Natural Stone | Maintenance

In a way, Mother Nature has taken care of your natural stone flooring for millions of years. Now it’s your turn. Here’s what you need to know about caring for your beautiful natural stone today and maintaining its timeless look for many tomorrows. Plus, knowing what’s expected of you regarding upkeep can be a determining factor in which type of natural flooring you choose to buy. Get to know exactly how to take care of your natural stone investment and it will reward you and your home for many years to come. Time spent caring for your stone floors will help maintain its classic beauty and unique personality for years to come.

• use walk-off mats or area rugs on either side of exterior entrances
• choose a mat with a non slip backing
• mats need to be kept clean
• sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces
• floors should be dust mopped frequently
• damp mop your natural stone floor
• do not use any acids with vinegar or household cleaners
• do not use products that contain lemon juice, vinegar or other acids
• avoid using products that contain abrasive cleaners, cleansers (dry or soft) or any ammonia-based cleaners
• do not use retail grout cleaners, scouring powders or bathroom tub and tile cleaners on your stone
• don't mix bleach and ammonia
• rinse the floor thoroughly and dry the surface with a soft, clean cloth
• always blot spills immediately
• vacuum cleaner attachments are also useful for hard to reach areas
• to remove algae or moss from your stone in outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution
• call on your local retailer to suggest specialty products designed for use on your stone floors
• it is your responsibility to properly maintain caulking in heavy water-use areas
• take care when moving heavy objects across your stone floor
• cover furniture and table legs with protectors to guard your floor against damage
• each stone has different levels of susceptibility to staining
• sealing your stone is a must
• If you accidentally damage or stain your floor, products are available that may resolve your problem