy-to-do tips, you can easily give your floor a rejuvenated look.