How To Care For Natural Stone Tile: An Eco-Friendly Approach.

Your exquisite tile or natural stone flooring deserves top-notch care without subjecting your loved ones to potent chemicals. While many floor cleaners tout ‘eco-friendly’ labels, they often still house ingredients detrimental to health, leading to issues such as asthma flare-ups, skin irritations, and even more severe reactions. Alarmingly, as of 2023, 11% of poison exposures in young children were due to household cleaning products, placing them just behind cosmetics, as reported by the National Poison Data System.

At Imperial Wholesale, we’re dedicated to ensuring the longevity of your flooring. The optimal way to do this is with mild yet effective cleaning agents, keeping in mind the nature of your specific floor type. Let’s dive into the best practices for cleaning your tile and natural stone with eco-friendly, homemade solutions.

Essentials for Natural Cleaning.

Here’s a list for an authentic natural cleaning regimen:

• Baking Soda: Perfect for removing stubborn stains without causing any abrasion, and it neutralizes odors.
• Distilled White Vinegar: A versatile agent, it effectively breaks down grime.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: This simple blend of oxygen and water acts as an eco-friendly sanitizer.
• Dish Soap: A robust and gentle cleaner. Always opt for brands free from hazardous ingredients like phosphates and triclosan.
• Stiff-bristled Brush: You can use grout brushes, old toothbrushes, or scouring sponges for scrubbing.
• Essential Oils (Optional): For a pleasant aroma and added cleaning properties. E.g., tea tree oil possesses antibacterial qualities.

The Cleaning Guide

Ceramic tile and grout cleaning can be effortless with the right techniques:

1. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming to get rid of dirt.
2. Use a mix of equal parts vinegar and hot water to mop away stains.
3. Dry with a clean cloth.
4. For grout:
   • Create a paste using equal amounts of baking soda and water.
   • Apply this paste using a stiff brush.
   • Spray a mix of equal parts vinegar and warm water, allowing the baking soda to fizz.
   • After five minutes, scrub again and wipe with a moist cloth.

For more stubborn stains like mildew, replace water with hydrogen peroxide when making the paste.

Natural Stone Care

Natural stone, such as marble or limestone, requires a different approach due to its sensitivity:

• Do: Regularly dust and mop to avoid tiny scratches.
• Don’t: Avoid worn vacuum cleaners; they can scratch stone surfaces.
• Do: Use a mild detergent or stone soap.
• Don’t: Refrain from acidic substances like vinegar or lemon juice.

For daily cleaning, we advise a simple damp mop. For an in-depth clean:

1. Start by sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping.
2. Mix five cups of warm water with 3 drops of pH-neutral dish soap.
3. Mop thoroughly, focusing on stained areas.
4. Rinse swiftly with distilled water to avoid any mineral residue that might harm the stone.
5. Dry with a clean cloth.

Remember, transitioning to eco-friendly cleaners is beneficial for health, safety, and your pocket. Make sure you’re using the appropriate cleaner for your specific flooring. Explore Imperial Wholesale’s offerings in person, from countertops, tiles to sinks, and more. Any queries? Reach out at 480.986.6900.