Natural Stone Tile Care and Cleaning Tips

Natural stone tiles are versatile and can enhance any room in your home, including bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and even garages. If you’ve incorporated tile into your décor, consider it a long-term investment. They are a beautiful addition and, when properly cared for, will look great for years.

General Tips for Cleaning Natural Stone Tiles

Though stone tiles may seem impervious, they can still be damaged. Avoid using acidic cleaners like vinegar, which can etch and dull the surface. Regular spills and stains require special attention, even though tiles are generally easy to maintain.

Cleaning Natural Stone Marble Tiles

Marble is a very versatile natural stone. It is essentially limestone which has been exposed to super high temperature and pressure in Earth’s crust.

The variations in color are a result of other minerals present, such as sand, clay and silt minerals. These minerals are responsible for the different colors of marble, as well as uneven spots and vein-like patterns. You can find marble in white and black as well as shades of red, brown, green, and pink.

Because of the way marble is formed, there are many unique pieces to choose from for any room of the house. Marble should be sealed to help protect it from staining and scratches. Marble can last virtually forever if cleaned and maintained properly. As it is porous, marble can be stained and is prone to scratches or etching if not properly cared for.

Daily Cleaning

• Use warm water and a soft cloth. For a bit more cleaning power, use a cleaner specifically made for marble or a pH-neutral option like Murphy Oil Soap.

Cleaning Marble Floors

• Sweep the floor.
• Mix 1 gallon of warm water with 1 tablespoon of Murphy’s Original Oil Soap.
• Damp-mop the floor and dry with a soft towel.

Removing Dirt, Grime and Soap Scum with pH Neutral Cleaner

• Mix 2 gallons of warm water with 1/4 cup of Murphy’s Original Oil Soap.
• Spray on the marble and clean with a soft cloth.

Make a Poultice for Removing Coffee and Tea Stains

• Make a paste of powdered whiting and hydrogen peroxide.
• Wet the marble, apply the paste, cover with plastic wrap, and leave for up to 24 hours.
• Scrape off the paste with a plastic spatula, rinse, and dry.

This cleaning method is for cleaning an old coffee or tea stain from marble that can’t be removed using a regular cleaning method. Most often these types of stains are cleaned up when they happen, but there are times when some spills get overlooked.

Prior to removing a stain on natural stone surfaces, it’s best to test in an inconspicuous spot first.

Cleaning Natural Stone Granite Tiles

Granite is formed by hardened magma that consists of coarse grains of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals. Granite is a great choice for homeowners because of its durability and beauty.

Like marble, granite comes in many color variations and is a beautiful addition to any home. Its popularity has caused it to become very competitively priced. As a natural material, no two slabs of granite are the same, so it offers you a unique look that will last a very long time.

Granite is used on counters, floors, walls, and in showers. Granite is naturally antibacterial which makes it a great material to use in kitchens and bathroom areas.

Granite is a very resilient stone that is highly resistant to staining and scratching. It’s also less absorbent than other solid surfaces.

That being said, stains can happen. Spills should be wiped up as soon as possible, just as with any other surface. Granite should also be sealed to protect the surface and keep it looking great longer.

Daily Cleaning

• Wipe with water and a microfiber cloth.

Weekly Cleaning

• Use a pH neutral cleaner or you can make your own by mixing a small amount of dish soap with warm water.
• Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth, rinse with cool water if needed, and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Removing Stains from Granite

• Follow the same steps as for marble, using a poultice to remove coffee and tea stains.
• For food stains, make a somewhat thick paste of 2 tablespoons flour and dish soap, apply overnight, then rinse.

Cleaning Natural Stone Slate Tiles

Slate is a fine-grained rock that has repetitive layering, called foliation, throughout the rock. These layers can be very thin or very thick. Slate’s composition consists of quartz, feldspar, muscovite, illite, graphite, and other minerals.

Slate has a flaky look, but it’s tough and durable. It is used both inside and outside the home. Some slate is slightly rough which gives it a non-slip surface. Slate comes in a variety of colors, such as blue-gray, green, brown, orange, red, and dark gray or black. It often has thick veins of color going through it as well. No two tiles are exactly alike, which can create a stunning pattern on floors, fireplaces, roofs, counters, or anywhere else you use it.

Slate tiles are very resistant to stains, scratches, and fading. Like other natural stones, slate should be sealed regularly and requires little maintenance if cared for properly.

My parents have a slate fireplace made of the blue green rough stones. It looks great in their country style home. It’s very durable, has stayed great looking for years (through all the kids and grandkids) and is easy to clean.

Regular Cleanings

• Sweep or mop with plain water and dry with a soft cloth. Another option is to use a pH neutral stone cleaner. If you don’t have a pH-neutral cleaning solution and want to use something more than water, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with 2 cups of water. Dry when you’re finished cleaning.

Stain Removal

• Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, spray on the stain, scrub with a soft-bristled brush, rinse, and dry. Test in an inconspicuous spot first. Because hydrogen peroxide can turn to water when exposed to light, it’s best to only mix what you need at the time of cleaning. Avoid getting this on grout, as it could cause discoloration.

Removing Oil from Slate Tiles

• Absorb as much oil as possible with paper towels.
• Cover the stain with cat litter for up to an hour (you want it to absorb as much liquid as possible), then clean and rinse.

Removing Light Scratches from Slate

Occasionally you may get some light scratching on the surface of slate tiles, especially in high traffic areas. Quite honestly, I think it adds to the character of the stone’s surface, which is already irregular and slightly rough.

Scratches don’t really come out of slate. If you were to use something, it would only mask the scratch. Some websites mention the use of sanding; however, that could ruin the surface.

I have also seen some people mentioning the use of rubbing compounds, oil, Rain-X, etc. These may hide the look of the scratch, but they may discolor the stone as well.

If you are dead set on removing the scratches from your slate, call the manufacturer of the tiles, or the store where you purchased them. They will have the best solution for your particular tiles.

When purchasing slate tiles keep in mind that some should not be used on floors. Make sure you tell the supplier so they can get you the best possible tile type for where they are being used.

Cleaning Natural Stone Travertine Tiles

Travertine is a calcareous stone and is similar to a marble and limestone composition. Travertine varies in hardness, density, and porosity. This stone can be scratched, as it is softer than marble and nowhere near the hardness of granite.

As with other natural stone tiles, a travertine tile is unique—no two are exactly the same. Each has its own characteristic look, dependent on the location of the stone and the minerals present.

Travertine tiles have a variety of finishes and sizes, and the layout of the designs can be quite stunning.

If your travertine is polished, it is almost stain proof and doesn’t usually need to be sealed. If your travertine is honed or tumbled, though, you should seal it to protect against stains that may not come out otherwise.

It’s important to know that sealing will not prevent etching or stains (sealing is not bullet-proof). Because of this many companies will tell you that travertine is not the best stone for kitchen and bathroom counters. If you do use travertine for counters, make sure to place your items on a decorative mirror or tray in the bathroom and coasters on kitchen counters to avoid glass rings from etching the stone.

Daily Cleaning

Cleaning travertine with a sponge or soft cloth and hot water is generally all that is needed on a daily basis.

Regular Cleaning

Dust mopping floors with a dry, clean, non-treated mop is recommended for regular use. If something more is needed, mix:

• Mix 1 gallon of warm water with 1 tablespoon of Murphy’s Original Oil Soap.
• Damp-mop and dry.

Remove Dirt, Grime and Soap Scum from Travertine Tiles

Follow the instructions as listed under “Marble Tiles” above.

Removing Oil-Based Stains

An oil-based stain can consist of milk, makeup, cooking oils, grease, etc. Oil-based stains can darken the color of the stone. To pull out the stain, mix together:

• For oil-based stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply, cover with plastic wrap, and leave for 24-48 hours. Scrape off the paste, rinse, and dry.

This process may need to be repeated. This process of removing oil-based stains can also be used on marble and granite tiles.

Removing Organic Stains

Organic stains such as tea, coffee, and fruit stains can be cleaned as outlined under the Making a Poultice for Removing Coffee and Tea Stains from Marble section above.

Routine Maintenance and Protection

• Clean tiles regularly with water.
• Sweep or vacuum before cleaning.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners and hard-bristled brushes.
• Rinse with clean water after cleaning to prevent residue buildup.
• Clean spills immediately by blotting, not wiping.
• Use felt pads on furniture legs and floor mats to protect tiles.
• Use coasters on countertops to avoid water rings.
• Do not place hot pots and pans directly on stone surfaces.
• Reseal natural stone countertops regularly to prevent staining.
• Avoid acidic products on natural stone surfaces to prevent damage.

Do not use acidic products on natural stone surfaces, as they can cause permanent damage to the surface.

We’ve gone over some of the more popular natural stone choices and the most asked about cleaning methods. I hope we’ve been able to give you some good options for daily cleanings and stain removal.

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