Tile and stone usually require very little maintenance. But when they do need attention, you need to give them proper care.

Always use products specifically meant for use on tile and stone (figure A). Most are designed to seal and protect the surfaces.

Don't apply sealer to glazed tile. It will come off in sheets.

Use stain remover to get rid of a stubborn stain. Stain remover comes as a dry powder that's mixed with water to form a paste. Cover the stain with paste, and place plastic over the area. Leave the paste in place for 24 to 48 hours; when you remove the paste, the stain will come off too.

When you're doing routine cleaning, use a cellulose sponge (figure B) rather than a natural sponge. Natural sponges tend to flake away when rubbed against stone.
Use a sponge mop to clean a tile or stone floor: string mops tend to leave dirty spots and streaks.

To remove stubborn dirt, you may need to use a brush (figure C). Use a medium-bristle brush rather than a soft or firm brush. If you don't want to bend down a lot, get one with a long handle.

Full-strength hydrogen peroxide (figure D) does a good job of removing ink and rust stains.

Oil and grease stains can be removed with trisodium phosphate (TSP). Sweep the area clean before using TSP to avoid smearing more oil into the stone. TSP is available as a liquid and as a water-soluble powder. To use TSP, dip a bristle brush or scouring pad into the solution (figure E), and scour the stone or tile. Use TSP full-strength: don't wet the stones down beforehand. When you've scoured for a while, spray the area with a garden hose and allow it to dry so you can see how much of the stain remains.

TSP is a powerful chemical, so follow the manufacturer's recommendations closely. Avoid prolonged skin contact, and don't get TSP in your eyes. Wear safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves, and open enough windows and doors to ensure adequate ventilation.

After your stone or tile is clean, protect it so you won't have to clean it again for a while. Be careful what you place on your floor: don't set potted plants directly on the stone; instead use a trivet with padded feet (figure F). Don't place rubber-backed rugs on stone or tile floors: they don't allow moisture to evaporate easily and can encourage the growth of mold and mildew.