Stone tiles are often associated with outdoor patios. However, with the advent of modern production techniques, natural stone tiles have made their way indoors as a great alternative to hardwood floors. Stone tiles are durable, beautiful, and easy to maintain, as long as the proper care is provided. Here is the natural stone floor maintenance checklist:
Cleaning: Dust particles are everywhere. Floating in the air, they inevitably end up on the floor and accumulate in the minute pores on the surface of the stone. Over time, these particles will act as an abrasive and gradually grind the stone floor down whenever it’s being walked on. This dirt should be removed by using any of the following methods:
- Mopping – Use a dry and soft mop to sweep the natural stone floor every day. Once a week, use a damp mop soaked with the special detergent that is suitable for your stone floor.
- Vacuuming – A vacuum may be used, provided it operates without a rotating brush. If there are any carpets or mats, they should be vacuumed as well.
Prevention: The best way to increase the lifespan of a stone floor is to minimize its exposure to dirt and other corrosive agents in the first place, which is done by creating a clean interior. Doing so also reduces cleaning costs, creates a healthy working environment, and helps the floor tremendously. This can be done with the help of:
- Mats – Installing mats at key locations and making sure all foot traffic goes over them will benefit the stone floor over the long run. It takes around 10 steps for a walking person to shed the dirt that is being carried on its footwear, which means mats should be spaced evenly at this distance.
- Air conditioning – Even something as simple as a properly functioning AC unit will help the stone floor retain its original look and texture long after installation. The key is in having a controlled environment so that the moisture and dirt particles are always kept under control.
- Sealing – If a spill occurs, the stone floor will quickly absorb any liquids, possibly leading to permanent staining. The solution is to use a stone sealing agent, which will form a firm bond with the surface of the stone floor and prevent liquids from seeping into the stone.
