Natural Stone Care Guide

This natural stone care guide is designed to help you learn some general insights on how to best clean and maintain certain areas of you natural stone surfaces.

Below we address specific tasks or areas that are common culprits for homeowners. Keep in mind that certain types of natural stone (e.g. marble being more sensitive) are unique and different, requiring a different approach to cleaning and care.

General Natural Stone Cleaning

Clean the stone surfaces with the cleaner that is safe for a natural stone. When cleaning floors, use a tidy mob and for the other surfaces use a soft cloth. Do not use more than the suggested quantity of any cleaning agent. If you use excess, it might leave out a spot resulting to streaks. Make sure you change the rinsing water from time to time.

Desist from using products that have vinegar, lemon or other acidic substances on marble limestone or travertine since these can etch the stone’s surface. Also, do not clean using creams or scouring powders as these products have abrasives that may scratch the surface.

Caring for Natural Stone Flooring 

You should regularly dust mop interior floors with a clean non-treated mop. Dirt, sand and grit do a lot of damage to the surfaces of natural stones because of their abrasiveness. Area rags or mats in and out of the entrance will help in minimizing the sand, grit and dirt that may scratch the stone floor.

Make sure the underside of your mat or rag is a surface that does not slip. Also, do not use worn out vacuum cleaners. This is because their plastic or metal attachments may scratch the precious surface.

Cleaning & Caring for Bathrooms

You can minimize soap scum in the bathroom or other wet places by use of a squeegee after every use. To effectively get out soap scum from the shower, do not use acidic cleaners as they may destroy the floor. On the contrary, use professional shower cleaners and let them to do the rest of hard work for you. Finally, you can then utilize the soft scrub brush to eliminate the soap scum from every area of the shower surface.

Professional shower cleaners will be able to dissolve any soap scum hence you will not be required to use other abrasive scrub pads for scrubbing it away. The abrasive scrub pads may destroy the finish of soft stone tiles like marble, limestone and travertine. Therefore, cleaning of any soft stone tiles should be carried out using professional grade cleaners.

Cleaning Stone Vanity and Counter Top Surfaces

Clean natural stone countertops every day day using a paper towel or soft cloth, as well as a residue cleaner that is safe for the natural stone you have. If you encounter minor etch marks on your counter tops, consider restoring the original appearance by investing in some polishing and restoration products  If streaking takes place, use a clean terry cloth to buff the counter top. If you want more luster especially on special occasions, use a good stone polish to clean up the counter top surfaces.

Seal Natural Stone Where Possible

Countertops and flooring may require the application of a penetrating sealer to help protect the natural stone surface. This care measure can go a long way in retaining the quality finish and appearance of your natural stone. If you use a sealer on counters, ensure it is not harmful for use on surfaces that are used for food preparation. For these applications a water based sealer might be the best option. You can also contact professionals to do the sealing process for you.

Remember, get to know what type of natural stone you have. If it's marble care, the processes mentioned above may require a unique approach, for marble is a softer stone that's more prone to scratching and staining.

Debunking 5 Myths About Marble

Many people arrive at the wrong conclusions as to why marble stains, discolors, cracks, and fades. Some of these myths surrounding marble are just false and need to be clarified by explaining the real reasons for common issues experienced when owning marble.

Below are some common myths about marble and the underlying truth to set things straight.

Marble Myth #1: Warping from Water

Some people believe that living plant material inside green marble tiles is what makes them warp during installation. They explain this further by saying that when water is added to green marble, the living organisms inside start to grow making it warp. Well, this is not the case because warping is caused by a condition known as hysteresis. Green marble is highly sensitive to water. When the water enters the stone, the marble will release some internal stress causing warping.

Marble Myth #2: "Effervescence" Problems?

Other contractors believe that marble experiences effervescence problems. Well this is just plain wrong since effervescence is fizzing which does not occur anywhere during marble installation. The right word is efflorescence, which occurs when water is deposited on the surface of the stone and appears with a white powdered residue due to the soluble salts that are carried from the setting bed. When efflorescence occurs, you should not seal the stone as this does not help. What happens after sealing is that more problems are created in the sense that, the pore size of the stone is reduced creating more efflorescence and possible spalling.

Marble Myth #3: Cracking due to Fissures

The other myth that needs to be broken is that misconception that all cracks that occur during stone installations are as a result of natural fissures in stone. The distinction is this, cracks are ideally caused by external forces which is why they are considered as breaks. For instance, if someone stands or sits on the stone then it would break. Unfortunately, most breaks occur on natural fissures if the stone is not handled carefully. Remember that this fissure is just a slight crack that emanated during the formation of the stone. Hence, there is a great difference between the naturally occurring fissures and the breaks or cracks formed by external forces.

Marble Myth #4: Vinegar Water is the Best Marble Cleaner

Vinegar and water is not always ideal in cleaning marble or limestone. This is because vinegar, which is an acid, can etch stone surfaces with calcium. To avoid this kind of damage, you should avoid using vinegar on limestone, marble and even granite. You must be very careful when using the vinegar and water combination for marble cleaning. In short, it's a myth to believe that this homemade solution is better than most marble cleaner products. Oil stains are very common in stone and some people recommend soaking the entire stone in water to remove them. Well, this does not work. To start with, the oil is not just on the surface but it is trapped inside the pores of the stone. Instead of water, you should use a poultice and a de-greasing material to eliminate oil spots from marble.

Marble Myth #5: The Darker the Stone the Softer it is

Do not be fooled by the misconception that the darker the marble stone the softer it is. This is not true since you can find dark granite which are much harder than the lighter ones. This same case applies to marble and limestone. Bear in mind that granite is not unsafe as many may presume. It explains why it is used in cutting boards, food laboratories among other applications.

Well those five marble myths that we've debunked for your enlightenment. To learn more about marble care and maintenance, visit www.marble-cleaning-products.com.

Do you have any marble-related myths or questions that you want answers to? Let us know in the comments section below.

Tips for Marble Care & Maintenance

If you are looking for an exquisite surface for your home's flooring or countertops, then marble would be a wonderful option. Not only is marble a beautiful natural stone, but it's also quite versatile and can be used in different areas of the home.

If you care for your marble surfaces in the right manner, you can sustain your marble's orginal look for many years. One thing to note about marble is that it is a rather soft and absorbent stone compared to other countertop alternatives. This makes it sensitive to both staining and etching (from alkaline substances such as chemicals in household cleaners.)

When is comes to proper marble care, here are some tips that can come in handy when caring for your marble counter tops:

Preventative Marble Care Measures

If you would like your marble surfaces to have a longer shelf life, you should take measures to prevent damage from occurring in the first place. Below are some preventative marble care measures that you can take:

1. Avoid installing marble in areas that experience a significant amount of traffic.
2. To prevent dirt and debris on getting on your marble floors, place nonslip mats at the entrances of your home.
3. Clean up spills immediately they happen instead of letting them stay on the marble.
4. Use coasters on marble surfaces rather than placing glasses and mugs right on the surface.
5. Do not directly place hot items on the marble surfaces. Always have a mat in place to protect the surface from the heat.
6. Have regular maintenance check-ups. This will enable you to spot any cracks or damage that may have occurred on the marble.

Cleaning Marble Surfaces

When it comes to cleaning marble surfaces, it is best to clean them exclusively with water or a specially formulated marble cleaner solution.

However, in the event that additional cleaners may be needed, one must ensure that the chemical ingredients of the cleaner is neutral. The best course of action if you are faced with stubborn stains on your marble surfaces is to find a marble cleaning product that is specifically designed for marble and other natural stone.

In addition to using the right marble cleaner, there are some basic tips that you could use when it comes to regular marble cleaning.

1. Never use out dated vacuum machines on the surfaces as these could damage them.
2. When rinsing the surfaces, use warm water.
3. During marble cleaning, change the water frequently and only use a clean mop.
4. Do not walk on marble floors immediately after having them cleaned. Let them dry completely first.
5. Steer clear from chemical cleaners.
6. Never wax marble surfaces with standard floor wax (always used marble-specific products.)

Daily Marble Care Tips

For marble to stay aesthetically appealing, one should have a daily marble care regimen in place. Polished marble floors should be wiped daily with a soft cloth. The same applies to marble countertops.

Marble surfaces in the bathroom should be wiped down immediately after a shower so as to avoid moisture settling on them. Always take extreme caution when cleaning mirrors above marble surfaces so as to avoid any chemicals from dripping onto the countertops.

How to Restore Etching on Marble & Granite Surfaces

Unlike stains and water spots, etching on marble and granite surfaces can be a bit more challenging to remove. This is because etching is the result of natural stone corroding due to contact with acidic or chemical substances, such as standard household cleaners or fruit juices.

Etch marks are actually quite common on marble and granite surfaces. This is primarily because homeowners are unaware that traditional, chemical-based cleaners can corrode natural stone and dull its appearance. As a result, marble and granite showers and kitchen countertops (two areas of the home that are regularly exposed to cleaners and citric acids) are often at risk of etching.

If etch marks appear on your marble or granite surfaces, first pinpoint how it happened. Knowing the cause can help you prevent future etching from occurring. Next you must determine the severity of the etch marks. Minor etching can usually be removed with specially-formulated restorer compounds, whereas extreme cases of etching may demand more extensive restoration products.

How to Remove Etch Marks from Natural Stone

With the right products and approach, homeowners can restore etching without needing to hire a professional. One of the most cost-efficient solutions is purchasing a granite or marble gloss restorer. Most gloss restoration products are formulated with polishing powders and safe compounds that remove etch marks, water spots, and light scratches. Such granite cleaning compounds cost between $15-20 and require little-to-no experience to apply.

If etch marks are severe, a granite/marble restoration or refinishing kit may be needed. These kits include the tools and restoration compounds needed to buff, clean, and refinish the surface of natural stone. Although most do-it-yourself granite refinishing kits can range between $100-300 (depending on whether or not you need a buffer,) the investment is still much cheaper than paying for professional restoration services.

The best approach to protect against etching on marble and granite surfaces is awareness and preventative maintenance. Simply knowing how to properly clean a natural stone surface with right product is essential to help sustain its original look. 

Mindful Tips to Clean & Maintain Your Marble Countertops

Maintaining and cleaning marble countertops should not be a difficult task. By learning the characteristics of marble, as well as the right way of it, you can maintain your marble countertops to sustain the life of your home.

Cleaning & Protecting Against Stains

A common misconception people have is that they believe marble to be a very porous, stain-sensitive natural stone. Although marble is indeed more porous than granite or quartz countertops, it's still rather resilient against staining.

That doesn't mean stains and water spots won't show up on a marble countertop from time to time. One of the best homemade marble cleaning solutions is to use an organic natural or liquid soap and hot water. Similarly, you can also grate a bar of natural soap if this option is more cost-efficient. There are also a number of marble cleaning products that are specifically designed to handle tough stains while still respecting the sensitivity of the stone.

A good approach to protect against staining is preventative marble maintenance. One of the best ways to ensure that your marble countertops do not stain easily is covering the surface with a marble sealer. A marble sealer offers lasting protection and can ward-off damaging stains.

Etching & Marble Restoration

Etching is not the same as staining. With etch marks, the marble’s surface is compromised by acidic substances which corrode marble and give it a dull appearance. The common culprits that cause etching on countertops are household cleaners that comprise of an array of harsh chemicals.

Although sealing a marble countertop can help to prevent staining, most marble sealers will not fully protect against etching, as these acidic substances can eat through the marble sealer. This why using marble for kitchen countertops (which may be regularly exposed to chemical cleaners) can be more vulnerable to etching as opposed to a marble bathroom or fireplace vanities.

Etch marks can be treated by homeowners using do-it-yourself marble restoration kits and buffing products. Most of these marble restoration kits cost a little over a $100, but are well worth the investment compared to professional marble restoration and refinishing services.

Polish & Protect Your Marble Countertops

Not only can regular marble polishing help protect your marble countertops from water, oil, and dirt penetration, but a marble polish can also enhance the color and luster of the stone's natural surface.

Keep in mind that marble polish is not a coating (like a marble sealer) and it does not contain any polymers. Professional-grade marble polish will not distort the color, clarity, or reflective capacity of natural stone - it only enhances these qualities. Such marble polishing should go hand-in-hand with marble cleaning to keep a lasting countertop surface. These products can cost anywhere from $10-30, depending on the quality.

Sustaining the life of your marble countertops takes conscious care and preventative maintenance. Simply knowing how to prevent certain risks, as well as how to handle them, is the best defense to protect and maintain your marble countertops.