If you have installed natural stone flooring in your home, you need to make sure that it is properly cleaned to prevent stains and wear and tear. Fortunately, there are many steps that you can take to clean it.

Avoid acidic commercial cleaners

If you want to take care of natural stone floors, you shouldn’t use commercial cleaners that are acidic. These products have a negative impact on the look and feel of the surface. They erode the natural structure of the stone and cause discoloration.

One way to prevent this is to seal your natural stone surface. Sealants are water-proof and will prevent liquids from seeping into the pores of the stone. It’s also an important part of a regular maintenance plan.

Another common mistake is to use too much cleaning agent. Too much soap can leave streaks or a film. A diluted solution is a better option.

Acidic substances such as vinegar, ammonia, and bleach can etch some stones. To avoid this, you should opt for a cleaner that has a neutral pH.

Avoid abrasive cleaning tools

If you’re looking to keep your natural stone flooring clean and protected, you may want to avoid using abrasive cleaning tools. These may actually do more damage than good.

For example, scrubbing pads are not recommended for your stone floors. This is because they can scratch them. And while soap and water are popular cleaners, they can also etch the surface. Instead, you’ll want to use a mild liquid cleaner and a soft cloth.

If you do need to scrub, make sure you use a small scrubbing brush. This will help you remove any dirt from the grout lines. However, don’t do it too often. You’ll be left with a more difficult problem in the end.

Also, avoid using abrasive cleaners that contain acid. These can dull your stone and even damage your sealant.

Avoid oils or waxes

In order to keep your natural stone flooring looking its best, you need to clean it regularly. If you don’t, you will risk damaging your stone’s finish. The following tips will help you keep your natural stone looking like new.

You can use a special detergent formulated for natural stone surfaces. You should also avoid using cleaning solutions that contain harsh acids. For example, vinegar, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide can harm your stone.

When cleaning your stone, be sure to wear protective eyewear and a hard hat. Also, you should test products in an inconspicuous area before using them on your floors.

For stubborn stains, you can use a solution of baking soda and Acetone paste. Apply the solution to the stained area and let it sit for 24 hours. This will remove the stains without hurting your natural stone.

Remove stains with a damp cloth

A damp cloth can remove stains from natural stone flooring. However, not all stains can be removed by this method. Some stains will require chemical removal. The type of stain will also determine the type of stain remover that you use.

Oil-based stains can be cleaned with a liquid cleanser. Ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, mineral spirits, and baking soda are all good stain removers. For darker stones, lacquer thinner can be used.

Organic stains, which are caused by a variety of foods and drinks, are easy to remove. They are best treated with a dilute form of ammonia or hydrogen peroxide.

Rust stains are a little more difficult to remove. These stains can range from green to brown. If a stain is caused by metal, then the solution must be applied with a polishing pad.

Avoid excessive scrubbing

If you own a natural stone floor, you may be wondering if it’s okay to scrub too hard. After all, scrubbing is a common home improvement practice. However, excessive scrubbing can wear away at your stone and even cause color loss.

To avoid this problem, use a soft cloth or a mild cleaning solution. A microfiber mop is ideal. Alternatively, you can also use a soft broom. This allows you to remove dust without scratching the stone.

For a more thorough cleaning, you can use a vacuum. Using a vacuum is faster than using a broom. Just be sure to change the heads regularly. The last thing you want is to scratch your stone flooring.

One of the best ways to protect your stone is to invest in a mat or rug. This keeps dust from accumulating on the floor. Also, you should be sure to place the mats inside and outside your doorways.