Cleaning stone floors – Protecting the floor and grout

27 July 2010

Cleaning stone floors – Protecting the floor and grout

Stone floors offer a natural and alternative look to many other types of flooring available and scores high in terms of cost durability – it is an investment, but if properly cared for will last for many years. It is always recommended to have stone or slate floors professionally installed. The stone is natural and the tiles can often be uneven at edges, so the grout in particular can be problematic.

There is a perception that stone can be easy to clean, but in reality one needs to be very careful to protect both the surface of the stone and the grout. The following tips will help:

Apply a good sealer
A good sealer is recommended for many types of flooring, as it usually offers a surface level protection which helps to protecting the floor from staining from various types of spillages etc. In the case of stone floors, waxy sealers are not recommended as they can remove a certain amount of the slip resistant quality that that stone possesses. The sealer will aid cleaning efforts and is particularly useful for the grout – which is the next step.

Look after the grout
Grout is a construction material, consisting of a mixture of cement, sand and water, which is used to fill voids and seal joints, and is commonly placed between tiles. In the case of natural stone it is very important that it is applied correctly to make sure that no voids or spaces are left, to avoid filtration. Grout is a naturally porous substance and is prone to staining – a good sealer will help protect it and make it less permeable, but one can find that grout can often be affected very quickly.

Take care with spillages
Spillages are a fast track to staining your floor, especially if your sealer is wearing off. Stone floors are not so common in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens where spillages are common, but the risk is still there. Grout, in particular, can be affected by stains from spillages and this can result in an uneven appearance which is difficult to clean. If the grout gets marked – it is advisable to contact a company which specializes in cleaning stone floors – and which will be able to restore it to its original state and recommend the appropriate sealer.

Keep away dirt and grit
Sealer is only effective whilst intact and tiny surface scratches and abrasions are one of many forms to reduce a sealer’s effectiveness. Scratches give a place from stains and bacteria to gather, and once a stain becomes noticeable it is probable that layer upon layer of bacteria will have built up to form a stain that cannot be removed. Most scratches are caused by grit and dirt brought in on the soles of shoes, so placing doormats at entrances (and using them!) as well as regular sweeping and vacuuming are the best ways to reduce this possibility.

Of course there is always the possibility that over time a sealer will wear off, or that staining will build up and traditional cleaning methods cease to be effective. In this case you are recommended to consult a company with experience in cleaning stone floors – which will be able to return the floor to its original state.


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