The natural stone includes pebble tile, marble, onyx, travertine, soapstone, sandstone, mosaic, slate and limestone. There are many other types of natural stone, but not as commonly used.

 

 

It is imperative to know the exact type of stone that should be maintained. The stone is natural and can have adverse reactions to certain chemicals and cleaning procedures. Most stones are also natural alkalis and so are dirt and soil; therefore, stone and earth attract each other, which often makes cleaning very difficult. This makes the proper selection of cleaning procedures and chemical products for the stone very complex.

 

1. Do not use cleaning products on or near your natural stone unless the label specifies that it is safe for natural marble or natural stone (cultured marble is man-made and is basically a plastic material). This includes a glass cleaner to clean the mirror on a marble vanity or a liquid toilet cleaner when the toilet is placed on a marble floor.

2. Do not clean your natural stone with a solution of vinegar and water. Vinegar is highly acidic and will damage the stone.

 

 

3. Do not clean your natural stone with a water solution with a commercially available cleaner, unless its label specifically indicates that it is safe to use in natural stone.

4. Do not use powdered cleansers, cream cleansers, generic soap film removers, generic mildew removers or strong disinfectants on your natural stone.

5. Do not leave spills, especially orange juice, lemonade, wine, vinegar, liqueurs, tomato sauce, yogurt, salad dressings, perfumes, after shaving, etc. Clean these types of spills immediately, even if the natural stone has been sealed

6. Do not use standard floor wax or other topical shine agents on your natural stone. It will only remove the natural beauty of the stone and could lead to more costly and constant maintenance. If you want your stone to shine, polish your stone professionally.

7. Do not apply sealants to natural stone that has not been professionally cleaned. Sealers will be trapped in dirt and debris that can damage your stone over time. Also, do not use sealants that are not specifically indicated as safe for natural stone. If incorrect sealers are used, scratching and peeling can also occur.

8. Do not place glasses, plants, porcelain, silver or hot objects directly on any natural stone surface. Scratches, etchings and other types of damage can occur.

9. Do not moisten the mop or clean its natural stone with a cloth just after installation or grouting. While it may not cause any real damage, it is likely that fine dust left on the surface is trapped in the water and can leave ugly and difficult to eliminate throughout the surface.

 

 

10. Do not use any kind of green or brown scourer on your natural stone. The presence of silicon carbide grains in them will scratch even the toughest granite.

Be sure to hire a professional firm with knowledge that can adequately address your stone restoration problems and do the job correctly from the first time.