How to Clean And Maintain Your Stone Floors

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Stone floors add timeless beauty to any space. Whether it’s sleek slate in the kitchen or elegant marble in the bathroom, natural stone brings a luxurious touch to your home. But it also needs a little extra love and care to stay looking its best. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your stone floors clean, shiny and damage-free — from daily maintenance to deep cleaning and restoration tips.

Understanding Different Types of Stone Floors

Before you get started with cleaning, it’s essential to know what type of stone you’re dealing with. Each type has different needs.

• Marble: Soft, porous and prone to scratching and etching.
• Limestone: Delicate and easily stained if not sealed properly.
• Granite: Durable but still benefits from regular sealing.
• Slate: Textured and rustic, but it can flake if not maintained.
• Travertine: Porous with natural holes — sealing is a must.

Natural stone is beautiful, but it’s also vulnerable to harsh chemicals and improper cleaning methods. Identifying your stone type is the first step in protecting it.

Why Proper Cleaning Matters

Stone floors are an investment — and like all investments, they deserve care. Improper cleaning can lead to permanent damage, discolouration, and expensive repairs. Cleaning your floors regularly not only keeps them spotless but also helps extend their lifespan. Even more importantly, correct maintenance helps preserve the natural charm and unique texture that makes stone so special in the first place.

Stone Floor Cleaner: Getting Your Arsenal Ready

First things first – let’s talk about what you’ll need in your cleaning toolkit. Think of it as assembling your stone floor superhero squad!

Essential cleaning products:

• pH-neutral stone floor cleaner (your stone’s BFF)
• Clean microfibre mops and cloths
• Soft-bristled brush
• Clean water bucket system

What you need to avoid :

• Vinegar or lemon-based cleaners
• Bleach or ammonia
• Abrasive scrubbers
• Steam cleaners on unsealed stone

Daily Stone Floor Cleaning: Keep That Sparkle!

Like your morning cuppa, some things are best done daily. Here’s your quick-and-easy routine:

1. Sweep or vacuum with soft brush attachments to remove dirt and grit
2. Clean up spills immediately – don’t let them hang around!
3. Damp mop with clean water and a pH-neutral cleaner
4. Dry the surface with a clean, soft cloth

Easy Maintenance Routine

• Sweep or dust daily
• Mop weekly with a pH-neutral cleaner
• Spot-clean spills as needed
• Dry the floor after mopping to prevent water spots

This quick routine helps your stone floors stay clean and protected, day in and day out.

Deep Cleaning Your Sandstone Floors Like a Pro

Just like cleaning porcelain floors, stone floors also need more than just a quick once-over. Here’s how to give it the star treatment:

1. Clear the area completely
2. Vacuum thoroughly to remove all loose debris
3. Apply stone floor cleaner according to instructions
4. Work in small sections using a clean mop
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
6. Dry completely with soft cloths

For stubborn stains, use a poultice specifically designed for your stone type. Remember: patience is key!

Tackling Stubborn Stains

For stains like oil, rust, or mould:

• Oil stains: Use a poultice paste made with baking soda and water.
• Rust: Call a professional — this can be tricky.
• Mould: Try a stone-safe mildew remover (never use bleach).

Act quickly — the longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove.

Professional Cleaning Tools and Techniques

For a truly deep clean, professionals may use:

• Steam cleaners (stone-safe only)
• Rotary floor machines with soft pads
• Special poultices for deep-set stains
• Industrial-grade stone soaps

If your floor looks dull even after cleaning, it might be time to call in the pros.

Stone Floor Cleaning in Different Areas

Kitchen Stone Floor Cleaning Tips

The kitchen is a high-risk zone for grease, spills and foot traffic.

• Wipe up food and oil spills immediately
• Use mats in front of cookers and sinks
• Avoid dragging heavy appliances over the floor

Weekly mopping is essential here — with a degreasing stone-safe cleaner if needed.

Bathroom and Shower Stone Care

Moisture is the main issue here.

• Dry the floor and tiles after showers to prevent mould
• Clean soap scum regularly with a gentle stone spray
• Re-seal tiles and grout more frequently due to water exposure

Marble and limestone are especially sensitive to bathroom humidity and products.

High-Traffic Areas Maintenance

Hallways and entryways take a beating.

• Use doormats to catch dirt
• Clean more frequently — even daily if needed
• Re-seal every 6–12 months depending on wear

Adding rugs can also protect your stone while adding warmth and style.

Stone Floor Restoration and Protection

Think of sealing your stone floor like applying sunscreen – it’s essential protection! Here’s what you need to know:

Sealing Your Stone Floors

Sealing helps prevent stains and makes cleaning easier. Most natural stones need sealing every 6–18 months, depending on usage and type. To check if your seal is still working, drop a bit of water on the surface. If it darkens, it’s time to reseal.

Prevention Tips 

To keep your stone floors looking beautiful for years, a few simple habits make all the difference. Use felt pads under furniture to avoid scratches, and try to avoid wearing shoes indoors to minimise dirt and grit. Always clean spills quickly before they have time to stain, and stick to a regular cleaning routine to protect the stone’s natural shine. A little prevention now will save you time and costly repairs later.

Natural Stone Floor Care: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

• Use doormats at all entrances
• Clean spills immediately
• Test cleaners in inconspicuous areas
• Use clean water for rinsing

Don’ts:

• Drag furniture across the floor
• Use acidic cleaners
• Allow standing water
• Use vacuum cleaners with worn attachments

Keeping Your Stone Floors Clean: Expert Tips

Regular Maintenance Schedule

• Daily: Sweep and wipe up spills
• Weekly: Mop with stone-safe cleaner
• Monthly: Deep clean with soft brush or scrubber
• Annually: Reseal and inspect for damage

Seasonal Cleaning Guide

• Spring: Deep clean and reseal if needed
• Summer: Watch out for dirt and dust
• Autumn: Protect from wet shoes and leaves
• Winter: Guard against road salt and moisture

Each season brings new challenges — and opportunities to refresh your space.

Troubleshooting Common Stone Floor Problems

Dealing with Scratches and Chips

Small scratches can often be buffed out with a polishing pad or compound. For deeper chips, professional restoration may be needed.

Avoid dragging heavy furniture or wearing heels on stone floors.

Removing Tough Stains

Each stain needs a different approach:

• Grease: Apply a poultice and cover with plastic wrap overnight
• Rust: Try a rust remover made for stone
• Wine: Blot, then clean with a pH-neutral cleaner

Always test in a hidden spot first!

Grout Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning grout is just as important as the stone itself.

• Use a soft brush and stone-safe grout cleaner
• Avoid bleach or harsh scrubbing
• Reseal grout yearly to prevent mould and discolouration

Clean grout makes your whole floor look fresher.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a floor cleaning machine to clean my stone floors? 

Yes, you can use a floor cleaning machine on stone floors — but don’t go in like a bull in a china shop! Just make sure you’re using the right machine with soft pads or brushes and a stone-safe cleaner. For best results, test it first in an inconspicuous area and always keep the machine moving to avoid damaging your lovely stone surface.

How do I polish my natural stone tiles? 

1. Start with a thorough clean using a pH-neutral stone cleaner
2. Use a polishing pad or soft cloth with a stone-safe polish
3. Work in small sections, moving in gentle circular motions
4. Buff dry with a clean, soft cloth

Remember: Always test in a hidden spot first — better safe than sorry! If you’re not feeling confident about DIY polishing, our Wecasa pros are here to help get your stone sparkling.

Stone floors are stunning — and with the right care, they’ll stay that way for decades. From simple daily cleaning to expert restoration, it’s all about using the right tools, products and techniques. Be gentle, stay consistent, and know when to call in the professionals.

Looking for a helping hand? Wecasa connects you with experienced home cleaners across the UK, ready to give your floors the treatment they deserve. Book your Wecasa cleaner today and fall in love with your stone floors all over again.