Natural stone flooring provides decades of beautiful functionality and adds value to the home. However, to make the most of this durable, versatile material, you’ll need to maintain it properly. Learn the do’s and don’ts for stone care in the guide below.

Do:

Sweep and mop frequently.

Natural stone flooring requires simple but frequent care to keep it looking pristine. Daily sweeping and dust-mopping will ensure the stone feels and looks good underfoot by preventing sand, dirt, or grit from grinding into the surface of the floor. 

Use a simple soap and water mix or a dedicated stone cleaner to clean high-traffic areas weekly, and damp-mop other areas as needed.

Use area rugs near the doors to help catch sand and dirt.

Clean up spills immediately.

Stone isn’t impervious to staining, so clean up spills immediately. Red wine, coffee, soda, juice, or pet accidents can discolor or damage the stone if left too long. Use a soap and water solution to spot-clean or a paste of stone cleaner on tougher stains. Rinse the area with clear water and dry it.

Don’t:

Use acidic cleaning agents.

Vinegar, lemon juice, or other acid-based cleaners can damage the surfaces of stones like onyx, marble, or travertine. Don’t use chemical floor cleaners like bleach or ammonia unless they’re labeled as safe for natural stone. Avoid abrasive cleansers as well. Vegetable-based soaps are usually safest to use.

Use worn vacuum cleaners.

If you vacuum your stone floors to pick up dirt and dust, make sure the wheels are in good condition, and avoid dragging canister vacuums across the floor. Rough or sharp plastic can scratch highly polished floors.

If you’re ready for new natural stone flooring for your Oahu home, choose the expert installers at H & C Flooring and Stone. They offer a variety of flooring options, including natural stone, vinyl, laminate, and porcelain tile, to make your home truly unique. Call (808) 888-8338 for a free estimate, or visit the website to see a full range of products.