Most people assume that stone is a dense and hard material that does not need special maintenance or care. Permanent damage often occurs from neglect, incorrect cleaning methods, and using chemicals that are not formulated for stone care. Understanding stone and the products that are available for stone care are important for a successful stone maintenance cycle. The cycle includes preventive maintenance, daily maintenance, and restoration.
The Stone Maintenance Cycle is comprised of three segments:
I. Preventive Maintenance
- Protecting the interior of the stone with a Penetrating Sealer.
- Proper walks-off entrance matting.
- Understanding your stone, chemicals, and procedures.
II. Maintenance
- Dust Mopping with clean rayon mops.
- Properly laundering and caring for mops.
- Wet mopping with a mopping program.
- Repairing pits and cracks with epoxy or glues.
- Prompt spill pick-ups to prevent etching and staining.
- Powder polishing to revive polished finishes.
- Reabsorbing stains with poultice powders.
III. Restoration
- Resurfacing the stone with a diamond abrasive program to remove scratches, abrasions, and traffic patterns.
- Deep cleaning the pores of honed, flamed, or ground floors.
Most stones used today are sensitive to both acidic and alkali cleaners. Acids will burn most stones by dissolving the bonding agent that bonds the stone together. Alkalis usually do not damage stone as quickly, however, they will cause deterioration. It’s important to use a neutral pH cleaner for normal maintenance. Avoid acidic products such as vinegar, toilet bowl cleaners, tub, tile and household bathroom cleaners. It’s also important to avoid high alkaline cleaners such as strippers, degreasers, ammonia, glass cleaners, most all purpose & household cleaners. Even some of the non-toxic, biodegradable “green” all purpose products may be too harsh for routine natural stone care. The delicate colors of stone can often be altered by the improper use of cleaning chemicals, mopping with dirty solution, using chemicals that are not designed for stone care, and sunlight can fade the color of natural minerals. Acidic and/or alkaline products are sometimes used for specific restoration projects and are best used in the hands of a stone care professional.
Natural Stone and Tile Care Do's and Don'ts
Do use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
Do use place mats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that may scratch your stone's surface. Especially with softer stones like slate, travertine, marble and limestone.
Do dust countertops frequently.
Do dust mop your floors frequently. Several times a day in high traffic areas.
Do blot up spills immediately to minimize damage to the stone.
Do clean surfaces with pH balanced cleaners designed especially for stone, and dry with a clean cloth. Micro Fiber towels are the best.
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 cleanser or soft scrub.
What to do when a spill occurs
No matter how careful you are, spills are going to happen. A quick response and the right solution can keep spills from damaging your stone or its sealer.
Etch Marks - The dull spot created when liquids containing acids are spilled on marble is called etching. Substances that are highly acidic, such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard, and many soft drinks, will etch most softer stones like marble, limestone or travertine whether the stone is sealed or not. Granite is more acid-resistant and will rarely etch. Avoid using cleaners and chemicals that contain acids. Bathroom cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and lemon cleaners commonly contain acids. 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. Professional refinishing is the best way to remove etch marks and restore your stone's even finish.
Liquid Spills - Blot away excess with a clean, dry, white cloth; turning the cloth frequently. Clean with a pH balanced stone cleaner, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a clean cloth.
Mud - Let the mud dry completely. remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Clean with a ph balanced stone cleaner, rinse thoroughly, and 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. Consult the stain removal chart or contact your stone care professional for more information.
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