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Natural Stone Care:

 

To ensure your natural stone products will provide you with a lifetime of aesthetics and utility, a proper maintenance program is crucial. Natural stone products are porous by nature and require a different maintenance program than traditional ceramic tiles.

Natural stone requires a different maintenance routine than traditional, man-made ceramic tile. Many of the cleaners acceptable for use on ceramic tile can stain, damage or dull stone. Dirt and dust will scratch the surface of stone. Therefore, stone floors should be vacuumed or dust mopped frequently to remove abrasive agents from the stone surface. Natural stone should be cleaned with neutral cleaners. Stone cleaner should never contain acid or bleach. Acids , even a light solution of vinegar and water, will etch and eventually damage stone.

Maintenance Cleaning in Common Stone Areas

Countertop and Vanities:
Use a neutral ph-balanced cleaner specially formulated for stone on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and ever day food spills, as well as hairspray or other cosmetics. Be careful with common foods and drinks containing acids that may etch or dull the stone surface. Also, some common toiletries (i.e. perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.

Floor Surfaces:
Dust mop interior floor frequently using a clean, non-treated, dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside the entrance will help to minimize the potential damage from these particles. In addition, be careful when using a vacuum cleaner, as the metal or plastic attachment or wheels may scratch the surface. Damp mop the stone floor with a diluted solution of neutral cleaner designed for stone. Keep off floor until completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.

Bath and Other Wet Areas:
Periodic use of a neutral stone cleaner will remove any soap scum or hard water deposit that may have formed. In the bath, or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit build-up.

What To Do When Spills Occur

Etch Marks:
Highly acidic substances such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard and many soft drinks will "etch" most marble, limestone and travertine. Sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, but cannot stop chemical reaction that may leave a dull mark. General cleaners not specially designed for natural stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish, discolour the surface, scratch the stone or degrade the sealer. Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore our natural stone's even finish.

Food Spills:
Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Blot with dry, white cloth. Spray the area with neutral stone cleaner and wipe excess off with a clean cloth.

Liquid Spills:
Blot away excess with a clean, dry, white cloth while turning the cloth frequently. Spray the area with a neutral stone cleaner and wipe excess with a clean cloth.

Mud:
Let the mid stain dry completely. Remove dry mud with a soft, plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with a neutral stone cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, contact a professional cleaner.

Oily Stains:
If you identify the stain as having an oil base (from foods like salads, cooking oils, butter or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stains using a poultice. A poultice will wick up the stain from deep within the stone.

Stone Care Do's and Don'ts

Do's:

  • DO use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices

  • DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes or cookware.

  • DO use place mats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that may scratch your stone's surface.

  • DO place a small rug or mat at entryways to trap dirt and sand from normal foot traffic.

  • DO dust countertops, islands, vanities and floors frequently.

  • DO blot spills immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone.

  • DO clean surfaces regularly with neutral cleaners designed for stone.
  • Don'ts:
  • DON'T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general purpose cleaners.

  • DON'T use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners.

  • DON'T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleaners or soft cleaners.

  • DON'T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for stone.

 

 

 


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