Summer is full of holidays which will fill our homes and patios with love and laughter. Having company is a joy, made all the more elegant by gorgeous stone countertops and flooring. A homeowner will want their stone floors indoors and out to remain unblemished. Here are some of the things to avoid to keep your stone flooring looking pristine:
Broken wheels
Carts, luggage, and even vacuum cleaners with damaged or broken wheels can scratch stone surfaces. This is particularly true when the wheeled object is heavy, such as a suitcase, or is used frequently, like a vacuum. A homeowner should keep a sharp eye on the condition of wheels for those things which are rolled along stone floors.
Spills
Just as stone countertops continue to look their best when stain-producing materials are wiped up immediately, stone flooring also benefits from remaining free of spills. While many beverages and products won’t stain stone flooring, they may etch the surface if they’re acidic.
Scouring pads or brushes
Cleaning a stone floor should never be conducted with anything more abrasive than a soft cloth. Scrub brushes, scouring devices, and abrasive cleaners should be banned from stone surfaces. They have too much potential to damage the stone.
Grit
Grit on its own will not magically harm stone floors. But dirt which is ground underfoot, or beneath rugs can scratch the stone surface, especially over time. Keep stone floors clean and grit free, paying particular attention to the area under rugs and welcome mats.
Heat
Extreme heat against cold stone can create thermal shock cracks in natural stone. The most likely culprit is hot liquid spills. Nonetheless, it can happen with any type of heat, such as a hot pan. Treat stone floors with the same respect as stone countertops when it comes to hot objects.
Floors should be regularly cleaned and maintained just like any other feature of the home. If stone flooring becomes damaged, have it repaired as soon as possible to maintain the beauty and integrity of the flooring.
If you have a home, business or rental property in the Metro Phoenix area and are considering upgrading with granite countertops or other stonework features, call us here at JDM Countertops at 602-461-7559.
