Natural Stone

Most problems that occur are repairable

  • On textured surfaces, use a broom to loosen any dirt or debris in grout lines and on the surface of the stone.
  • Untreated dust mops and vacuums with rubber wheels and soft brush attachments will properly remove dust and loose debris from the surface.
  • Never use your granite countertop as a cutting surface. The sharp edge of a knife can scratch the surface.
  • Use only Neutral pH (7), no rinse, concentrated stone soaps when cleaning.
  • Use products that explicitly say “safe for marble” on the label.
  • It is common for natural stone to exhibit variations, in color, texture, and finish. These variations are natural and proliferate the stone. Homeowners choose materials based on their personal taste and cost. More consistent materials are typically more expensive.
  • Never use vinegar, lemon juice, or bathroom tub and tile cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine, or onyx surfaces.
  • Never use abrasive cleansers such as dry powder cleansers or soft cleansers on natural stone.
  • Use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (1/2 cup diluted in a 32 ounce spray bottle) with a white scotchbrite style cleaning pad on your showers.
  • Attach thick felt pads to the legs of chairs. Some felt is adhesive backed, some is actually attached to a metal post the can be permanently attached to the bottom of wooden chairs.
  • Keep plants elevated off stone surfaces. It is not enough simply to put coasters beneath plants. Many minerals in plant food and potting soil can etch and stain even the most resistant stones.
  • Periodically wash your stone shower floor, soap dish, and any corners with a light bleach solution to kill any mold and mildew present.
  • Keep the stain protection on your stone surfaces up by the periodic reapplication of the proper impregnating sealer.
  • Use coasters for your liquid soap dispensers, make-up, perfumes, and colognes. This is the main cause of etching on marble vanities.