One very important note before just using your steam mop is to be sure that your surfaces are sealed!! With wood floors you don’t need to worry about this – they are sealed with a factory coating or by the installer before they finish. With travertine, slate, marble, and granite though, this is very important so that stains do not build up in these porous materials. I only recommend the high grade sealers. You can get good ones at Home Depot, just pay the extra and don’t look at the cheap stuff. You can get sealers that keep the stone looking natural or you can get them with a little bit of sheen (or wet look), so it brings out the colors in your tile – especially in slates. It is very easy to apply – just important to make an even coat and not to leave streaks. We can help with the application if you want. Make sure the floor is thoroughly cleaned and dry before application, then wait a full 24 hours before walking on the freshly sealed surface. If you have ceramic or porcelain tiles you don’t need to seal these products, but I do recommend you to seal the grout joints, so they don’t darken and stain over time. Once the floors are sealed, you are good to go and you only need to re-seal every 2-3 years.
With sealed tile, whether on a floor, countertop, or wall, you only need to use water to clean!! Soaps and detergents will break down the sealer and leave your tile unprotected from stains again. If something just won’t come clean with water, you can use a natural cleaning product like Vinegar. You can also use Stone Soap if you really feel like you need a cleaner. Not having to use chemical cleaning products will save you some money, but it will also keep harmful chemicals and vapors out of your house! You may even find yourself cleaning more often because it’s not such a hassle and that is also beneficial to the health of your family!!
