Granite is a naturally textured stone and comes in shades like gray, pink, and white. Granite flooring is famous for its classic charm and strength, adding a touch of luxury to any space. When kept clean and properly maintained, granite can effectively bring a luxurious feel to your home.
Though cleaning granite is generally easy, there are some cleaners to steer clear of. Avoid acidic cleaners like white vinegar, as they can dull the surface and weaken the protective seal of a granite. Do keep in mind that mild and non-abrasive products are the key to keeping granite beautiful and shiny.
Benefits of Choosing Granite for Flooring Area
Durability & Longevity
Granite is made from natural stones. Thus, granite is one of the strongest materials to utilize as a flooring area. As one of the hardest natural stones, granite can ensure resilience against heavy foot traffic and scratches.
Low Maintenance
Properly sealed granite is easier to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and mopping are usually sufficient to keep the granite floor looking great. Its resistance to stains and spills also makes cleaning up any messes such a breeze.
Aesthetic Appeal
The beauty of granite lies in its unique veining and color variations. Not only does it do wonders for the aesthetic appeal, but utilizing granite flooring for houses or any commercial space is a great investment that can significantly improve the value of the property.
How to Clean Granite Tile Flooring?
Sweeping and Mopping
The initial step in cleaning granite floors involves regular sweeping and mopping. Maintaining this routine helps sustain the floor's shine and prevents any dust and debris accumulation.
Incorporate a weekly granite cleaning regimen to eliminate abrasive particles from the surface. Remember to avoid using common household cleaners on granite, as they might harm the stone. Instead, use specially formulated granite stone cleaner, as it's the optimal choice for natural stone. Engaging in a weekly mopping using this cleaner ensures your granite floor can retain its pristine appearance.
Utilizing a Specialized Cleaner
As mentioned before, to clean granite it needs a specialized cleaner. This cleaning solution is particularly effective in removing dirt stains that may inadvertently spill and mar the granite floors.
The pH levels in the cleaner are typically neutral, making it suitable for cleaning granite without risking damage to the floor's quality. It's crucial to verify first whether the chosen granite cleaner possesses any abrasive properties that could harm the floor's surface. Thus, apply a small quantity to the granite and observe how it reacts after.
Rinse Thoroughly
Next, rinse the floor with clean water to remove any soap residue. It is important to ensure no residue is left on the granite to prevent difficult stains from appearing.
Dry Immediately
Use a dry and clean cloth to eliminate excess moisture and prevent water spots. If you notice there are stubborn stains in your granite, you can create a paste solution using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a while, finish by scrubbing and rinsing the paste thoroughly.
Regular Sealing for Longevity
Ensuring the lasting allure of your granite involves consistent sealing to guard against stains and damage. While many homeowners seal their floors annually, opting for more frequent sealing helps preserve the granite quality.
Before sealing, cleanse the surface thoroughly using a granite cleaner. Then, apply the granite sealer section by section, immediately buffing it into the stone with a clean, lint-free cloth. Repeat this process two or three times, allowing the sealer to set for 24 hours.
Polishing
Polishing serves as an effective solution for lackluster granite floors, offering a remedy beyond traditional mopping. This practice not only restores the granite's shine but also extends its longevity. Granite surfaces will need to be polished around 5 to 15 years, depending on the traffic of how it was used. For successful polishing, specialized tools are necessary to ensure proper execution.
How to Deal with Stains on Granite?
Even with proper sealing, a sealant may not be able to completely prevent stains. Therefore, if spills occur, promptly blot the spill instead of wiping. This seemingly simple action can prevent the spill from spreading further. After blotting, cleanse the area with a mixture of water and mild dish soap, followed by multiple rinses with clean water. Effective stain remover solutions such as below, are also available for targeted treatment.
The Power of Poultice
A poultice can prove effective in eliminating certain stains. Mix it with water for oil-based stains or with hydrogen peroxide for water-based stains. Create a paste and apply it to the stain, gently scrubbing with a soft cloth. Rinse and repeat until the stain is lifted.
Utilizing Plastic Covering for Stubborn Stains
If the paste application doesn't yield the desired results, consider applying another layer and covering it with plastic wrap. Secure the edges of the wrap with tape and let it sit overnight or even for a few days. Upon removing the plastic wrap, rinse and softly scrub the spot with a gentle cloth.
Other Cleaning Tips
Natural stone like granite is highly durable and easy to clean, but it's important to go one step ahead and show utmost care for it to keep your flooring looking its best.
- Use doormats to prevent small particles from wearing into the stone.
- Sweep your floors every day to prevent an accumulation of tiny debris that can cause damage.
- When vacuuming, only use an attachment that will not scratch the granite floor.
- If anything spills on the granite floor, clean it up right away to prevent stains.
- To prevent damage to your granite floors, never drag anything heavy across the floor.
Contact Luce Today and Book Our Service!
Incorporating granite flooring into your space brings an unparalleled blend of durability and beauty. But do keep in mind that proper cleaning and maintenance play a pivotal role in preserving its allure for years to come.
If you're looking for expert assistance in maintaining your granite floors, look no further than Luce! Our experienced team understands your unique needs and will ensure your floors continue to shine.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the transformative power of Luce's cleaning expertise!