Sand, salt and dirt are big problems for your Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Terrazzo and Granite floors. Here are some things you should and should not do.
Good mats with a vinyl or rubber underside at entrances will help to minimize sand, salt and dirt from tracking on to stone floors. Asking a guest to remove their shoes and boots before they enter your home is a definite do! (Don’t have to Buddhist to encourage that!)
Blot up water and spills with a paper towel or clean non treated towel or cloth and then go over again with a clean non treated rag or towel to make sure the stone is dry. Don’t wipe up water or spills. It can spread further on the stone.
Use a dry, clean non-oil treated mop to remove salt, sand and dirt from your Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Granite and Terrazzo. Use a soft push broom to sweep. Sand and salt are abrasive and can scratch your floors. Mop frequently to rid your stone floors of sand, salt, water and dirt. Use a pail of warm water and a ph7 neutral soap to lift the dirt. Don’t use the same pail of water for the entire floor. Change your water a few times. Would you shower with just water or would you use a good soap? Same for all natural stone!
Stay warm this winter. Keep your Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Terrazzo and Granite floors in good shape.