If you’re thinking about cleaning or sealing your stone floor, you’ll want to read this first. Cleaning and sealing your stone floor can be an intimidating project if you don’t know what you’re doing, so we made this guide to help make the process easier and more effective than ever before. From the right tools to picking the right sealant, we cover everything you need to know in order to clean and seal your stone floor like a pro. So, take some time to review our advice and get started with your own stone floor cleaning and sealing project!
Step 1 – Evaluate Your Floors
With stone floor cleaning and sealing, there are many steps to consider before you decide what type of sealant to use. Is your stone porous or non-porous? What is the stone color? Does it have texture, like honed marble or an aged granite? Does it have inclusions (stones, cracks, fissures)? These are just a few of the questions that need to be answer before deciding on which type of sealant will best suit your needs.
Step 2 – Remove Dust, Dirt and Stains
Stone floor cleaning is a process that includes removing any dust, dirt or stains from your stone. There are different ways to go about this task so it’s best to consult with a professional for recommendations on the best way to handle dirt buildup or other stains on your stone floor.
Next, you will want to rinse off your stone and prepare it for sealing. If you haven’t already cleaned your stone then that should be done first.
Step 3 – Apply a sealer to restore shine
Like every floor, stone floors need to be maintained. The secret to a beautiful, long-lasting stone floor is proper cleaning, sealing, and maintenance. A clean stone floor shines like new when it’s seal with a protective sealer. This creates an invisible barrier that prevents stains from penetrating into the surface. When your stone floor has been cleaned and sealed, you’ll have the beauty of marble without all the hassle! With our expert staff at Affordable Stone Floors, you can trust in us for the finest in professional care. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get a lifetime of enjoyment out of your stone floor!
Step 4 – Prepare your floors
It’s a good idea to do some preparation before you begin, especially if you have old sealant. First, make sure to remove any shoe scuffs or other obstacles that may cause an issue. You’ll want a clean surface for applying your new sealant too. Next it’s time to mix up your sealant solution. Be sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully–they’re there for a reason!
Step 5 – Follow Safety Instructions
It is very important to follow all safety instructions when handling such a potentially hazardous chemical as hydrochloric acid. When diluting, be sure to first use latex or rubber gloves so that your hands do not come in contact with any concentrated acid. To avoid splashing, keep a kettle of water handy or have a safe area in which to mix chemicals before pouring them onto the floor. Be sure to always wear goggles or other protective eyewear and a face mask when mixing or cleaning with this product. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage of unused product.
Step 6 – Seal the floors
After a thorough cleaning and removal of residue, seal your new floor with an appropriate product. The penetrating sealer will not only protect against stains, but also refresh any dulled surface and give it that luxurious shine. To keep your stone floor looking its best, use water-based cleaners or natural alternatives as opposed to oil based products which can contribute to staining. If you have intricate designs in your tile, be sure to wipe up spills as soon as they happen so that no residues remain.
Step 7 – Maintain your new floors
Maintaining your newly cleaned and sealed floors is vital to getting the most life out of them. Regular dusting with a dry cloth or using Pledge furniture polish (fabric-friendly) will help you avoid making those annoying streaks from furniture contact. Make sure that when you clean, you always begin at one end of the room and work towards where you started. This prevents dirty floor cleaner residue from spreading onto your nice, newly-cleaned floors.
