How to Care for Granite Tile Flooring
Tile flooring made from granite, travertine, marble, and other types of natural stone is the ultimate in durability, beauty, and practicality. It is great for resisting moisture once properly sealed, and it can help boost the value of your home. However, one of the major benefits of granite tile flooring is that it's easy to clean and maintain if you know how to care for natural stone properly.
Daily Care Tips for Granite Flooring
Natural stone like granite, travertine, and marble is highly durable and easy to clean, but it's important to care for it properly to keep your flooring looking its best. Always use doormats near exterior doors to prevent small particles from wearing into the stone. Sweep your floors every day to prevent an accumulation of tiny debris that can also cause damage. When you vacuum, only use an attachment that will not scratch the stone. If anything spills on the stone, clean it up right away to prevent stains. To prevent damage to your stone floors, never drag anything heavy across the floor.
How to Clean Granite Tile Floors
At Granite Gold®, we recommend cleaning your granite tile flooring at least once a week to keep it free of abrasive debris. Never use common household cleaners on granite, as they can damage the stone. The best cleaning product to use on natural stone is a specially formulated stone and tile floor cleaner. A weekly damp mopping with a granite cleaner is an easy way to keep your granite looking pristine and bright, but don't forget to clean the grout as well. Use a nylon brush along the grout lines to agitate the dirt and debris.
Seal Your Granite Regularly
Regular sealing can keep your granite beautiful and prevent stains and damage. While many homeowners seal their flooring once or twice a year, sealing more frequently helps maintain the quality of the stone. Before sealing granite, make sure you clean the surface well with a granite cleaner. Next, spray the granite sealer on the surface in a three-foot section and immediately buff into the stone with a clean lint-free cloth. Repeat this process two or three times, allowing the sealer to cure for 24 hours. Make sure you don't let the sealer dry on the surface of the stone, as it can cause hazing.