Homeowners with stone flooring undoubtedly love the durability and beauty that natural stone has to offer. But stone floors do not come without maintenance. Let’s take a look at some of the most common damage to stone flooring, how it occurs, and how to avoid it.
Stains
Stains on your beautiful stone floor can happen quickly if you’re not careful. Here are a few different types of stains to be mindful of:
Spills are the most common cause of stains on stone floors and countertops. If the liquid is spilled and not quickly wiped up, it can seep into the pores of the stone and cause discoloration. Substances such as red wine and coffee are particularly damaging.
Etching is another type of discoloration that is caused by acidic liquids, including beverages and cleaning products. When the acid touches the surface of the stone, it burns dull marks into the surface. This can be very difficult to repair. Be sure to use only non-acidic cleaning products on your stone floor!
Leaks, often called water intrusion, can be another cause of stains in your stone flooring. Water intrusion is the unwelcomed presence of water leaking into the house. If it sits on the stone floor too long, it will be hard to remove the stains left behind.
Scratches
This is the most common type of damage suffered by stone floors because there are so many ways to scratch your floor.
Scrub brushes and pads are extremely damaging to stone floors. They can scratch the natural finish off of the stone and leave it rough and exposed to more damage. Instead of these items, try using a soft microfiber cloth to clean your floors.
Wheels and furniture legs can cause lots of damage to the surface of your floors. Try to avoid pushing or dragging furniture across your floor. Instead, pick the furniture up and move it. This is also true for vacuum cleaners, suitcases, and other things that have wheels. If the wheels become worn or damaged, they too can scratch your stone floor.
Grit and sand that builds up over time and is not swept up can be ground into the surface of the floor when you step on it. Consistent foot traffic over existing dirt and sand will also cause scratches to the floor. If you have an area of your stone floor that is covered with a rug, be sure to regularly vacuum or sweep under the rug to remove any dirt.
Extreme Heat
Much like glass, natural stone can also be damaged by heat. On a floor, this most commonly happens as a result of spilling hot liquid directly on the stone. It can cause cracks or discoloration that are nearly impossible to fix.
Conclusion
Stone flooring is a beautiful addition to any home and a source of pride for the homeowner. Keeping your stone in great condition is simple, but requires a little bit of TLC. Following these few basic maintenance techniques will help your stone floor keep its beauty for years to come.
