Care and Maintenance for a Natural Stone Floor
Many potential buyers of natural stone flooring are put off by the misconception that maintenance is onerous and difficult. The technical advances of modern, silicone-based impregnators have made looking after a stone floor almost as simple as that of ceramic and porcelain.
Walk-off mats at external entrances will help to remove abrasive dirt and water or mud during poor weather. We recommend Turtle Mat, who produce an extensive range of attractive rubber-backed cotton mats which may be machine washed – available online or from John Lewis. Sharp objects such as high heels, chair and table legs can scratch your floor. Protect the stone by fixing felt or rubber pads under items being sat upon or dragged across the floor.
Correct sealing during installation is the key to minimal maintenance. Your floor has been sealed using Filafob impregnator which protects against water and oil based stains. It may also have been finished with a water based wax such as FilaMatt or FilaSatin. It will continue to look good for years, even improving with age, provided a simple and regular regime is followed. Regular sweeping or vacuuming together with mopping is advised. Abrasive household cleaners and proprietary floor cleaners should be avoided as they are very alkaline and will remove the sealant with prolonged use. This in turn will lead to dullness over time, particularly in areas of high traffic, which will spoil the appearance of the floor.
We recommend FilaCleaner or Lithofin Easy Care which are mildly alkaline cleaning agents based on high quality natural soaps. Add a small amount to 5 to 10 Lts of water and wipe over with a squeezed mop. There is no need to rinse with clean water. Liquid wax finishes such as FilaSatin may also be used as part of the ongoing maintenance. Once a month, add a few capfuls to a bucket of plain water - mop in the normal manner and buff with an old towel or microfibre cloth to add a low sheen.
Incorrectly applied impregnators, sealants and stubborn staining problems can almost always be resolved. There are a number of speciality products in the Fila range – please contact us for help and advice.