Natural Stone Maintenance Guide

Natural Stone Damage - 10 Tips on What to Avoid With Cleaning & Maintenance
Executive summary about 10 Tips on What to Avoid With Cleaning & Maintenance By Sheri Jones
Natural Stone includes granite, marble, onyx, travertine, soapstone, sandstone, quartzite, slate and limestone. Stone is natural and may have adverse reactions to certain cleaning chemicals and procedures.
1. Don't use cleaning products on or near your natural stone unless the label specifies that it is safe on natural marble or natural stone (cultured marble is man-made, and it's basically a plastic material).
2. Don't clean your natural stone with a solution of vinegar and water. Vinegar is highly acidic and will damage the stone.
3. Don't clean your natural stone using a solution of water with a commercially available cleaner, unless its label specifically indicates that it is safe to use on natural stone.
4. Don't use powder cleaners, cream cleansers, generic soap film removers, generic mildew stain removers or harsh disinfectants on your natural stone.
5. Don't leave spills, especially orange juice, lemonade, wine, vinegar, liquors, tomato sauce, yogurt, salad dressing, perfume, after shave, etc. Wipe up these types of spills right away, even if the natural stone has been sealed.
6. Don't use standard floor wax or other topical shine agents on your natural stone. It will only take away from the natural beauty of the stone and could lead to more costly and constant maintenance. If you want a shine to your stone, have your stone professionally polished.
7. Don't apply sealers to natural stone that has not been professionally cleaned. 10. Don't use any type of green or brown scouring pad on your natural stone.
8. Don't place drinking glasses, plants, china, silver or hot items directly on any natural stone surface. Scratching, etching and other types of damage may occur.
9. Don't damp mop or wipe your natural stone with a cloth right after installation or grouting. While you may not cause any real damage, fine powder most likely left on the surface will be trapped in the water and may leave ugly and hard-to-remove streaks all over its surface.
10. Don't use any type of green or brown scouring pad on your natural stone. The presence of silicon carbide grits in them will scratch even the toughest granite.

Maintenance of Natural Stone
Executive summary about Maintenance Of Natural Stone By Artur G
The best care you can give your natural stone is preventative care. Granite counter tops are surprisingly resilient to stains, and practically impossible to scratch. Marble counter tops and tabletops are easily stained by acidic foods like fruit, tomato sauce, coffee, and wine. Blot, do not wipe, any spills up immediately, and then clean with mild soap and hot water. On floors, the best preventative measure is regular cleaning. Wet mop regularly with very hot water, and change the rinse water frequently. In bathrooms, marble and granite tend to attract soap scum, just like man-made tile. Keep a squeegee handy for shower walls, and rinse vanities and natural stone sinks with hot, clean water regularly. Penetrating sealers are also available for flooring and bath areas. On granite counter tops, remove oil-based stains with acetone, mineral spirits, or bleach or ammonia diluted in water. On marble counter tops, avoid harsh cleaners and acidic cleaners, including vinegar.
Larger scratches, nicks, and pesky stains may require professional help, which can be located by calling your local stone dealer.
DO use preventative cleaning measures to keep your stone pristine
DO use sealers, applied and reapplied according to manufacturer's directions
DO blot up spills quickly, especially on marble, and then wash with mild soapy water
DON'T use harsh bathroom cleaners or grout cleaners on any natural stone
DON'T worry, if you get a significant stain or scratch, that your entire natural stone investment is ruined. Keeping your natural stone beautiful is something you will enjoy, and no one ever regretted having chosen natural stone over its alternatives.