Stone Floor Care

Stone Floors – marble, slate, granite or limestone exude richness and have a timeless appeal. They give the house a luxurious feel that can last for decades if the flooring is maintained and cared for. As compared to other flooring options like linoleum or tiles or even carpeting, stone flooring is easier to maintain. Unlike the more economical flooring options, Stone Flooring does not wear out or damage easily. All it requires is a little care to keep your stone flooring as good as new.

Installing Stone Floor

Care for Stone Floors begins right at the time of installation. It is essential to ensure proper installation of the flooring to keep your floor and yourself beaming. If the floor is suitably installed it does not crack easily and has a smooth even surface. If you are willing to pay for expensive flooring like stone it is a sound idea to hire a professional to install the flooring. But if you have always believed in the power of your own hands and regard installation as a trivial challenge, then go ahead. However, before you begin, remember to read a DIY guide book with stepwise details and Dos and Don’ts.

Sealing the Stone Floor

Staining is a major issue with stone floors because of their porous nature. Once the flooring is installed, it has to be properly sealed. Using the right sealants, makes the stone flooring less susceptible to stains and increases its life manifolds. Different varieties of stone differ in their staining properties. Limestone stains easily and requires a lot of care while installation and sealing. On the other hand Granite is less prone to staining and remains as such for years. Surface and impregnating sealants are commercially available. The impregnating sealants penetrate to the subsurface layers and are more effective and durable.

Maintenance of Stone Floors

• Dust, grit and dry sandy soil are the bête noir of Stone Floors. They have an abrasive action on the stone surface. With increasing footfalls the stone gets scratched and gradually loses its natural sheen. Make sure that you place foot mats or rugs at the entrance and in areas where more traffic is expected. This will help to prevent scratches.
• Your best weapon against dust is of course the good old broom or dust mop. Use it daily and with care to keep your stone floors dust free. A soft broom can be used for normal floors and a medium soft one for textured stone flooring. When you sweep the floor with a broom or dust mop, some of the dust manages to trick you and stays behind. To remove traces of dust one needs to wipe the floor clean. Use warm water and a non abrasive soft cloth or sponge for this purpose. You could add a few drops of a neutral cleanser to the water. Wring the cloth well to remove extra water and wipe the stone surface.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and detergents as they can permanently damage the floor. Natural cleaning agents like vinegar and lemon, acids and scouring powder are to be totally avoided.
• Stone Floors can stain easily so be very careful with spillage. If you drop or spill anything wipe it immediately. Clean the area with warm soapy water and wipe dry to prevent stains.
• Stones like marble lose their natural sheen with use. Periodic polishing and honing of stone floors keeps their look intact. The floors should be polished regularly, depending on the level of abuse and care the flooring is subjected to. Sealers can be applied annually, to keep the stone flooring bright and shiny.

Stone Floors add a touch of style to any home. They do not tear or chip like other floorings. They do not require laborious maintenance nor do they need expensive cleaners. A little care is all you need to make your stone floor the object of everyone’s envy!

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