Natural Stone

Care and Cleaning of Natural Stone

Probably the biggest fear people have of natural stone is its maintenance. Truthfully, natural stone requires about the same level of care and maintenance as any countertop or floor, and certainly no more than natural wood products like tables and chairs.

The best care you can give your natural stone is preventative care. Preventing stains or scratching before they happen is far easier than getting rid of them after the fact.

Granite countertops are surprisingly resilient to most stains, and practically impossible to scratch. But, as a preventative measure, wipe up any spills on the countertops within a reasonable amount of time. Don’t let liquid sit on countertops overnight. Granite is most prone to staining by oil and acid, so blot these spills up soon after they happen, and then clean the stone with mild soap and water.

Marble countertops 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. Place a mat or pad between marble and anything which might scratch it, like a pan or utensils. Use coasters between marble and any glasses, especially ones containing acidic compounds like fruit juices, wine, or coffee.

In bathrooms, marble and granite tend to attract soap scum, just like manmade stone. Keep a squeegee (available at Kitchen & Bath Design Center) handy for daily cleaning of shower walls, and rinse natural stone vanities and sinks with hot, clean water regularly. Then towel them dry.

The use of sealers is also a powerful preventative measure. For countertops, Kitchen & Bath Design Center does apply the first coat of sealant before installation. You will need to reapply this sealer periodically. The application of additional coats of sealer will depend on the type of stone, the frequency of use, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Penetrating sealers are also available for flooring and bath areas. (*Sealers are available at Kitchen & Bath Design Center)

If stains and scratches do occur please contact us for the best professional help.

Remember the following list of DOs and DON’Ts:

• 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 any kind of acidic cleaner on granite, marble, limestone, or travertine
• DON’T use harsh bathroom cleaners or grout cleaners on any natural stone
• DON’T be afraid to call us, your stone dealer, for suggestions on maintenance, care, and cleaning
• DON’T worry, if you get a significant stain or scratch, that your entire natural stone investment is ruined. Virtually anything can be fixed with professional help.
• And above all, DON’T let the fear of maintenance for natural stone scare you into avoiding it. There is no substitute for natural stone when it comes to beauty, practicality, and value. Keeping your natural stone beautiful is something you will enjoy, and no one ever regretted having chosen natural stone over its alternatives.