Everyday Stone Care Tips
It’s recommended to have your natural stone surfaces professionally cleaned and sealed every year. In the interim, here are some tips to care for your stone and guidelines for when to call for professional help:
- FOOD SPILLS: Scoop the food with a plastic spoon so you don’t scratch the stone.
Spray a stone cleaner, and wipe
with a dry cloth.
- LIQUID SPILLS: Blot with a clean, dry white cloth. Spray a neutral stone cleaner and wipe off any excess.
- ACIDIC SUBSTANCES: Orange juice, soda, coffee, and tomato products, will “etch” some stone surfaces. Clean up those spills immediately. Sealed stones are more protected from this type of damage.
- OIL STAINS: Stains that have penetrated and darkened the stone from cooking oils, butter or some cosmetics may be removed by our Certified Technicians. We use a poultice that is made to wick up the stain from deep within the stone.
- MUD: Let it dry and then remove it with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray the area with a pH balanced, neutral stone cleaner and dry it with a clean cloth.
- DIRT OR SAND: Gritty dirt and sand scratch and degrade the sealer, and diminish the natural shine. Use door mats at every entrance and area rugs through out your home to trap dirt. Regularly sweep and mop with a stone cleaner and vacuum your rugs!
- ETCH MARKS: Cleaners not specially designed for stone may etch the polish, discolor the stone, or degrade the sealer. Don’t use grout cleaning chemicals as they can damage the surrounding area. If you see etches or scratches, call for a free resurfacing estimate.
- GROUT: Make sure you use grout cleaners that are safe for stone. Many commercially sold grout cleaners are made for porcelain tile, and will damage surrounding natural stone.
NOTE: Much of the information about our stone care comes from the following: “Stone Care Essentials”, DuPont StoneTech Professional Website, 4 June 2008, Click Here for Link
