Cleaning Tile and Natural Stone Flooring

Durable, beautiful, and easy to care for, tile and natural stone flooring is cherished by homeowners for incredible beauty and exceptional ease of maintenance. These striking surfaces resist stains and spills in the kitchen and bathroom, create beautifully polished spaces in living and dining rooms, and withstand the active adventures of your kids in any room. Here’s how you can give your floors the love and care they need to keep them looking as good as the day they were installed!

Keeping the dirt out

One of the best ways to protect your tile is to keep abrasive sand, dirt, and grit from entering your home. Stop these damaging particles from entering your house by using mats and area rugs at all entrances. This will keep much of the abrasive offenders from touching the tile and stone surfaces.

Cleaning porcelain or ceramic tile

The most important thing about cleaning tile is to know what type of tile you’re cleaning. Is your tile porcelain or ceramic? These materials are extremely easy to care for and maintain. Use a microfiber duster, such as a Swiffer mop, for everyday use to pick up dust bunnies and pet hair, and sweep your floor daily. Remember, dirt that gets tracked in can scratch your tiles. For deeper cleaning, check out the range of lightweight microfiber mops that lift dirt without grinding it into the tile and grout.

Cleaning natural stone

Natural stone, such as marble and granite, are stunning but require some specific care. Use a soft-bristled broom to sweep your floor. Damp mopping your stone floors is usually enough to keep them looking beautiful, but you may need to wash them occasionally. Use warm water and a small amount of a pH-neutral all-purpose cleanser. Even a pH-neutral dish soap will do (the World Floor Covering Association recommends Liquid Ivory or a castile soap product if you choose to use soap.) Rinse frequently, as too much cleaner or soap can leave a film. Never use products that contain vinegar, lemon juice, or other acids on marble, limestone, or other natural stone, Don’t use abrasives like steel wool, scrub pads, or abrasive cleaners either.

Depending on your lifestyle, beautiful tile or natural stone flooring might be the perfect choice for your home. With regular care and maintenance, your floors can continue to look like new for years to come!