Stone floors are long-lasting, and with the right care, their durability can be increased even further. Proper cleaning and maintenance, including specialized techniques for quartzite maintenance, can help sustain their shine for a longer period.
Sealing your stone floors
Treating your natural stone floor with a sealant is essential. It can help protect your floors from dirt and moisture, keeping them from getting stained or damaged. Depending on the type of stone, different sealants are available in the market. You may be required to re-seal your floors every few years, to maintain their sturdiness. Permanent coatings are not generally recommended for stone. Strippable sealants are appropriate.
There are some stones that can remain durable even without being treated. In fact, it’s better to do away with a sealant for such materials, as it can alter the finish and texture of the stone. Consult your flooring installer to identify whether the material you are using requires treatment.
Wax can dull down the finish of your stone floors, and is not recommended.
Keeping your floors clean
Sand and dirt are coarse and cause damage to stone floors. So they should be dusted regularly using a broom. Vacuum cleaners can also be used, but they should be set to a mode that is not harsh on the floor. A rotating brush can cause scratches.
The floors should also be mopped regularly, using a damp mop. Any harsh cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice or other acidic products should be avoided. You can use a mild cleaning agent while mopping, but too much soap can leave a film on your floors. After mopping, they should be dried with the help of a clean cloth.
If something is spilled on the floor, it should be blotted immediately. Using mats near the entranced of the room can help prevent your floors from getting dirty, by collecting any loose dirt. These mats, in turn, should also be kept as clean as possible.
Additional precautions
When moving heavy objects across the room, you should try your best to avoid too much contact with the floor. It can prevent scratching and extensive damage. Your furniture legs should be covered with protectors. Chipped or cracked sections will need to be replaced.
It is also recommended to have your natural stone floors cleaned professionally every few years. They can clean out the pores, extracting grime from the stone and thus maintaining their quality and shine.