Cleaning and maintaining stone floors: tips & tricks for correct cleaning & sealing
Proper cleaning and care of stone floors is crucial for their longevity and aesthetics. Whether indoors or outdoors, stone floors require special treatment to maintain their beauty and prevent damage. In this article, we will give you valuable tips on how to thoroughly clean and maintain stone floors and which household and professional cleaning products are best suited for this.
Table of contents
How do you clean a stone floor thoroughly?
What is the best method for cleaning stone floors?
To clean your stone floor thoroughly, start by using a vacuum cleaner or broom to remove loose dirt. Then damp mop the floor with warm water and a gentle cleaning agent. Avoid alkaline or acidic cleaning agents so as not to damage the surface. Regular vacuuming and mopping in light, circular movements is the best way to maintain the floor. Special care should be taken with moisture-sensitive stone floors such as marble.
Which cleaners are best for stone floors?
For cleaning stone floors, we recommend using pH-neutral cleaners that have been specially developed for natural stone and porcelain stoneware. Nevertheless, it is important to test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area to ensure that it is suitable for your specific stone floor.
Cleaners with alkaline or acidic ingredients can attack the surface structure of the stone and lead to color changes.
Our Biosativa® cleaning concentrate which is also suitable for quick help. As the name suggests, it is biodegradable and therefore harmless to materials, nature, humans and animals. Nevertheless, it is extremely effective and suitable for stone floors.
Important: Test the Biosativa® concentrate on an inconspicuous area so that you can be 100% sure that no color changes or similar are caused. If undesirable color changes or other effects occur, discontinue use immediately and consult a specialist before taking any further steps. The stone floor must be completely dry before sealing. This can take several days.
Are there special cleaning agents for natural stone floors?
Natural stone floors such as marble, granite or slate require special care products that are tailored to the properties of the respective stone type. Special cleaning agents for natural stone floors contain active ingredients that preserve the natural structure and color of the stone while enabling thorough cleaning. These products are often rich in dirt-repellent substances that help to protect the surface from new soiling.
BIOSATIVA® - Organic Cleaner - Concentrate
for up to 100 l ready-to-use solution
✓ Completely biodegradable
✓ Made from naturally renewable raw materials
✓ Skin-friendly, non-toxic for humans and animals
✓ Winner of the International English Environmental Award “The Green Apple Award” as the most environmentally friendly product in Europe + UK.
CAUTION: Can you clean stone floors with household products?
Stone floors, especially natural stone, should not be cleaned with household products, as these can do more harm than good. For this reason, you should not save money at the wrong end and possibly damage the appearance of the floor in the long term.
What is the best way to care for natural stone floors?
How often should natural stone floors be impregnated?
Impregnation (breathable sealing) of natural stone floors is an essential part of maintenance, as it protects the stone surface from stains, dirt and moisture. The frequency of impregnation depends on the type of stone and the stress on the floor. As a rule, a natural stone floor should be impregnated every one to two years to ensure optimum protection. In heavily frequented areas, more frequent application may be necessary to maintain the surface structure.
How do I protect my stone floor from damage?
What should you consider when sealing stone floors?
Sealing stone floors is an effective way to protect the surface from damage, stains, moisture and even micro-scratches. When selecting the right sealant, care should be taken to ensure that it is suitable for the specific type of stone. Granite, for example, requires a different treatment than marble or slate. Before sealing, the stone floor must be thoroughly cleaned and completely dry to ensure optimum adhesion and protection. Depending on the weather, this can take several days.
Sealing of stone floors
The choice of the right stone sealer depends on the particular application:
- Indoors or outdoors
Outdoor sealants should be breathable so that moisture can escape from the interior and the stones do not crack in the event of frost. - Type of stone
It is then important to select the sealant based on the material. For example, there is a sealant for natural stone, concrete or paving stones. You can find an overview here. If you are unsure which sealant is the right one for your application, you can use our product finder or contact our support team or contact our support team.
Premium sealants for stone surfaces
Professional protection for your stone surfaces
✓ Water-repellent & abrasion-resistant nano-coating with lotus effect (water repellency)
✓ Easy-to-clean effect: dirt does not adhere and can be easily removed
✓ Prevents the growth of mosses, lichens, fungi & many other natural influences
Frequently asked questions about disinfecting shoes
NO! Be careful with vinegar! Vinegar can attack natural stone and cause damage. It is better to use special cleaning agents that are suitable for natural stone.
Stains from red wine, coffee or oil stains can be removed with a special cleaner for stone floors. Alternatively, hydrogen peroxide or ammonia can also be effective. Always seek advice from an expert in this area.
A joint cleaner specially developed for stone floors is suitable for cleaning the joints. Avoid aggressive chemicals that could damage the stone surfaces and joints.
Your outdoor stone floor should be cleaned in spring or early summer when temperatures are between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. This allows the floor and joints to dry well.
Marble and granite should be cleaned gently. Use lukewarm water and a mild cleaning agent. Floor polish on natural stone floors indoors can help to protect and seal the surface. Avoid rough cleaning tools and scrubbing brushes.
NO, soda can cause lasting damage to the stone under certain circumstances, which can be particularly the case with porous stones. For this reason, it is better to use the methods explained in the text.
The best way to remove moss and weeds is with a mixture of water and a suitable cleaning agent. A broom or joint cleaner is useful for reaching deeper soiling.
It is advisable to seal the stone floor to protect it from water and dirt. This is particularly important for open-pored stone surfaces and helps to make cleaning easier.