Stone Tile Maintenance & Care

Here are a few helpful tips that will keep your stone floor looking new, and help it last for years to come.

Use a Soap-Free Detergent. Soaps can leave a film, which may dull the surface and promote mildew.

Avoid Acidic Cleaners. Acidic cleaners can damage the grout of your floor.

Avoid Abrasive Cleaners. Abrasive cleaners will dull the luster of your stone.

Clean Up Beverage Spills and Pet Accidents Immediately. In addition to containing acid that can damage the grout, urine and many beverages can damage the surface of ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone floors.

Use Mats at Doorways. By placing mats inside and outside of all entrances, you'll trap harmful dirt and sand before they can scratch the surface of your floor. The back of your mats should have non-slip surfaces.

Do Not Use Bleach. Bleach can cause a loss of shine and damage the grout.

Use a Soft Cloth. Abrasive cleaning aids such as scouring pads can dull or scratch the surface.

Sweep Regularly. Regular cleaning will protect your floor from scratches and ugly grime build-up. If using a vacuum, do not use one with a beater bar.

Test Everything. Before using any cleaning product on your ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tile, test the product on either a small, out of the way area of the floor, or on leftover pieces of uninstalled tile.

Pad Furniture Legs. Use either felt or rubber pads on the bottom of furniture to protect against scratching your floor.

Be Careful When Moving Furniture. Although very durable, ceramic and porcelain tile is not indestructible.

Have Repairs Made Professionally. All damaged or broken tiles should be removed and replaced only by a qualified contractor.

Caulk. Caulk must be maintained in heavy water-use areas to prevent damage to your home.