How to Steam Clean Natural Stone Floors
Natural stone flooring offers a luxurious, unique look that will add to the aesthetic of your home. However, this beautiful floor covering does require a little extra care to keep it looking as good as possible.
Regular maintenance cleaning for stone floors includes sweeping, dust mopping and spot cleans as needed to remove dirt, grime and grease. As with other types of flooring, it is important to remove these materials before they can cause damage or stain the surface.
Using a dry microfiber dust mop is ideal for picking up coarse, loose debris from stone flooring. It is best to do this once a day or more often if the space is used frequently. In addition, it is important to protect high traffic areas with runners and mats to prevent movement that could lead to scratching or gouging the surface.
For a more thorough clean, the use of a steam mop is highly recommended. These handy devices can be used on sealed or unsealed natural stone and are able to remove more stuck-on materials than a traditional broom. They also provide a deeper clean by using heat to penetrate the surface and break down dirt and grime, rather than simply dispersing it into the air.
If you are going to use a steam cleaner on your natural stone floors, be sure to invest in one that is specifically designed for this type of material. You will want to avoid chemically-based products that will eat away at the surface or any products that contain acid, which can etch and dull the shine of polished stone.
The most common stains that can occur on natural stone are those caused by water and food. Generally, these are relatively easy to remove, particularly with the help of a specialist stone floor cleaner. However, it is also important to be vigilant and always clean up spillages as soon as they happen – even things like wine, coffee, orange juice and pet accidents can stain stone if left for too long.
Staining that cannot be removed through regular or daily cleaning should be addressed immediately as it is a sign that the sealant on the stone has begun to fail. If the staining is severe, a professional may be required to nix the affected area before applying another layer of sealant.
While it is always advisable to work with a reputable and experienced company when installing any type of flooring, this is especially true for natural stone varieties. With the right knowledge, training and experience, a natural stone specialist can help ensure that your investment is protected. This will ensure that your floors continue to look their best and last for many years to come. It can also save you the cost and inconvenience of having to replace your floor coverings with something else.
