Stone Care Tips

Protect your investment! With proper care, you can enjoy the natural beauty and sheen of your stone for many years to come.

We’d like to share some care tips for your stone. You will find that with diligence and consistency, caring for your stone will come naturally and effortlessly.

General Cleaning of Natural Stone

Download and print our extensive free Stone Care Guide so you can keep it handy at all times. You may also want to know more about our products. Click here.

• Use only a safe cleaner that’s intended specifically for natural stone.
• Follow instructions on the label. Do not use more than the recommended amount. If you use too much, a film can develop causing unsightly streaks.
• Change your rinse water frequently.
• Avoid cleaning products that contain lemon, vinegar and other acids on marble, travertine or limestone as these can etch the stone’s surface.
• Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

Floor Surfaces

(For newly installed/restored floors, refer to our Care Guide for important instructions.)

• Dust mop interior floors frequently with a clean, untreated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness.
• Put mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance. Mats and rugs minimize the amount of sand, dirt and grit that can scratch a stone floor.
• Ensure that the underside of the mat or rug has a non-slip surface.
• Avoid using vacuum cleaners that are worn, because the metal or plastic attachments may scratch the surface.
• Consult the Care Guide or the Solution Center at StoneCareCentral.com that provides detailed instructions on properly caring for your floors.

Bath and Other Wet Areas

In the bath, shower or other wet areas, minimize soap scum by using a squeegee after your shower. You can read the Care Guide or the Solution Center at StoneCareCentral.com for detailed instructions and recommended products.

Counter/Vanity Top Surfaces

• Clean your countertops daily with a soft cloth or paper towel and a residue- free cleaner designated safe for natural stone.
• Visit the Solution Center at StoneCareCentral.com to identify the best products for your particular needs.

Other Tips:

• If streaking occurs, buff the countertop with a clean white terry cloth or paper towel.
• Use a good stone polish occasionally. This will give your stone added lustre and clarity.
• Seal, if necessary. Apply a penetrating sealer on countertops. 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 StoneCareCentral.com for more information on sealing.

Outdoor Pool & Patio Areas

To remove algae or moss in outdoor pools, patios or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution.

Summary of Do’s and Don’ts

• Dust mop floors frequently.
• Clean surfaces with a neutral stone cleaner.
• Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing.
• Blot up spills immediately.
• Protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs.
• Protect counter top surfaces with coasters, trivets or place mats, particularly under those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface.
• Don’t place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and place mats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface.
• Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids to clean marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces.
• Don’t use acid-based cleaners (e.g. bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners).
• Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
• Don’t mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.

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 StoneCareCentral.com that provides detailed instructions on how to treat different stains and other problems.
• Your natural stone and grout may need to be periodically sealed. For small jobs, you can purchase the product and do it yourself, or contact us to perform the service for you. Consult the Solution Center at StoneCareCentral.com for more information on when and how to apply sealer.