Regular Maintenance For Natural Stones
Natural stones are aesthetic and versatile, that it has become a popular choice for homeowners who
want sustainable homes. These stones add classic elegance by aging gracefully and can provide long
years of enjoyment. Yet, you should do proper cleaning and maintenance to preserve its beauty for
generations to come.
Know And Identify Your Stone
Natural stones have unique properties, and determining the stone-type is critical in knowing what
cleaning product to use.
If you are unsure of the stone in your home, seek a stone specialist or professional to identify the
type correctly.
There are many things to consider before cleaning natural stones.
Here is a simple checklist you can use before you clean your home.
- Are the stone tiles flat? If it contains lippage or is uneven, it may need to be restored flat and
re-polished. - Are there any cracked parts? If not, tiles may need to be filled or replaced.
- What is the stone’s finish? Determine if it is polished, honed, or flamed.
- Is the stone in good condition? If the waxes or coating are stripped off, you will need to have it
restored. - Are there stains? Knowing what type of stain is present will help you understand the appropriate cleaning agent and technique to use.
Natural Stone Care Tips And Precautions
As natural stone materials are delicate and unique, you need to know how to clean and care for them.
While most stones can be cleaned with water and mild dish soap, you can also use other commercial
neutral cleaners that contain no harmful chemicals.
Below are some simple and helpful tips and steps to care for and clean natural stone surfaces.
For countertops surfaces:
- Use a soft cloth and only use either a neutral-ph, stone soap, mild soap mixed with warm
water to clean the tops. - Always use coasters under your glasses, more so on alcoholic or citrus juice beverages, to
avoid the surface from etching and dulling.
For natural stone flooring:
- Before mopping, sweep and vacuum the floor to remove all dust and dirt particles. Use a soft-
bristled broom or a microfiber cloth. - Mop the stone floor using a clean and non-treated mop. In high-traffic areas, you may need to
do this at least twice a day.We do not recommend using a string mop and soaking the floor wet. Steam mops are another safe tool to clean stone-type floors.
For periodic maintenance, you can use potable water and neutral-ph cleaners to clean your
floors. If you want to use soap, make sure these are phosphate-free and mild. Rinse several
times thoroughly to remove soap traces. Dry using a soft cloth or microfiber towel and allow to air dry.
Also, place non-slip rugs or mats at entrances to prevent tracking sand and grit indoors and avoid
floors from being damage.
For backsplash and bath areas:
- Use a squeegee and a non-acidic remover to remove soap scum attached to tiles.
- Avoid using ammonia solutions as these may dull the surface of the stone.
Cleaning Do’s And Dont’s!
Some of us tend to not pay attention when using the right cleaning products on surfaces as natural
stones. Remember that knowing the right cleaning products to use and avoid is crucial in reducing and
preventing damage to natural stones.
Some of our favorite cleaning agent tips include:
- Use neutral cleaners– these cleaners are surfactant-type cleaners that have a pH level of 7.
- Apply high-quality sealants at least once a year to protect surfaces from getting scratched,
nicked, and stained.
Make sure that grout lines are sealed well to protect them from moisture penetrating the tile surface. - Do not use acidic or alkaline cleaners regularly and follow product directions on the label.
- Always avoid using muriatic acids as these are corrosive and hazardous products.
- Polished or unpolished natural stones in high-traffic areas should be cleaned daily.
Have a reputable stone company restore your natural stones periodically to remove deep scratches.
Which Cleaning Products are Safe (✓) or Unsafe (✕)
Common Household Cleaners (with harmful acid, chemical, or ammonia content)
✕ – Have abrasive properties that etch, dull, stain, and scratch stones
DIY Cleaners (vinegar and lemon)
✕ – Acid content can cause chemical reactions on stones.
Commercial stone cleaning products
✓ – Removes dirt effectively and specially-formulated to guarantee stone integrity
Neutral-pH cleaners
✓ – Designed for safe daily cleaning and covers all natural stone-types
A cleaning and maintenance program effectively maintains the luster and appearance of your natural stone. If done correctly, your natural stones will remain beautiful and surely last longer years.
