Natural stone floor tiles can be a stunning accent in your home, though they do need proper maintenance in order to look their finest. Although we’ve covered how to clean and care for a stone countertop, it may (or may not!) surprise you that taking care of a stone floor is a little different. So, how should you get down and dirty? Let’s find out!
Why Stone Floor Tiles Need Special Care
First things first: what’s so special about taking care of floor tile? Although the stone may be exactly the same as the one used on your countertop or vanity top, the floor gets hit with a lot more dirt, grime, dust, sand. And other goodies we track into the house on our feet. These particles can be large and course, which can easily scratch natural stones like marble and limestone. Even vigorous sweeping can scrape particles across the stone and cause scratches, so you have to be careful — especially if your tiles are polished to a mirror shine.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Stone Floors
- Remove dirt and grime
Use a vacuum cleaner designed for hard floors to pick up dirt and sand without scratching the surface. If you use a broom, avoid stiff bristles that may cause scratches. Make a habit of cleaning at least once a week, or every 2–3 days, to prevent grime from embedding into the stone. - Mop carefully
Stone is porous and can easily stain from water and acids. Use a damp mop, not a soaking wet one, and avoid harsh cleaners or bleach. Unlike rugged outdoor pavers, indoor stone tiles have a smooth, refined finish and can be damaged by abrasive or acidic products. While mopping, avoid leaving puddles, and change the water frequently to ensure you’re not spreading dirty water around. - Apply stone cleaner
Use a specialized stone cleaner, available in supply shops or home improvement stores. Load it into a spray bottle and lightly mist the tiles. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions—usually, the cleaner needs to sit for a few minutes before rinsing with fresh, clean water. - Dry the stones
Do not air dry, as porous stones may absorb water or cleaner and stain. Instead, use soft paper towels to blot the tiles dry. This prevents long-term damage and keeps your stone floors looking their best.
Long-Term Maintenance and Pro Tips for Stone Floors
In addition to cleaning the tiles themselves, it’s also a good habit to check the grout and caulking every few months to look for damage. Any cracks in the material can cause water to seep under the tiles, which can cause mold and water damage to the sub flooring. Keep extra caulk and ground on hand to patch up any worn areas, which should only take a few moments to fix.
You’ll also need to re-seal your floor tiles, about one per year or so, with a penetrating sealer. This helps protect the finish and reduces the porosity of the stone, which, especially important if your stone tiles are installed in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom. In these cases, you might want to re-seal your tiles every 6–8 months to keep them in tip-top shape.
Finally, if your stone tiles have extensive grease damage or embedded dirt, you’ll want to call in the professionals for an intensive cleaning. They’ll have access to more heavy-duty cleaners and cleaning tools than you can likely find yourself, and they’ll be able to do the job without damaging the stone itself. So, if the cleaning job looks particularly tough, leave it to the professionals.
In addition to cleaning your stone tiles regularly, it’s a good idea to put mats both indoors and outdoors for people to while their feet on. Better yet, encourage your guests to remove their shoes when they enter your home to prevent scratches and tracking dirt and grime into the house. Finally, it’s inevitable that you’ll have a tile break or crack over the years. In that case, it’s a good idea to have an extra box of tiles in storage, so you can easily replace one that’s broken without having to worry about matching the other tiles.
Cleaning your natural stone floor tiles isn’t hard, though it can be a bit labor-intensive. Thankfully, you shouldn’t have to give your floors a deep cleaning like this every week, though it’s good to get in the habit of doing it ever few months, with lighter cleanings in between. Got a great tip for cleaning stone? Let us know in the comments!