How Keep Natural Stone Tile Maintenanced

Whether you have installed polished marble in the hallway or honed limestone in the kitchen, natural stone requires a different approach than ceramic or porcelain. It is a porous, organic material that reacts to its environment.

To keep your floors looking their best, maintenance falls into two simple categories: Daily Care and Periodic Maintenance.

1. Daily Care: The "Soft" Approach

The biggest enemy of natural stone isn't red wine—it is grit. Sand and dirt act like sandpaper under your feet, slowly dulling the polish over time. Daily care is quite simple:

• Sweep Regularly: Use a soft bristle broom or a dry dust mop daily to remove debris.
• Avoid Vacuums: Be very careful with vacuum cleaners. The plastic wheels and rotating "beater bars" can easily scratch the surface of softer stones like marble. If you must vacuum, use the "hard floor" setting with the brush bar turned off.
• Wipe Spills Immediately: Stone is porous. Water left sitting can cause dull spots (etching), especially on polished surfaces.

2. Periodic Maintenance: Deep Cleaning

Once a week (or as needed), your floors will need a wet clean. The golden rule here is pH Neutrality.

Never use supermarket cleaners, bleach, or vinegar. These are acidic and will strip the sealer and "etch" the stone, destroying the shine. Instead, use a dedicated natural stone cleaner (like Drytreat Easy Care).

• The Method: Dilute the specialist cleaner in warm water. Mop the floor gently.
• The Secret Step: Unlike tiles, you should hand-dry natural stone with a soft towel or microfibre cloth afterwards. This prevents water spots and streaks from forming as it dries.
• Grout Care: If the grout lines become discolored, use a specific grout cleaner to lift the grime without damaging the edges of the stone tiles.

3. Prevention: Avoiding Scratches and Stains

The best way to clean a stain is to prevent it from happening in the first place. This starts with a high-quality impregnating sealer.

Use a Sealer: Upon installation, and periodically every few years, apply a high-quality sealer (like Drytreat Stain Stop). This penetrates the pores of the stone, repelling water and oil while allowing the stone to breathe.

Pro-Tips for longevity:

• Doormats: Place mats at all entrances to catch grit before it reaches your stone floors.
• Coasters & Trivets: Never place hot pans or ice-cold drinks directly on stone surfaces. The thermal shock and condensation can cause damage.
• Avoid Abrasives: Never use scouring pads or cream cleaners (like Cif) on natural stone, especially polished marble. It will dull the finish instantly.

Know When to Get Technical Advice

If you are new to owning natural stone, or if you encounter a stubborn stain (like rust, oil, or ink) that won't shift with standard cleaning, do not guess.

Trying to fix a problem with the wrong chemical can turn a small spot into a permanent mark. Instead, reach out to our technical team for professional guidance.