How to Clean Natural Stone + Tile Floors

You made the leap, and you are now the proud owner of beautiful natural stone or tile floors. To keep them looking pristine and beautiful all year round, you will need to follow a regular maintenance schedule. If you are unsure where to start or need a refresher, we have some great tips and tricks on how to clean your natural stone and tile floors. Let’s take a look!

Cleaning Natural Stone + Tile Floors:

1. Regular Maintenance and Upkeep.

To keep your tile or natural stone floors in their prime, you will want to routinely sweep, vacuum, or dust them. By doing so, you can help remove the dirt and dust that has gathered on top of your floors, and this will prevent any future scratching or dulling.

2. Weekly Wipe Down.

In heavy traffic areas, it is important to wipe down your tile or natural stone weekly. You will want to use a dampened mop or a steam mop to help you clean. You will also want to find a cleaner that is approved by your tile/natural stone manufacturer to ensure compatibility. After using a cleaner, you will want to rinse down the area to get rid of any left behind residue.

3. Things to Avoid:

1.  After installation, you will not want to use a damp mop/steam mop on your floors until 3 days have passed. If you do, it can cause grout damage because it needs the time to dry and cure itself.
2. Do not leave an abundant amount of water sitting on top of your new floors. The excessive water can potentially cause an accidental slip or fall and even dull the surface of your floors. 
3. Do not use detergent or soap on your tile or natural stone. These products can produce mildew on the surface.
4. Avoid acids, kinds of vinegar, chlorines, and ammonia-containing cleaners. The chemicals within these cleaners can cause damage or discoloration on the surface or grout of your flooring. 

4. Keep Your Floors Protected.

Protect your flooring’s future by using furniture pads underneath of your pieces. Be aware that metal furniture placed outdoors can cause potential rusting and even staining. By using furniture pads, you can help reduce the odds of this happening. Also, be sure to buy a dye-free pad to avoid having any color transfer. Lastly, be sure to add doormats in front of your home’s entryways to catch dirt at the source.

We hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks! Be sure to check out our other blog posts for additional advice.