Looking for tips on how to clean natural stone tile flooring? Discover effective techniques and gentle cleaning solutions to maintain the beauty and longevity of your stone tiles. Learn the dos and don’ts of natural stone tile cleaning and keep your floors looking pristine.
Know your Stone Tiles Types #
Here are some specific tips for cleaning different types of natural stone tile floors:
| Stone Type | Cleaning Method |
|---|---|
| Slate (Soft Stone) | Can be easily scratched. So DO NOT to use abrasive cleaners or brushes, as this could damage the surface of the stone. |
| Marble & Travertine (Soft Stone) | Use a mild detergent or a commercial cleaner to clean tile floors. DO NOT use any cleaners that contain bleach, ammonia, vinegar & lemon on Travertine floors. |
| Granite (Hard Stone) | Use a mild detergent or a commercial granite cleaner to clean granite tile floors. If you have a stubborn stain, you may need to use a stronger cleaner, but be sure to test the cleaner in small area first to make sure it does not damage the stone. |
Regular Cleaning #
- Sweep the floor with a soft broom.
- Mix warm water and mild detergent to prepare the cleaning solution.
- Mop the floor with the cleaning solution.
- Dry the floor with a clean cloth.
Advanced Cleaning #
If you need to clean tiles that are heavily stained or dirty, it is best to use a mild acid cleaner that is specifically designed for tiles cleaning. These Tiles cleaners are less corrosive than hard acids and are less likely to damage the tiles or grout.
Below are the some of the mild acid cleaners that you can prepare at home.
| Product Name | Effective in removing |
|---|---|
| Distilled white vinegar | dirts, grime, & hard water stains |
| Lemon juice | limescale & other mineral deposits |
| Borax | dirt, grime, & general stains |
Commercial Cleaners #
Commercial chemical solutions can restore the sparkle to your tiles, but their strong chemicals and acids may corrode the tiles over time. Consequently, relying on these cleaners regularly is not recommended. Additionally, this approach can be expensive for tile cleaning purposes.
Never Use Acids for Cleaning Stone Tiles #
You should NEVER USE hard acids for cleaning tiles because they can damage the tiles and grout. Hard acids, such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid, can etch or corrode the surface of tiles, especially those made of natural stone like marble, limestone, or travertine. Additionally, hard acids can weaken the grout and cause it to deteriorate over time.
Hard acids causes permanent damage to tiles
- Etches the surface of the tile to become dull and pitted. and make it more difficult to keep clean.
- Corrodes the surface of the tile to break down. which cause the tile to discolored, cracked, or even crumble.
Precautions for cleaning natural stone tile floors #
- Using harsh chemicals or cleaners that can damage the stone or diminish the stone beauty and luster.
- Do not use vinegar or lemon juice on marble or granite tile floors.
- Clean spills immediately to prevent the solution from penetrating into the stones.
- Seal the stone regularly to protect it from stains and damage.
