The Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make Cleaning Stone
Most stone damage isn't caused by neglect — it's caused by well-meaning DIY cleaning that uses the wrong product or method.
Using an acidic or generic all-purpose cleaner. Anything with vinegar, lemon, or an undisclosed acid content will etch limestone, marble and travertine on contact — even a single use can leave a permanent mark.
Pressure washing on too high a setting. What's fine on concrete can strip sandstone, force dirt deeper into porous stone, or blast out grout and pointing that then needs re-doing.
Sealing over a dirty surface. Sealant locks in whatever is already on the stone at the time — dirt, old residue, even previous cleaning product left behind — so a proper deep clean always needs to happen first.
Ignoring grout. On porcelain and tiled surfaces especially, grout is usually what makes a floor look tired long before the tiles themselves do, and it's the part most DIY cleaning skips.
Waiting too long between professional cleans. Stone that's cleaned and resealed on a sensible cycle rarely needs anything more than routine maintenance. Left too long, dirt, staining and worn sealant compound into a much bigger (and more expensive) restoration job.
Need this done professionally rather than DIY?
Stone Floor Cleaning