How to Maintain Stone Tiles?

Stone tiles, such as granite and slate, are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. They add a touch of elegance and luxury, with unique patterns and textures that give every tile a distinct look. Of course, properly maintained stone tiles can last for decades, often outlasting other flooring materials.

In warm climates like Singapore, stone tiles remain cool to the touch making them an excellent choice for comfort. Certain options, like reclaimed or sustainably sourced stone, are environmentally friendly.

Stone tiles provide an elegant and sophisticated ambiance in living spaces. Non-porous and water-resistant stone tiles like marble or travertine are popular for bathroom flooring and walls. Natural stones like slate and granite are often used in patios, balconies, or garden pathways for their durability and slip resistance.

How to Maintain Stone Tiles?

Basic cleaning for stone tiles - use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for stone surfaces. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface. Wipe spills immediately to prevent staining, especially on marble and travertine.

Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and debris that can scratch the surface. Mop periodically with a damp cloth or mop. Avoid using excessive water, as it may penetrate the stone if not sealed properly.

Otherwise, use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to reduce wear. For stone tables and kitchen countertops, Place coasters under beverages and trivets under hot dishes to prevent etching and heat damage.

Polish your stone tiles regularly too. For stones like marble or granite, professional polishing every few years can restore their shine.

How to remove stains from stone tiles? Use a poultice to lift stains from porous stones. Consult the tile supplier for the appropriate stain removal methods based on the stone type.

3 Common Stone Tile Problems

In Singapore, some of the most common types of stone flooring tiles include marble, granite, slate, travertine, limestone, and terrazzo.

Stone tiles add depth and warmth to home interiors, but as with all natural materials they do require some maintenance. Here's how you can tell when your stone floors need maintenance.

1. Efflorescence

In bathrooms with stone tiles and various other types of masonry (particularly on shower floors), look out for hard white spots, known as efflorescence.

What is it? Efflorescence is a coagulation of materials that were once present inside the stone tiles or masonry used in a home. As water penetrates the tiles, the efflorescence comes out. These spots can indicate the presence of water damage as well as mould and mildew.

However, trying to wash away efflorescence can lead to further damage, and removing the grout only treats the surface symptoms.

The real problem lies with the broken seal on the stone, tile or grout. It’s a job best left to stone cleaning and sealing professionals.

2. Scratches

Scratches in stone surfaces can be caused by leaving heavy objects on the stone, using cleaning supplies that are too abrasive or having rough particles repeatedly rubbed against the stone.

As these items scratch away at the stone’s surface, they can cause it to lose its lustre and finish. Some light scratches can be removed by buffing. But if the scratch in the stone is deeper, you’ll need professional help to have the area repaired and polished.

3. Etching

When acidic (pH <7) substances come into contact with a stone surface, they respond by corroding the stone, called etching (may appear as patches).

Red wine, coffee, oranges, perfume, lemons, vinegar, grapefruits and acidic cleaning products are all substances that can result in etching, which can dull the lustre on stone surfaces and change their texture. (Note: Etch marks often get confused as stains, but etch marks are always a lighter colour than the stone, while stains are darker.

For stain removal, try a pH Neutral Soap-less Tile and Maintenance Cleaner. As for etching, it can be reversed, but it requires re-polishing, which can be expensive.

Do stone tile surfaces need to be sealed?

Not sure if your stone tiles need to be sealed? Try this test: Sprinkle a few drops of water into the grout. If the grout absorbs the water, it is too porous and ready for a reseal. The good news? Grout recolouring and sealing is a fast, affordable alternative to replacing grout entirely.

Get a sealant. Apply it to porous stones like marble, travertine, and limestone to prevent staining and water damage. Reapply as recommended by the manufacturer.

Part of this article was written by Candy Lim, originally appeared in The Finder.