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Stone Care Guide

New natural stone is an investment in lasting beauty that will give many years of wear. This care guide gives a few tips on how to properly care for natural stone and help extend its life and beauty. Following some simple precautions, properly sealing, and using the correct cleaning methods and products, will insure a lifetime of use from natural stone.

Sealing Your Stone

The most important step to take to protect your natural stone is the sealer. Being a natural stone and not a manufactured product, it does have some vulnerability. Sealer protects the surface of the stone from things that could discolor or ruin the finish of the stone. Usually your contractor or installer will seal your stone after installation. After that, its all up to you. Its recommended that your reseal your stone every 10-12 months. You need to do this because every time you clean the surface of the stone it takes away from that protective sealer. To seal your stone is a very simple process. After buying your sealer at any local hardware store, all you need to do is clean the surface of the stone thoroughly. This is a very important step because if you miss any dust or dirt it will be sealed to your stone. Then, like the directions on the bottle, you will just spray the sealer to the surface and spread evenly. Let it sit and dry, and just like that you're done.

Cleaning Procedures & Recommendations

Keeping stone free of dust and dry, sandy soil will minimize the scratches and wear-patterns that can develop from everyday use of some natural stone, such as marble, limestone and sandstone. Sweep or dust all natural stone surfaces regularly to remove loose soil and dust.

Clean natural stone on a regular basis with warm water and a clean, non-abrasive cloth, sponge or mop. In addition, using a neutral cleaner specially formulated for natural stone will help remove soils that normal dusting or damp mopping leave behind.

Do not use general purpose cleaners or you may damage the stone or the sealer applied. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids as these may etch the stone surface and damage the polish. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

Countertops and Vanities

Use a stone-cleaning product on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills as well as hairspray or other cosmetics. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch or dull the stone surface. Also, some common toiletries (e.g., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.

Floor Surfaces

Dust mop interior floors 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 an 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 attachments or wheels may scratch the surface.

Damp mop the stone floor with a Stone & Tile cleaning compound. Keep off floor until completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.

Bath and Other Wet Areas

Periodic use of a cleaning compound will remove any soap scum or hard water deposits 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 buildup.

What To Do When A Spill Occurs

No matter how careful you are, spills are going to happen. A quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging stone or the sealer.

Etch Marks

Substances that are highly acidic, such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard and many soft drinks, will “etch” most marble, limestone and travertine - whether the stone is sealed or unsealed. Although sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull area or etch mark in the stone.

In addition, cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone or degrade the sealer. That’s why selecting the correct cleaning products is so important to the lifetime beauty of your natural stone. Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone’s even finish.

Food Spills

Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Blot with dry, white cloth. Spray the area with a compatible cleaning compound and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Liquid Spills

Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth; turning the cloth frequently. Spray the area with a compatible cleaning compound and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Mud

Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with a cleaning compound. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Oily Stains

If you identify the stain as having an oil base (from foods like salad and cooking oils, butter, or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. An easy-to-use poultice is designed to slowly remove oily stains from natural stone surfaces. Watch video: Click here.

Do’s & Don’ts

• DO use coasters under glasses, specially 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 at entryways to trap dirt and sand from normal foot traffic.
• DO dust countertops, islands, vanities and floors frequently.
• DO blot up spills immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone.
• DO clean surfaces by wiping with clean water or by using a compatible cleaning compound and stone-protective compounds.
• DON’T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general-purpose cleaners.
• DON’T use cleaners which contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners.
• DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
• DON’T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for natural stone.