Natural stone is a popular choice for home interiors due to its unique charm and durability. However, maintaining its pristine condition takes proper knowledge and care. Cleaning natural stone requires specific techniques and products to preserve its natural beauty for decades to come. This article will guide you through the process of cleaning natural stone, ensuring your surfaces remain in top-notch condition.
Understanding Natural Stone
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to understand what natural stone is. Natural stones include quartzite, marble, onyx and other varieties. Each type has unique characteristics that dictate how it should be cleaned and maintained.
The golden rule in cleaning natural stone is avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage their surface. Instead, opt for pH-neutral cleaners designed specifically for these materials.
Preventive Measures for Natural Stone Care
Before we delve into the specifics of cleaning natural stone surfaces, let’s discuss some preventive measures that can help maintain their beauty:
- Use coasters under glasses or bottles to prevent staining.
- Wipe up spills immediately to avoid seepage into the pores of the stone.
- Use trivets or mats under hot dishes or cookware.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.
- Regularly dust countertops with a microfiber cloth.
Cleaning Natural Stone Surfaces
When it comes to cleaning natural stone surfaces like countertops or floors, here are some steps you can follow:
- Dust off any loose dirt using a soft cloth or mop.
- Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket (for floors) or sink (for countertops).
- Using a soft cloth or mop, clean the surface with the soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry the surface using a soft, dry cloth to prevent water spots.
Remember, it’s crucial not to use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids on marble surfaces as they can etch the stone.
Deep Cleaning and Stain Removal
No mater how careful, you might find a stain hiding under an appliance or stone countertop fixture. For stubborn stains on your natural stone surfaces, you may need to resort to deep cleaning.
- Identify the type of stain: Organic stains (coffee, tea), oil-based stains (grease), inorganic stains (ink), metal stains (iron, rust), and biological stains (mold).
- Use a poultice made from baking soda and water for organic and inorganic stains.
- For oil-based stains, create a poultice using baking soda and water mixed with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide.
- Apply the poultice on the stain and cover it with plastic wrap for 24-48 hours.
- Remove the poultice and clean the area with warm soapy water.
Sealing Natural Stone Surfaces – An Ounce of Prevention!
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and sealing is an essential step in maintaining natural stone surfaces as it provides a protective barrier against staining and damage. However, not all stones need sealing; for instance, granite requires sealing while quartzite doesn’t. While your installer should always do this, you can also seal stone yourself. Always test on a sample or piece that is not very visible before sealing your stone floors or countertops.
Always follow the manufacturers instructions from start to finish, but in general to seal your natural stone:
- Clean the surface thoroughly and let it dry.
- Apply a quality stone sealer following manufacturer’s instructions.
- Allow the sealer to penetrate into the stone for about 15-20 minutes.
- Wipe off any excess sealer using a clean cloth.
In conclusion, cleaning natural stone requires attention to prevent damage while ensuring its beauty is preserved over time. By following these guidelines on cleaning natural stone, you can keep your stone surfaces looking their best for a lifetime to come.
