Natural Stone Care Tips

ESSENTIAL CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR NATURAL STONE SURFACES

CLEANING PROCEDURES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

General Cleaning

Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner designated safe for natural stone. Use a clean mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Don’t use more than the recomended amount of any cleaning product. Too much may leave a film, causing streaks. Change rinse water frequently. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble, travertine or limestone as these can etch the surface of the stone. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

Floor Surfaces

Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that can scratch a stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn, the metal or plastic attachments may scratch the surface. Consult our Care Guide for more details or visit the Solution Center at www.stoneandtilepros.com for a wealth of answers and resources.

Bath and Other Wet Areas

In the bath/ shower or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by spritzing on a little neutral cleaner or stone bath and shower cleaner then using a squeegee after each use. Consult our Care Guide for more details or visit the Solution Center at www.stoneandtilepros.com for answers regarding any specific issues you may be having. Visit our recommended products page for care products.

Counter/Vanity Top Surfaces

Counter/vanity tops may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. If a sealer is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use in food preparation surfaces. Consult our Care Guide or the Solution Center at www.stoneandtilepros.com that provides detailed instructions on the care of counter and vanity tops.

Outdoor Pool & Patio Areas

In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a good quality stone safe mold and mildew stain remover or a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.

Stain Treatment and Other Issues

If possible, immediately blot spills with a clean paper towel. If something has soaked into the stone and stained it, a poultice may need to be applied. Consult our Care Guide or the Solution Center at www.stoneandtilepros.com for detailed instructions on how to treat a host of possible stains as well as resolve other issues.

Do’s and Don’ts

• DO dust mop floors frequently.
• DO clean surfaces with a good stone safe neutral cleaner.
• DON’T use vacuum cleaners that are worn, as the metal or plastic attachments may scratch the surface.
• DON’T use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble, travertine or limestone, as these can etch the surface of the stone.