Nothing adds the feeling of luxury to a home quite like stone tile flooring. Entryways with marble floors or kitchens with granite look impressive and can greatly increase the value of a property. But despite the timeless appeal and beauty of stone tiles, many homeowners hesitate to install stone tile flooring because they are uncertain of the care and maintenance it requires. Fortunately, the striking beauty of stone floors can be long-lasting with simple, consistent care, and these tips from Carolina Flooring Services on how to clean stone tile floors.
How to Clean Stone Tile Floors
- Stone tile floors should be swept daily to remove sand and dirt. Be sure to sweep along the grout lines to remove particles that have fallen between the tile. If you choose to use a vacuum, be sure to use a soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the tile.
Stone tile should be “deep cleaned” once a week. To do so, first mix warm water with a few drops of a mild soap – not a detergent. Gently scrub along the grout lines using a soft bristled brush or sponge. A tooth-brush will work best for fine lines.- Dip a sponge mop into the warm water and soap dilution and ring out. The mop needs only to be damp, not soaking. Mop the stone tile floor, then rinse out the mop.
- Dip the clean mop into fresh, soap free water and go over the floor again. This will remove any soapy residue that could dull the luster of your stone tile floor.
- Take a soft rag and dry the surface of your floor. Stubbornly stained floors may require a stronger cleaning agent than mild soap. Heavily diluted ammonia can be used to clean stubborn stains, but should be used sparingly as it can also dull the surface of stone tile.
Protecting your Stone Tile Floors
- Be sure that your stone tile installer has sealed the floor after installation. This will protect the fragile tiles from chipping and staining.
- Always use manufacturer recommended products on your floor. Avoid acidic cleaning products, such as those that use vinegar or lemon juice, as these can damage stone tiles.
- Wipe up any spills immediately. Stone tile is very porous, meaning that spills can be absorbed by and stain the tile.
- Placing mats at entrance ways will prevent dirt from spreading across your tile floors. The fine particles of dirt and sand are abrasive to stone tile.
- When moving furniture across stone tile floors, always lift – don’t drag! Placing felt pads on the legs of your furniture also prevents accidental scraping.
Interested in having stone tile floors installed? Contact us today! At Carolina Flooring Services, we offer a variety of tile options in different stone types, shapes, colors and textures. If stone tile is not for you, we also offer a full range of ceramic tile, as well as vinyl, laminate, hardwood and carpet – everything you need to create a comfortable, beautiful home!
Photo Courtesy of: Bark