While there are various cheaper alternatives to real stone floors, none of them deliver the same unique look and feel. But, of course, this quality comes at a high price.
If you’re willing to meet that price, you need to know that your floor is going to be well protected from footfall, moisture and general wear and tear. And this is why it’s best to learn about caring for stone flooring before you install it.
Make no mistake, buying a stone floor is a huge investment. But if you look after it from day one, your floor should deliver a lifetime of faithful service.
It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of stone floors before paying such a high price. After all, you can always buy a quality laminate or vinyl stone-effect floor at a fraction of the price.
The benefits of real stone flooring
If you value natural colours and textures in your home, stone is the perfect flooring surface. This natural beauty is quite simply timeless. Not only that, it brings a little of the outdoors into your home. But there are also several practical benefits to consider.
For example, you can’t find a more durable flooring type. The likes of marble and limestone are strong and very resistant to everyday use, so you can usually look forward to decades of faithful service.
Stone flooring also requires minimal maintenance. Marble and Limestone in particular always stand the test of time — even in the busiest of homes. And both are exceptionally easy to clean. As long as you have the best vacuum cleaner for stone floors and a powerful steam mop, cleaning should be a quick and simple process.
Other benefits include:
- Water-resistant
- Suited to underfloor heating
- Great for keeping a room cool during periods of warm weather
- Natural patterning
- Hygienic
The dos and don’ts of caring for real stone flooring
There are several types of stone floor on the market today, including marble, slate, limestone, porcelain, travertine and terrazzo. And while each of them deliver their own unique set of aesthetic benefits, they all require looking after in pretty much the same way. Here are a few dos and don’ts of stone flooring care that should ensure your floors stand the test of time.
DO — Remove dust, grit and other debris from the flooring as quickly as possible. When tiny particles get trodden into stone floors, they have the potential to cause scratches and gouges. Make sure you vacuum your stone flooring once a day… even if you don’t think it’s necessary.
DO — Clean up spillages as soon as they happen. Not all stone is completely impervious to water. And if water gets into the seams between stone slabs, it can cause lifting and movement.
DO — Protect high-traffic areas with rugs and runners. However, make sure you use grips to stop them from moving around and causing slip and trip hazards.
DO — Vacuum real stone floors once a day, even if you can’t see dirt and stones.
DON’T — Clean real stone with abrasive cleaners such as multi-purpose cleaners.
DON’T — Clean real stone floors with acidic substances such as vinegar and lemon juice. These substances work brilliantly on other surfaces, but they can react with stone and cause serious damage.
DON’T — Clean your stone floor without checking the manufacturer’s instructions. Certain chemicals and chemical combinations can cause permanent damage.
Important stone floor cleaning tips
The first thing to do is ensure that you have the best cleaning agents and tools for the job. The most important thing you should look for is the best vacuum cleaner for real stone flooring. Ideally, it should have a hard floor setting, which protects the floor from friction damage using a set of soft brushes. You should also look for something with a soft-bristle attachment.
Depending on the type of stone and how it’s sealed, you should benefit from a powerful steam mop. The latest models are designed to use a minimal amount of water, ensuring floors are dry to the touch a few seconds after cleaning. Other items to stock up on include microfibre cloths, soft-bristle brushes, dustpans and cleaning wipes.
In most cases, you’ll need nothing more than a damp cloth to spot clean your floor. However, you may need a dedicated stone floor cleaner if you have to remove stubborn, greasy accumulations. Follow these care and cleaning tips to ensure your floor always looks its best:
Carry out preventative cleaning regularly
Get into the habit of vacuuming, sweeping and dusting your stone flooring every day. Or if you use the space frequently, after every use. For example, if you cook a meal, finish the clean-up operation by sweeping your floor and searching mess.
Mop daily
It’s up to you whether you use a traditional mop or a steam mop. If you use steam, the chances are you’ll never need a cleaning agent. Superheated steam cuts through dirt and grease, but it also kills the vast majority of bacteria. If you decide to use soap, make sure it’s vegetable-based.
Protect your floors
Despite your best efforts, the stone floor in your home will never be indestructible. In fact, a few stones trodden into it could cause some serious damage. To minimise the chances of this type of damage occurring, cover entrance ways with thick welcome mats. It’s also a good idea to use runners in halls and high-traffic areas.
Watch out for spillages
Cleaning your stone floors should be an ongoing process. Always stay vigilant when it comes to spillages, grease and mess. Stone can stain if spillages are allowed to fester, so clean up the moment you notice a problem.
Perform regular deep cleans
Regular, clean-as-you-go cleaning is essential, and it will keep your stone floors looking great for long periods. However, there will be times when a deep clean is required. Start by carefully clearing the room of furniture. And for the best results, use a steam mop to clean the floor in small sections. The floor should air dry within a few seconds.
Removing stains from stone floors
If your stone floor is sealed, stains are very unlikely. However, if you notice a stain, you should never attack it with harsh cleaning chemicals. Instead, apply a poultice using one of the following materials:
- Cotton balls
- Clay
- Gauze pads
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Saw dust
- Talc
- Diatomaceous earth
Before you apply your poultice, use a sponge or a microfibre cloth to gently blot the area with water and vegetable-based soap. Always use distilled water, and dry the area before you apply your poultice. Leave the poultice in place for at least 12 hours (overnight is usually easiest). And don’t make it too thick. It’s also a good idea to cover your poultice with a plastic sandwich bag or some cling film.
If the stain doesn’t budge, avoid the temptation to use strong cleaning chemicals. Instead, consult your flooring manufacturer or retailer — or call in the experts.
If you commit to caring for your stone floor from day one, it should continue looking fantastic for decades.
