There are several tips on how to maintain commercial stone floors properly. Listed below are some of the most important ones: dust mopping, sealing, and cleaning. Dust mopping will help reduce the overall maintenance required for natural stone floors. Learn more tips  for commercial stone care Long Island City, NY:

Problems with commercial stone floors

Stone is a natural surface that requires specific care to preserve its beauty and high gloss. Depending on the material, the cleaning process can differ greatly. While honed finishes are often the most aesthetically pleasing, others can be less pleasant due to dirt and bacteria.

Natural stone is susceptible to damage caused by acidic products. If your stone has been damaged by cleaning agents with acid, chances are the liquid used to clean the floors contains acid. To prevent this, you should check with the manufacturer for a warranty. Ensure the warranty period is one year, as some stone types will need several years to recover fully. But before you make your decision, be sure to consider the following common problems.

Maintenance 

The care and maintenance of stone floors require special attention and expertise. Depending on the type of stone, maintenance may include dust mopping and regular cleaning with a mild cleaner (pH 7) and a bonnet. In addition to regular dust mopping, the stone should be lightly scrubbed to remove any dirt or debris.

Commercial stone flooring should be maintained to look its best. First, check the quality of installation and the condition of the stone. It may be made easier or more difficult, depending on the quality of the installation. For example, some tiles may need to be replaced or filled with resin to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating in the crack. Similarly, if tiles are cracked or chipped, they should be replaced or filled with a polyester resin to prevent dirt from collecting.

Cleaning 

You may have recently installed a new stone floor in your commercial space and are wondering how to clean it properly. The key to cleaning stone floors properly is to be gentle. You can avoid damaging the floor by cleaning it regularly with a damp mop. Use a neutral floor cleaner to remove dirt and dust from your stone floor. Use a microfiber brush to clean small particles. You can also use a stone floor cleaner that is pH neutral. If you have a commercial property, you should always test it in a small area before putting it in your building.

You can also use specialized cleaning products to clean these floors. For example, you can use a neutral pH detergent on spills and pure dishwashing soap periodically. Make sure to rinse the floor with plenty of water to avoid streaks. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and products that contain acids. These cleaners may damage the surface’s finish. You can also use a dry mop for bare floors.

Sealing 

Before you begin sealing your natural stone floors, you need to make sure that they are clean. The most common damage cause is dust mopping, which is necessary to keep the floor looking new. Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive materials because they will harm the sealer. Instead, use a ph-neutral detergent to clean the surface thoroughly. Acidic or highly alkaline cleaners will damage the sealer. Also, it would help if you scrubbed the floor thoroughly in high-traffic areas.

There are two types of sealers for natural stone floors: penetrating and topical. Penetrating sealers penetrate the stone to prevent stains, but topical sealers can be removed. They will only protect the surface of a natural stone floor for a short time, so you should plan on applying multiple coats. Topical sealers are the easiest and most affordable option. The main disadvantage of topical sealers is that they require frequent re-application, especially if they are used in commercial settings. They also tend to show traffic patterns.

Dust mopping 

Among the most important steps in maintaining commercial stone, floors are dust mopping. Dust, dirt, and grit are the main destructors of stone. Eliminating them can reduce maintenance, keep the stone looking newer, and extend the period before refinishing is required. Although you can never mop stone floors too often, it is best to dust-mop at least twice a day and ideally three times a day, even less often in low-traffic areas.

When cleaning a stone floor, the most destructive material is sand and dirt, which can dull the surface and cause significant damage. To minimize the damage caused by these elements, use a squeegee after every use. You can also use a solution of ammonia and water but rinse it thoroughly, as ammonia will dull the surface. If you have outdoor stone areas, you should clean them occasionally using clear water or a mild bleach solution. Depending on the size of the area, a walk-off mat may be a good choice.