Stone maintenance

Sand, dirt, and grit are abrasive and will do the most damage to natural stone surfaces. Floors should be dust mopped frequently using a clean, non-treated, and dry dust mop or broom. A vacuum cleaner can be used, and is helpful, especially on textured floors. Make sure it is in good condition and has no beater bar to avoid scratching your beautiful floor. Vacuum cleaner attachments are useful for hard to reach areas.

Use walk-off mats or area rugs on either side of entrances to collect loose dirt before it reaches your stone floor. Make sure that the underside of the mat or rug has a non-slip surface. These mats need to be kept clean, so shake them off frequently.

Damp mop your natural stone floor to keep it looking beautiful for life.

Spills should be blotted immediately. A neutral pH detergent or pure soap (such as Liquid Ivory) and warm water can be used for spills or periodic complete cleaning. Be sure to rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water and dry the surface with a soft, clean cloth. Be careful, too much cleanser or soap can leave a film and cause streaks.

Do not use products that contain lemon juice, vinegar, or other acids on marble, limestone, or travertine.

You should avoid using products that contain abrasive cleaners or any ammonia-based cleaners on any stone. These products will dull its luster.

Also, do not use retail grout cleaners, scouring powders, or bathroom tub and tile cleaners on your stone.

Continued maintenance

You should know that once your natural stone is installed, you’ll need to properly maintain caulking in heavy water-use areas to prevent damage. Also, take care when moving heavy objects across your stone floor to avoid scratching or chipping. Cover furniture and table legs with felt protectors to guard your floor against damage. Each type of stone has its own level of porosity. That means that some stone floors are more susceptible to staining than others. Based upon your lifestyle and the type of stone you choose, sealing your stone may be an option to consider. We recommend that the sealing be performed by a reliable professional. To learn more about the beautiful natural stone flooring that we carry, visit Heath Flooring Concepts in Dallas here where we proudly service the areas of Cartersville, Rome, Acworth, Hiram, and Powder Springs. Request a free estimate