Regular Cleaning
Interior floors should be dust mopped frequently using a clean dry, non-treated dust mop. Dirt, sand and grit, because of their abrasiveness, do the most damage to natural stone surfaces. Area rugs or mats inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize dirt, grit and sand that will scratch a floor. Make sure the underside of these mats or rugs have a non-slip surface. It normally takes about eight steps on a floor surface to remove sand, dirt or grit from the bottom of shoes. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn on these types of floors. The plastic or metal attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface.

Stone flooring should be rinsed weekly with warm water and a non-abrasive, clear, non-acidic soap.

For polished granite and marble, a periodic application of a commercial polish is recommended. This will enhance the luster and shine, while affording an extra measure of protection.

Stain Prevention
Most stones are porous and readily absorb liquid and moisture. Materials like limestone and sandstone are extremely absorbent, whereas serpentine (green marble) and granite are denser, but will still absorb liquids that are allowed to remain in contact for extended periods of time. In areas where stains are likely to develop, protective measures should be taken.

The use of a sealer will help prevent staining in most situations. However, even a sealed surface can stain if left in contact with a staining agent for a long period of time. Therefore, all spills should be wiped up as soon as possible. Soft drinks, tea, coffee and fruit juices all contain mild acids which can etch the surface of stone very rapidly. These can be cleaned with mild soap and water.

Stain Removal
If stains do occur, or you are attempting to restore an ancient piece of stone, an oil and grease stain remover may be required. While a cleaner washes off surface dirt, a poultice actually draws out deep-seated dirt and stains from the pores of stone. Some poultice solutions are premixed and can be easily applied to light colored marbles.

Several applications may be necessary for difficult stains, and darker marbles should be tested to make sure the poultice does not bleach the stone. If problems tend to reoccur and/or there are very deep stains or scratches, then a professional stone fabricator should be contacted.