Spills and moisture left on your floor are not the only potential sources of etching and surface damage. The wrong cleaning products, materials, and methods can also cause scratches and etching on your stone. This may be less visible if your floor is honed – has a matte finish – or if your floor is tumbled, naturally cleft, or antiqued, but the damage may still show.
Therefore, whenever you wash your floor, make sure you do it with a pH neutral cleanser. Acidic or highly alkaline cleansers, including things like vinegar, ammonia, bleach, and citric acid, can all etch your stone.
In addition, grit on the floor may also cause scratches and etching over time. Therefore, if you vacuum your stone floor, do so without the beater bar, as this could scratch the surface. Sweep up sand and debris regularly, and use soft, lint-free cloths whenever you wipe the stone. Avoid scrubbing pads and abrasive cleansers and materials on your floor. If you have a deep stain that you’re trying to reach, consider using a poultice instead. Do not use things like Mr. Clean Magic Erasers on the stone, as these can also harm the finish.
Poultices are designed to help pull stains to the surface where they can be wiped away. Choose a poultice that is designed both for stone, and for the type of stain to see the best results.