Cleaning natural stone properly
CLEANING NATURAL STONE PROPERLY
Have you chosen Natural stone ? Congratulations, a good choice. It is durable, robust and versatile and brings elegance and refinement to your home. To keep it beautiful for a long time, you should know how to clean and care for it properly.
Our team has put together some tips: what you should and should not do.
What we recommend for cleaning
Ideally, fill the pores and seal the stone. We recommend this especially for floors, so that dirt does not settle in the pores.
Clean regularly. Natural stone surfaces do not need much time for this. Ideally use warm water and a special cleaner for stone floors.
Wipe up spills immediately. With red wine, coffee and tomato sauce you must act immediately, and then a permanent stain usually does not form. Otherwise, a special paste with a damp cloth will help.
If the stain does not come out straight away, repeat the process within 24 to 48 hours. Stubborn stains may need several applications. So it is always best to remove stains immediately.
Protect floors with non-slip mats or rugs and worktops with coasters or place mats.
What to avoid when cleaning
Choose the sealant carefully. Inferior products can seriously damage natural stone and cause high costs and problems with restoration. It is best to ask us. We will advise you and offer you high-quality work.
Vinegar essence is currently a popular substitute for chemical cleaners, but it is taboo for natural stone. Also avoid all other cleaners containing acids or abrasives.
Take care when vacuuming too. Worn attachments or wheels can scratch the stone surface.
Don’t forget the joints. Cleaning the joints regularly stops dirt from building up. Water and a brush are enough, and the grout stays in good condition too.
Cleaning stone surfaces indoors and outdoors
These tips apply to many stone surfaces. But cleaning and dirt vary depending on the room in which the Natural stone is laid.
Cleaning stone worktops and tables
Stone kitchen surfaces should be cleaned with a few drops of neutral cleaner, soap or washing-up liquid and warm water, ideally with a clean, soft cloth. Too much cleaner or soap can leave streaks.
On marble or limestone, do not use products containing lemon, vinegar or other acids. Also avoid scouring powders and creams, which contain abrasives that scratch the surface. And think about prevention: coasters and place mats are a must.
Cleaning indoor stone floors
Indoor stone floors should be wiped often with a clean, soft and dry dust cloth. Sand and dirt from outside do the most harm to the surface, because they act as abrasives.
Doormats or rugs inside and outside the entrance keep dirt away from the stone. Clean the floor regularly. Warm water is enough; the cloth just should not be too wet.
Cleaning stone bathrooms
You can reduce soap residue by using a gentle squeegee after each use. Ideally clean after every shower, so that no soap residue builds up.
Cleaning outdoor stone surfaces
Natural stone is versatile and an excellent choice for outdoors too. You can use it for terraces, courtyards, driveways and pools .
The possibilities are numerous. And care outdoors? Clean regularly so that no dirt builds up. Water is usually enough, and for stubborn dirt we recommend special products.
Stone outdoors is exposed to many conditions and stresses, so protect it with a sealant suited to the type of stone. That way it absorbs no water and no mould forms.
Dealing with spills in 5 steps
- Carefully remove any residue.
- Blot the area. Do not wipe, otherwise the liquid spreads.
- Rinse the stain with water or water with a little mild washing-up liquid. Repeat several times.
- Once the stain is no longer visible, dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- If the stain does not disappear, contact a specialist stone care company.
Clean natural stone surfaces in 5 steps
- First sweep the surface or wipe it with a dry cloth to remove dirt particles.
- Fill a bucket with warm water, perhaps with a little washing-up liquid or natural stone cleaner.
- Dip a microfibre cloth in and start cleaning. When the water gets dirty, change it.
- Start in one corner of the room and work your way towards the door.
- Ventilate well so that the floor dries quickly.
Do you have any more questions about caring for natural stone? Contact our advisers, who will be happy to help you.
Stonemasons Marnit – with over 100 years of tradition.