The natural stone you have purchased for your home or office is an investment that will give you many years of beautiful services. Stone is a natural product and simple care and maintenance will
keep it looking beautiful. Here are some recommendations for routine care and cleaning.
Precautions
- Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface
- Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface.
Cleaning Procedures & Recommendations
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 will scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface. Normally, it will take a
person about eight steps on a floor surface to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of their shoes. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn. The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch
the surface.
Other Surfaces
Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available at hardware stores or from your stone dealer) or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean rag
mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on
marble or limestone. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these
products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.
Bath and Other Wet Areas
In the bath or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2
cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.
Vanity Top Surfaces
A good quality marble wax or non-yellowing automobile paste wax can be applied to minimize water spotting.
Outdoor Pool & Patio Areas
In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.
Stone Maintenance Tips
- Clean natural stone with neutral cleaners or stone soaps.
- Never use cleaners containing acids (bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, tub and tile cleaners).
- Never use vinegar as a cleaner.
- Dust floors and surfaces often to extend life of shine.
- Pick spills up immediately by blotting with a white paper towel or rag.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners such as soft scrub.
- Call Boylan Marble & Terrazzo Restoration Ltd. if you experience problems.
Information source: Copyright © 2005 Marble Institute of America
