Care Guide for Stone
Stone Care Instructions
Keep your stone looking great by following some precautions from our Stone & Tile Care Guide.
Note: Information is for reference purposes only. Please follow label directions on back of actual products. For tile and grout care and maintenance, please refer to the Care Guide for Tile.
Stone Care Do's and Don't's
- DO use STONETECH® sealers to protect your stone and tile.
- DO clean up spills immediately to minimize damage to your stone and tile.
- DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes and cookware.
- DO use placemats under china, ceramics, silver and other objects that can scratch your stones surface.
- DO place a small rug or mat at entry ways to trap dirt and small sand from normal foot traffic.
- Do dust or carefully vacuum countertops, islands, vanities and floors frequently.
- DO use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
- DO clean surfaces regularly with STONETECH® REVITALIZER® CLEANER & PROTECTOR or STONETECH® STONE & TILE CLEANER.
- DO call the Technical Support for maintenance assistance.
- DON’T wait to clean up spills on stone. Clean up as quickly as possible.
- DON’T use dish soap, vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or general purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, or tub and tile cleaners.
- DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleaners or soft cleaners.
- DON’T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for stone.
Maintenance Cleaning
Countertops and Vanities
Use a neutral, pH-balanced cleaner, specially formulated for stone, on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills, as well as hairspray or other cosmetics. Be careful with common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch or dull the stone surface. Also, some common toiletries (i.e., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.
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 potential damage from these particles. In addition, be careful when using a vacuum cleaner as the metal or plastic attachments or wheels may scratch the surface. Damp mop the stone floor with a diluted solution of a neutral cleaner designed for stone. Keep off floor until completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.
Bath and Other Wet Areas
Periodic use of a neutral stone cleaner will remove any soap scum or hard water deposits that may have formed. In the bath, or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup.
What to Do When a Spill Occurs
No matter how careful you are, spills are going to happen. A quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging your stone or degrading the sealer.
Etch Marks
Highly acidic substances such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard and many soft drinks will “etch” most marble, limestone and travertine. Sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, but it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull mark.
General cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone or degrade the sealer. Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone’s even finish.
Food Spills
Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Blot with dry, white cloth. Spray the area with a neutral stone cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth.
Liquid Spills
Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth while turning the cloth frequently. Spray the area with a neutral stone cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth.
Mud
Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with a neutral stone cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, contact a professional cleaner.
Oily Stains
If you identify the stain as having an oil base (from foods like salad, cooking oils, butter or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. A poultice will pick up the stain from deep within the stone.
Recommended Product(s)
STONETECH® STONE & TILE CLEANER
STONETECH® REVITALIZER® CLEANER