Natural stone gets a notoriously bad wrap from people for being infamously difficult to clean, maintain and generally care for, dissuading many home owners from experimenting with them in their household. There could be nothing further from the truth. The truth of the matter is that stone is a highly durable substance and the cleaning and care process is not as disastrous as it sounds, given that you do have the intention of caring about your home, at all.

The problem with many homeowners is that they are simply not aware that different stone calls for different care procedures, and they need to take into consideration that natural materials are just that; natural. This means that every material is different and distinct. Quality, unique materials deserve quality and unique treatment. For example, calcite-based stones like travertine, limestone, onyx and marble have a spectacularly shining surface, and because of that, they should be cleaned with neutral cleaners because acids will destroy their finish.

The following are some very easy tips and steps to follow for consideration when you are looking to clean and care for your natural stone tile:

* If you have installed calcite-based stone countertops like limestone, marble, onyx or anything with a particularly shiny surface, insist on coasters, soft-footed braces and generally try to protect it from any sharp and scratching surface.

* Keep an eye out for possible spills and wipe them down completely with a very mild soap before they have a chance to cause staining or discoloring.

* Be certain to apply a penetrating sealer to your natural stone. This will ensure that the texture and surface of the stone will not be compromised, but still protect it from spills, food damage and other problems.

* Never, ever use a product that contains an acidic pH value. Avoid lemon, citrus, vinegar and other acidic materials as it will strip away the natural luster of the stone.

With these very simple steps and precautionary additions, you will easily be able to keep your stone beautiful and shining with ease.