The Steam Team — Austin, TX

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Does Natural Stone Need to be Cleaned too?

Natural Stone Restoration 

Does Natural Stone Need to be Cleaned too?

This may seem like a silly question but you would be surprised at the amount of times people don’t understand why you should clean and seal your stone and grout. If you are having new floors installed, typically the stone is sealed upon installation – but this will only last for a few years, so you’ll need to clean them and seal them again several times over their lifespan. If you hire a professional, the process to get your floors looking brand new is fairly simple and easy!

Don’t Waste Time

The biggest problem people can have with natural stone is that it’s porous and can absorb liquids and stains very easily. When it comes to these situations, time is key – don’t let the liquid sit there for too long or you may not be able to get it up without professional help!

Regular Maintenance

Like any other floors, natural stone requires a good bit of regular maintenance – sweeping, mopping, dusting, etc. With a regular cleaning routine, your daily filth won’t add up as quickly making your floor cleaner for longer periods of time.

What to Clean With

Stay away from cleaners with harsh chemicals (such as acids) as they tend to have negative effects on natural stone – scratching and wearing down the stone more than usual. Be aware that this may not be something you notice immediately either, but acids have been known to cause discoloration over time in different kinds of stone.

When to Hire a Professional

If your natural stone flooring has damage to it (scratches, discoloration, stains, etc.) you’ll want to hire a professional to ensure that your stone is restored properly. Otherwise, your repair may not last as long as it should or you could even cause further damage to the floor. Most importantly, different stone materials call for different cleaning methods. A licensed professional has the necessary education to make this decision and ensure that your flooring will be safe and never damaged.