Natural stone floors require specific care to avoid permanent damage — the wrong cleaner causes etching (dull patches), discolouration, or stripped sealant. The key rule: natural stone is sensitive to acid and harsh chemicals.
Daily and Weekly Cleaning
- Sweep or dust mop first to remove grit — small particles scratch stone when mopped over
- Damp mop with clean warm water and a stone-safe, pH-neutral cleaner — purpose-formulated stone cleaners are available at tile stores; dish soap in small amounts is acceptable as a substitute for occasional use
- Use a damp (not wet) mop — excess water pools in travertine's natural pits and grout lines and can cause staining and mould
- Rinse with clean water if using any cleaner with soap
- Dry with a clean cloth or allow to air dry quickly — do not leave wet
Marble-Specific: Removing Etching
Etching appears as dull, lighter patches where acid has reacted with the calcium carbonate in marble — caused by lemon juice, vinegar, wine, tomato sauce, or acid-based cleaners:
- Minor etching: polish with a marble polishing powder (available at tile stores) using a damp cloth in circular motions
- Deep etching requires professional stone refinishing — it cannot be fixed with cleaning products
Travertine: Filling Pits
Travertine has natural holes and pits that collect dirt. These can be filled with travertine filler (available at tile stores) or left unfilled as the natural look. For filled travertine, avoid abrasive cleaning that removes filler from the pits.
Sealing
Most natural stone floors should be sealed every 1–3 years to protect against staining:
- Clean the floor thoroughly and allow to dry completely — 24–48 hours
- Apply stone sealant with a cloth or applicator, working in sections
- Allow to penetrate for the time specified on the product, then buff off the excess
- Allow to cure before foot traffic — typically 24 hours
What Never to Use on Natural Stone
- Vinegar, lemon juice, or citrus-based cleaners — permanently etch marble, limestone, and travertine
- Bleach — discolours and weakens the stone surface over time
- Ammonia-based cleaners
- Abrasive scrubbers — scratch polished stone finishes