How to Care for Your Stone Tiles
Find out how to keep different interior stone tiles spick and span for years and years to come
Stone floors or cladding, being made of a natural material, are highly durable and long-lasting. Whatever the stone –marble, granite, slate or any other – with simple cleaning and maintenance, one can keep up its sparkle and colour to match its longevity. According to stone types, I have listed simple maintenance tips that will go a long way in keeping it looking its best.
Marble
Marble is a high-end material and is a form of metamorphic rock. This stone is prone to scratching, staining and cracking due to its soft and porous nature. A quality sealer must be applied to the slabs after cutting to keep the absorption of chemicals in check. Further, polishing and re-polishing keeps the desired texture intact.
In addition to regular sweeping and mopping, diluted detergents in hot water can be used to deep-clean the stone tiles occasionally. Acidic cleaning agents are to be strictly avoided, as they tend to damage the sealant layer and corrode the stone. To avoid scratching, always use soft mops, brooms and towels while cleaning or washing marble surfaces.
Wondering how to choose the right marble for your floor?
Marble is a high-end material and is a form of metamorphic rock. This stone is prone to scratching, staining and cracking due to its soft and porous nature. A quality sealer must be applied to the slabs after cutting to keep the absorption of chemicals in check. Further, polishing and re-polishing keeps the desired texture intact.
In addition to regular sweeping and mopping, diluted detergents in hot water can be used to deep-clean the stone tiles occasionally. Acidic cleaning agents are to be strictly avoided, as they tend to damage the sealant layer and corrode the stone. To avoid scratching, always use soft mops, brooms and towels while cleaning or washing marble surfaces.
Wondering how to choose the right marble for your floor?
Granite
Granite is a hard and resilient stone. After following the daily cleaning routine, hot water with pH7-pH9 soaps can be used for removing stains on the tiles and grouts. High-quality, non-toxic sealers can increase the imperviousness of the tile, making spills harmless. It is suggested to use mats and rugs around the home to trap as much dust and dirt as possible, preventing it from scratching the stone tile surfaces.
A baking-soda and water poultice (a pasty, lotion-like mixture of materials) can be used to remove deeply settled stains on granite. Vinegar, lemon and other acidic cleaners can permanently etch the tiles, hence shouldn’t be applied. A solution of ammonia (in water) or mild soaps can be used during occasional cleaning drills.
Granite is a hard and resilient stone. After following the daily cleaning routine, hot water with pH7-pH9 soaps can be used for removing stains on the tiles and grouts. High-quality, non-toxic sealers can increase the imperviousness of the tile, making spills harmless. It is suggested to use mats and rugs around the home to trap as much dust and dirt as possible, preventing it from scratching the stone tile surfaces.
A baking-soda and water poultice (a pasty, lotion-like mixture of materials) can be used to remove deeply settled stains on granite. Vinegar, lemon and other acidic cleaners can permanently etch the tiles, hence shouldn’t be applied. A solution of ammonia (in water) or mild soaps can be used during occasional cleaning drills.
Slate
Similar to marble, this porous stone is soft and absorptive, making it highly vulnerable to scratching and discolouration. Sealants can block the pores in the tiles, preventing damage of the natural texture and colour.
Vacuum cleaners (on hard floor setting) and soft-bristled brushes or brooms should ideally be used for regular dry cleaning of slate stones. Soft mops or cotton mops with mild detergent solutions can be safely applied during deep cleaning. Warm soapy water or diluted hydrogen peroxide spray, with sponges and non-metal scrubbers can aid in removing stubborn stains.
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Similar to marble, this porous stone is soft and absorptive, making it highly vulnerable to scratching and discolouration. Sealants can block the pores in the tiles, preventing damage of the natural texture and colour.
Vacuum cleaners (on hard floor setting) and soft-bristled brushes or brooms should ideally be used for regular dry cleaning of slate stones. Soft mops or cotton mops with mild detergent solutions can be safely applied during deep cleaning. Warm soapy water or diluted hydrogen peroxide spray, with sponges and non-metal scrubbers can aid in removing stubborn stains.
6 Stone Floors Best Suited for Indian Homes
Sandstone
Sandstone is a very durable stone. The simple trick in maintaining the beauty of this stone material is to use sealer-friendly cleaning products. Rather than applying bleaches and washing liquids that wear out the sealant layer, pH-neutral solutions (like diluted soaps, ammonia, citric acid or acetic acid) work best in cleansing sandstone floors during daily as well as deep-clean routines. An intact sealant lets the floor always look beautiful and is easy to take care of, in the long run.
Sandstone is a very durable stone. The simple trick in maintaining the beauty of this stone material is to use sealer-friendly cleaning products. Rather than applying bleaches and washing liquids that wear out the sealant layer, pH-neutral solutions (like diluted soaps, ammonia, citric acid or acetic acid) work best in cleansing sandstone floors during daily as well as deep-clean routines. An intact sealant lets the floor always look beautiful and is easy to take care of, in the long run.
Cuddapah
The black variety of limestone, cuddapah or kadappa is hard, tight and relatively easy to maintain. Good-quality sealers make sure that the tiles are little affected by spills and foot traffic.
Besides daily sweeping and mopping, non-acidic cleansers and warm water can be used for deeper washing. A poultice of hydrogen peroxide (with flour) can get rid of harder stains effectively.
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The black variety of limestone, cuddapah or kadappa is hard, tight and relatively easy to maintain. Good-quality sealers make sure that the tiles are little affected by spills and foot traffic.
Besides daily sweeping and mopping, non-acidic cleansers and warm water can be used for deeper washing. A poultice of hydrogen peroxide (with flour) can get rid of harder stains effectively.
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Kota stone
Kota stone is from the limestone family, too. It is non-porous, oil-resistant and non-absorptive. These properties make Kota stone a low-care option, compared to the rest of the lot. However, the cleaning guide is similar to that of cuddapah stones. Polishing and re-polishing can prevent flaking of this stone and helps keep the texture smooth yet non-slippery throughout its lifetime.
Disclaimer: The chemical cleansers and poultices should be handled with care and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Read more:
7 Natural Stones That Can Give Your Floor a Colourful Twist
A Guide To Concrete Floors
Tell us:
Is your stone floor not listed here? Do you have any specific staining issues? Ask us and get tips about it all in the Comments section below.
Kota stone is from the limestone family, too. It is non-porous, oil-resistant and non-absorptive. These properties make Kota stone a low-care option, compared to the rest of the lot. However, the cleaning guide is similar to that of cuddapah stones. Polishing and re-polishing can prevent flaking of this stone and helps keep the texture smooth yet non-slippery throughout its lifetime.
Disclaimer: The chemical cleansers and poultices should be handled with care and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Read more:
7 Natural Stones That Can Give Your Floor a Colourful Twist
A Guide To Concrete Floors
Tell us:
Is your stone floor not listed here? Do you have any specific staining issues? Ask us and get tips about it all in the Comments section below.
To dig deeper on how to maintain the sheen of some common stone floor types, keep reading.