Tips For Stone Maintenance

Tips for Maintaining, Cleaning & Protecting Your Stone

Tips for Stone Maintenance

Maintenance:

The three most important tasks that can be done on a daily basis to keep your stone looking new and extending the time before restoration is required: dust mop, dust mop & dust mop.  The most destructive material to stone is dust, dirt, sand, small gravel and miscellaneous grit.  This can be performed by using a non-treated dry dust mop or a vacuum with NO wheels and a soft bristle floor attachment.

Cleaning:

ONLY use moisture when needed (example; spills, wet feet or muddy paws).  If needed, must use neutral based cleaner or plain water.  Never use an acid based cleaner as etching can occur.

Protecting:

All stone should have a penetrating sealer applied annually.  This helps keep the stone and its grout from staining so quickly.

DO’S & DON’Ts

We strongly recommend that you follow these Do’s and Don’ts:

Do’s

• Do dust mop floor frequently.
• Do clean surfaces with a neutral detergent or stone soap.
• Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface with clean, clear water after washing.
• Do blot up spills immediately.
• Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and counter-top surfaces with coasters, trivets or placements.

Don’ts

• Don’tuse vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces.
• Don’t use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners.
• Don’tmix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
• Don’tever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so.
• Don’t use vacuum cleaners that are worn.  The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the stone’s surface.

Click to Download Critical Care Tips for Stone