Dynamic Floor Care's Maintenance Guide for Natural Stone
Protecting Your Investment in Natural Stone
Welcome to Dynamic Floor Care's comprehensive guide on maintaining the beauty and longevity of your natural stone surfaces. Our expert tips will help you keep your floors looking pristine for years to come.
Why Maintenance Matters
Your natural stone surfaces have been treated with an impregnating sealant to reduce porosity and resist dirt penetration. However, regular maintenance is essential to enhance this protection over time.
Lithofin Easycare: Our Recommended Cleaner
- Use Lithofin Easycare, our trusted cleaner, to reduce porosity and simplify maintenance.
- Stubborn stains like dried mud and greasy dirt may make your floor appear dirty temporarily but won't permanently stain the surface.
Beware of Acids
- Acidic substances from food, drinks, or cleaning products can damage the stone surface. Stone sealants provide limited protection against acid damage, especially on limestone, travertine, or marble.
Protective Footwear
- We recommend wearing soft sole shoes to prevent abrasion. Avoid hard rubber or leather sole shoes with embedded grit that could scratch your floor.
Lithofin Products Available on Amazon: For your convenience, you can find all Lithofin products, including Lithofin Easycare and Lithofin MN Powerclean, on Amazon.
Regular Maintenance
Follow these simple steps for routine upkeep:
- Dry Vacuum First: Remove dust and grit with a dry vacuum before washing to prevent particles from adhering to the stone.
- Prepare Lithofin Easycare Solution: Mix Lithofin Easycare (one small blob) with water (1:50 ratio) or use a spray bottle to dampen the mop.
- Apply Solution: Using a clean, flat head mop, apply the solution without soaking the floor.
- Work Gradually: Start cleaning from the cleanest areas and progress towards the dirtier ones.
- Reapply Solution: Apply the solution once more with the clean mop.
- Natural Drying: Allow Lithofin Easycare to air dry for floor conditioning (machine buffing is optional).
Spot Cleaning and Stain Removal
For light marks, stains, or oil stains:
- Mix Lithofin MN Powerclean: Combine Lithofin MN Powerclean with water (1:20 ratio).
- Apply to Stain: Sponge the solution onto the stain and let it work for 10-15 minutes.
- Circular Motion: Use a sponge or non-abrasive white nylon pad to work on the stain in a circular motion.
- Repeat as Needed: For heavy staining, repeat the process several times.
- Even Application: To prevent uneven cleaning, spread the mixture across an entire tile.
- Rinse and Remove: Rinse with fresh water and wipe away with a clean sponge.
Occasional Deep Cleaning
For a thorough clean:
- Mix Lithofin MN Powerclean: Prepare the solution (1:20 ratio) and apply it with a mop.
- Allow It to Work: Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Brush and Vacuum: Use a stiff short deck brush to lift dirt from voids, then vacuum the area with a wet vacuum.
Buffing and DIY Deep Cleaning
Consider using a buffing machine, like the Numatic Loline NLL332, for large areas. This can be especially effective when used with dry white nylon buffing pads. After cleaning, buff the floor as needed to achieve an even finish and remove mop application marks. A Numatic wet vacuum is essential for removing dirty water.
Additional Maintenance Tips
- Tannin stains from red wine, tea, coffee, and food dyes can be challenging to remove. Thin bleach (mixed 1:5 with water) can be used on limestone without causing damage.
- Light acid etches typically blend over time with Lithofin Easycare. However, if your stone is damaged, contact us for advice or repairs.
Optional Surface Sealant Protection
In food preparation areas, limestone is susceptible to acid etching, creating dull patches. While these marks can blend in with regular maintenance, some prefer added protection.
To achieve gentle sheen and extra protection:
- Mix Lithofin MN Care-Seal: Combine Lithofin MN Care-Seal (1:20 ratio) with water.
- Apply and Dry Naturally: Use a flat mop to apply the solution, allowing it to air dry.
Maintenance Reminder:
All natural stone floors require periodic cleaning, polishing, and resealing. We typically contact customers every 24 months to assess if a maintenance clean and reseal is required, but please don't hesitate to contact us earlier if needed.