Natural stone tile is an elegant flooring stone that is often quarried from the earth and refined into tiles for architectural use. Its sleek look makes it a perfect choice for many as it blends well with all designs. However, these tiles require proper maintenance to ensure they last for long without loosing their briskly and luxurious sheen.

1. Clean Regularly

Natural stone tiles are bound to get dirty and scarred from these particles. Regular cleaning minimizes the scratching that may occur. It also helps identify stubborn stains from spills that may need extra cleaning.

2. Use Natural Stone Tile Cleaner

Cleaning natural stone with strong detergents and other cleaning agents thatcontain bleaching agents can lead to scarring and etching. This may cause more harm than good as the cleaned tiles look old. You can use warm water, a mild soap or detergentas well to clean them.

3. Don’t Place Things on the Tiles Directly

One should avoid placing items on the tile directly. Items placed directly may leave stains and even scratch the tile. Items should be placed on trays, rugs and on mats to reduce direct contact.

4. Apply a Sealant

Natural stone slabs and tiles have perforations and small holes on their surfaces that can retain dirt and water which may ruin the tiles in the long run. Applying a sealant will ensure no dirt or water is retained on the tile. It also reduce cracking that may increase due to pressure from particles in these perforations.

There are two types of sealants that you can use on natural stone slabs and tiles. The first one is a deep penetrating material, which seeps down and clogs the pores, preventing moisture from escaping the stone. Then there is a surface barrier sealer, which creates a clear coating over the top of the tiles to prevent staining substances from discoloring your tiles. After applying the initial below surface sealer, the barrier surface coating can be reapplied annually to maintain the protective characteristics of the treatment.

5. Clean the Grout

The grout is a space left between tiles to allow for expansion and contraction during different seasons. The space can be a source of weakness for tiles if it holds particles that can scratch the tiles. Clean the grout using a brush to draw out the particles. You can also use baking soda and water to remove discoloration and inhibit the growth of mold.

Natural stone slab might be a stone but for it to last longer, it should be properly maintained. Its durability reduces the costs incurred while replacing it.