First of all, it is important to analyze the reasons why stone floors are so incredibly popular. They look great, offer incredible versatility, and are extremely durable. They can offer a lifetime of service, if cared for properly. That’s why the following guide offers the key to proper care and ensures that your floors stay looking their best.
The key to regular cleaning is selecting the correct product formulations for your particular floor. Natural stone and handmade tiles can vary in their ability to deal with cleaning agents. A stone specific formulation is key and will ensure proper cleaning results are achieved without damaging your floor.
One tip to make sure your product selection is right for your floor is to test it in an inconspicuous area. Never use bleach and always apply the cleaning agent with a soft cloth or mop. Try not to get the floor too wet, and be sure to rinse off all residue. Residue left on the tiles will attract dirt and the result will be dirtier tiles than you started with.
Specific brushes are available to deep clean grout lines. Take care when cleaning the surface of your tiles as dirt can easily get into the grout lines. Grout is porous, so this means it will get dirty very quickly. Dirt takes root and can be a real challenge to remove. Grout brushes work to clean the grout without damaging it.
Stone floors, whether man-made or natural, experience general deterioration over time. This may mean that the surface seal has degraded. Therefore, a stone sealer may need to be applied to ensure that the tiles are equipped to repel daily wear and tear once again.
It is always advisable to seek the help of a professional stone cleaning and restoration specialist. The reason for this is that they are equipped with professional machinery and products to deep clean your tiles and grout before resealing the surface. They are also capable of completely restoring your stone floors, in case they are in such a deteriorated state. The ultimate goal of restoring your stone floors is to achieve the appearance of freshly laid tile (or as close to it as possible).
This process effectively removes all old surface coatings, repairs any damage to the tiles and grout, and polishes the surface of the tiles to reveal the intact surface below. Natural stone and handmade tiles require individual approaches as their care needs are very different. Part of this process is deep cleaning the grout lines and sealing them again to get your entire floor back to looking its best. The transformations can be amazing.
Caring for stone floors should be easy, and a carefully selected cleaning specialist will offer advice to ensure this. The process is cost effective and offers good value for money with peace of mind and great looking stone floors.
