If you’re lucky enough to have a natural stone floor, it will almost certainly need cleaning over time as grouting discolours and tiles lose their sparkle.
However, basic upkeep is pretty easy. What we explain here really applies best to travertine, but you can adapt the techniques for any kind of natural stone floor.
Preparation
Before you begin, find out which products were used when the tiles were first laid.
If you’re trying new products, do so on a test area such as a dark corner first . Then leave it a few days to see if any adverse reactions show up.
Getting product choice right
Use a detergent which has been formulated for calciferous stone, such as limestone, marble or travertine. A regular floor cleaner may have acid which will mark the surface.
Dilute your detergent in water at a ratio of 1:5 (with more detergent if your floor is especially dirty) and apply liberally on your floor using a sponge. For larger areas, grab a long-handled squeegee.
Tackle ingrained dirt
Give the product up to 20 minutes to take effect, scrubbing the worst stains regularly, especially in the grouting, which is especially vulnerable to dirt and grease.
Try out various kinds of brush – a standard washing-up brush with nylon bristles works well.
Wipe up and rinse
The grimy cleaner needs to be wiped away before you rinse the floor with clean water. You can reduce drying time by using an old towel to go over the tiles of your stone floor. Once it’s dried out, check whether the tiles should be resealed by dropping a little water on to their surface. If the drops sink in, sealing is required.
Sealing your floor tiles
Make sure your floor is completely dry. Then apply a specialist sealant or impregnator by working in small areas, using a long-handled foam roller, until the whole service is evenly covered.
After 15 minutes, remove any impregnator left on the surface with a soft cloth and squeegee – an old T-shirt is ideal for this job!
Make sure the finish is even, and don’t allow anyone to walk over the floor until it is completely dry. Walk over the floor in socks first, and don’t cover with rugs or move furniture around at first, and wipe up any spillages at once.
The treatment can take up to three days before it’s bedded in.
Regular maintenance
Sweep your floor periodically and wash it regularly to protect the sealant and add shine. Every year, add a few drops to the floor to check its porosity and seal as required.
How we can help
At Royal Stone Care, we offer concrete floor repair services, as well as marble restoration and more. So when it comes to the bigger jobs for natural stone floor care, we’re here to help. We also provide travertine restoration in London area.
We use our own tried-and-tested techniques, will always avoid harmful chemicals and are covered by comprehensive insurance.
Call us today – and make us your first choice for natural stone floor care in London.
