How to Clean a River Rock Floor

River rock has several practical applications, from outdoor landscaping and waterfalls to shower floors and entranceways. The rock is harvested, polished, laid and sealed to protect it from moisture. Like other natural stone including marble and travertine, sealed river rock flooring is susceptible to wear and tear if cleaned improperly. Skip the harsh commercial detergents and create your own safe, natural cleaner to maintain your river rock flooring.

Things You'll Need

• Dust mop
• 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap
• 1/4 cup ammonia
• Warm water
• Plastic bucket
• Mop
• Lint-free cloth

Instructions

1. Remove the loose dirt and debris from the river rock floor with a dust mop. Do not vacuum the river rock to prevent damage and scratches from the wheels and beater bar.

2. Pour 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap, 1/4 cup ammonia and 1 gallon warm water into a plastic bucket. Stir the ingredients until they are well-incorporated.

3. Dip a mop into the solution and wring it out until it is damp, not soaking wet. Scrub the river rock flooring with the damp mop, using slight pressure to remove any difficult stains.

4. Rinse the mop under a cool tap, empty the plastic bucket and refill it with warm water.

5. Dampen the mop with the warm water and use to rinse away the ammonia and dish soap mixture. Wipe down the flooring with a lint-free cloth to prevent any streaks or watermarks.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you don't mix ammonia with any product containing bleach, as this will create dangerous fumes.

References

• World Floor Covering Association: Stone Floor Cleaning & Maintenance
• Marble Institute of America: Natural Stone Care and Cleaning