Q. How do I maintain my new natural stone surface?
A. Clean stone surfaces with a cleaner specifically made for natural stone. Always use a clean mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results.
Never use more than the recommended amount of any cleaner as it may leave a film, causing streaking. Change your rinse water frequently while washing. Don’t use products that contain any kind of citrus such as orange, lemon, vinegar or other acids on any natural stone surface as these will etch the surface of the stone. Never use soft type scrub powders or solutions as these will scratch the surface.
Q. How do I avoid staining my granite countertop?
A. Using small area mats under hot dishes and place mats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface. Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing. Clean surfaces with a neutral stone cleaner. Dry mop floors frequently. Never place hot items directly on the stone surface from the stove top or oven. Avoid leaving splattering cooking olds and food spills unattended for a length of time.
Q. What’s the best way for me to easily clean my stone surface?
A. Dust mop interior floors daily if possible. Use a dry dust mop free of any chemicals such as dust collecting sprays or polishes. Dirt particles cause much damage to natural stone surfaces.
Q. How do I maintain the marble in my bathroom?
A. Protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and 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. Soap scum residues can be virtually eliminated by using a soft squeegee after each use. Don't use cleaners that contain acid such as conventional bathroom tile cleaners and grout cleaners made for ceramic tile.
Liquid soaps, colognes, oral rinses and toothpastes are acidic to the stones surface and must be cleaned immediately or the acidic contents can compromise a sealers ability to protect.
Q. If I can’t use window cleaner or general pine cleaners and sprays to clean my marble vanity, what can I use?
A. Clean marble counter tops daily with a soft clean cloth or paper towel and a residue-free cleaner made specifically for natural stone.
Q. When I clean my granite with stone recommended products, I see streaking. How can I avoid this?
A. Gently buffing the marble or granite counter top with a clean cloth or paper towel should eliminate this. To avoid streaking, use the recommended amount of solution per manufacturer’s label. Using more will not make your counter any cleaner but will cause the surface to streak with excess residue.
Q. How can I prevent dirt and stains on my new granite countertop?
A. Countertops need to have a penetrating sealer applied if it was not applied by the installer or fabricator. Scratches, etchings and other marks and wear can be removed and restored. If sealers are applied, be certain it is safe for use in food preparation surfaces when dry curing is complete.
Q. The marble in my foyer has lost its shine and picked up some staining in the stone and grout. Can this ever look new again?
A. Yes, definitely! This would require the proper equipment, tools and expertise of a natural stone professional.
Q. Areas by my garage doorway and hall floors are starting to look dirty. What can I do?
A. Heavy traffic areas should be cleaned regularly and sealed to prevent staining. Use products which are labeled safe for natural stone.
Q. My dining room floor is granite but I’m seeing scratches where the chair legs meet the floor. How can I avoid this and what can I do to restore this the way it was when it was installed?
A. Attaching felt pads to the bottom of the legs will help tremendously. The floor has now acquired some damage but can be restored and brought back to original state. This cannot be done without the proper equipment, tools and expertise of a natural stone professional.
Q. I have houseplants on my granite floor that have caused water stains even though I keep a mat under the potted plant. Can the water stain be removed? How can I avoid this in the future?
A. Keep plants elevated off stone surfaces and if water overflows onto your stone while watering, wipe immediately as there are many acidic qualities in soil and plant food that can cause etching and staining. Most water stains can be removed depending on the stone and substance imbedded. It’s best to consult a natural stone professional to analyze this for you.
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