Stone flooring is very easy to care for. They require less regular maintenance than many types of flooring, so you won't
have to do much to make sure your stone floors look great! The key point to keep in mind when taking care of your stone
floors is that all stone floors are different. That's why it's important to get exact instructions on how to properly care
for the particular type of stone flooring you buy. That way you can prevent any problems before they happen! It's also
recommended that you seal new stone floors with an impregnating sealer. Be careful what sealer you
select, however, because some may alter the color of the stone.
Stone Floor Care Products
Prevention and Maintenance
- Place mats or area rugs at outside entrances to collect sand, dirt, and dust and prevent it from reaching your stone
floor. Be sure to choose mats with non–slip surfaces and backings.
- Get specific advice from the manufacturer or retailer on how to take care of your stone floor. Since some stones are
more porous then others, most types of stone flooring have more specific cleaning instructions, especially highly polished
stone floors.
- If you're installing stone floors in a wet area like a bathroom, be sure to properly maintain the caulking in order to prevent potential damage to the
floor or sub–floor.
- Add protectors to the legs of furniture and tables.
- When moving furniture or other heavy objects across stone flooring, lift them, rather than dragging them.
- Depending on what kind of stone floor you choose, you may need to have a sealer applied. Consult the retailer or
manufacturer to find out before you purchase.
Care and Cleaning
- If you notice dirt accumulating, you can dust mop your stone floor using a clean, untreated dry dust mop or broom.
- Damp mopping your stone flooring occasionally will keep it looking great. Consult the manufacturer or retailer on what
stone floor cleaners they recommend. After mopping, thoroughly rinse the floor and dry it off with a clean, dry cloth. Be
careful not to use too much cleaner, which may leave a film behind. Change the rinse water as needed while mopping.
- Spills should be blotted up immediately. If spot cleaning is needed, use warm water and the manufacturer's recommended
cleaner, pure soap, or a neutral pH detergent.
- Don't use abrasive cleaners, dry or soft cleansers, ammonia–based products, grout cleaners, scouring powders, or
bathroom tub and tile cleaners on your stone floor. These can all potentially dull your floor.
- Avoid using cleaners that contain vinegar, lemon juice, or similar acids on limestone, marble, or travertine floors.
- If you need to vacuum your stone floor, make sure you use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Use your vacuum
cleaner attachments to get into corners and other hard to reach spaces.
- Keep mats and area rugs clean by frequently shaking them out outside.
For immediate help from a flooring professional or fellow remodeler, you use our Flooring Forums.
