Whether it be marble, limestone or travertine it is the perfect way to add a touch of sophistication to any home. But the big question is, what is needed to ensure it stays looking as wonderful as the day you laid it for many years to come? Here is a guide that will help you navigate the best ways to protect and clean your stone.

How to clean natural stone
The most important thing when it comes to natural stone is that you do not use any cleaning products that are acidic, these are usually most of the commercial brands that you see in the supermarket. This is because acidic cleaners such as bleach will erode the sealer which has been used to protect the tiles. For everyday cleaning, we would recommend the LTP Waxwash Tile Cleaner. This high-quality liquid soap will clean your tiles without damaging even the most delicate of surfaces and it call also be used on most types of natural stone. It also has a fresh clean fragrance so no harsh smells. But if you find yourself in a situation where you need to try and remove a stubborn stain such as grease or ingrained dirt then we would recommend the LTP Grimex Intensive Tile Cleaner. This intensive cleaner helps to remove both stains as well as existing layers of sealant from floors and tiles.

Do I need to seal natural stone tiles and how long does it last?
It is very important that you seal natural stone tiles. This is because natural stone is porous, meaning that it can absorb liquids which would in turn stain your stone. The sealer works as a protective film which sits on the top of your tiles. This would mean if you had a spill of something such as red wine, it would sit on the top of the stone so as long as it is wiped away relatively quickly you should experience any staining. With our material we recommend the sealing process take place both before and after grouting for additional protection during installation. After this we generally recommend resealing to take place on average once a year but this is completely dependent on the foot traffic of the area.

What sealer should I use and how much do I need?
What sealer you should use is entirely dependent on the finish of the tile you have. If your tile is either a honed or a tumbled finish then we would recommend the LTP Mattstone Impregnating sealer whereas if you have a polished floor then you should opt for the LTP MPG Impregnating Polished Tile Sealer. On average, a one litre bottle covers 7m2  twice but this can vary depending on the amount that is used.

What should I avoid?
Other than the types of acidic cleaners mentioned above, you should also avoid using vinegar to clean any marks or stains off your tiles. It is commonly known that vinegar is a good way to remove marks and stains but this is definitely not the case with natural stone! Vinegar is also highly acidic so it will eat away at both the sealer as well as the finish of the tile, potentially damaging a gloss finish. You should also steer clear of using steam cleaners with natural stone products, the high heat and moisture can again damage the stone’s sealant causing it to become more susceptible to stain.

What to remember
- Never use an acidic cleaner on natural stone tiles, if you don’t have any products to hand that are specifically specialised to stone then a simple soap and water mixture will do just fine.
- Make sure your tiles are sealed before and after installation and the process is repeated as and when needed. If you are unsure if your tiles need resealing, you can always place a few droplets of water over the tiles and wait to see if the tile absorbs then, if they do, its tile for a reseal!
- And don’t forget, if you ever need any help we are always on hand to help with any questions you may have.