The easiest way to maintain your Natural Stone looking great is to avoid bad practice that may damage it. All Natural Stones like; granite, marble, travertine, limestone soapstone ... are similar in many ways, but their differences require varying degrees of maintenance and care.
If you follow this simple “Do's and Dont's” list, no matter what type of stone or surface you have, you'll eliminate most potential problems without ever having to think too hard about it or worry that you may be causing damage.
The Do's:
Do clean your Natural Stone with mild detergent or stone soap.
Do carefully rinse and dry stone surface after washing.
Do keep floors swept or vacuumed regularly.
Do keep natural stone counter tops clean and dry around cooking surfaces and sinks.
Do make sure caulking, epoxy, and grout joints are clean and mildew-free.
Do place a small rug or mat at entryways to trap dirt and sand from normal foot traffic.
Do dust countertops, islands, vanities, and floors frequently.
Do blot up spills immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone.
Do use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
Do place mats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that may scratch your stone's surface.
Do use trivets or mats under hot dishes or cookware.
Do consult a stone restoration contractor prior to installation.
The Dont's:
Don't use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acid on natural stone surfaces.
Don't use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
Don't use everyday household cleaners on granite or natural stone.
Don't use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for natural stone.
Don't use "Plumber's Putty" for fixture installation, which will cause discoloration under the stone.
Don't use a vacuum that can cause scratching.
Don't drag heavy objects across stone Natural Stone surface.
Don't allow water to stand around sinks, which causes deterioration of the stone over time.
Don't assume your fabricator or installer sealed the stone thoroughly or used the proper product - test stone's seal.
Don't cut directly on granite or natural stone. Use a cutting board or have your fabricator or supplier custom-make one to match your stone. |