For the most part, natural stone floors do not require a lot of maintenance. Gentle sweeping,
mopping and applying protective sealants are usually enough to protect the surface of the stone for years to come.
This, alongside the waterproof nature of many popular stone floors, makes them popular in rooms in the house that have a lot of water, such as bathrooms and kitchens, but the latter in particular can lead to issues in and of themselves.
One of the biggest hazards to stone floors in kitchens is one that few people might expect but can cause some serious, potentially permanent damage to the surface, which could require expert restoration to truly fix: orange juice.
A popular breakfast and morning favourite, orange juice is a drink a lot of people have to start the day, but it is also something that can cause permanent etching and staining in unprotected stone floors.
The reason for this is the same reason why you should avoid using lemon juice or vinegar as a cleaning solution for certain stone surfaces; All three substances have a high level of acidity according to the pH scale.
These substances, which are often found in the kitchen on their own but can also be contained in several cleaning products, can damage the surface of the stone, causing pockmarks, etching and defacement that can be difficult to fix.
Accidents happen, however, and the best way to preserve a stone floor if juice slips onto it is to respond quickly. Clean up spills quickly, and use cleaners designed for the type of stone you use.
Effective sealants, appropriate to the stone the floor is made from and applied as directed can help protect the stone for a very long time, and the same professionals that can restore your stonework can also preserve it for the future.