Essential Stone Care Tips for Homeowners

Natural stone surfaces add elegance and value to any home. Whether you have marble countertops, granite floors, limestone backsplashes, or slate shower walls, proper care is essential to maintain their beauty and extend their lifespan. In this guide, we'll share fundamental stone care tips that every homeowner should know.

Understanding Your Stone Type

Different types of natural stone have varying levels of porosity and hardness, requiring specific care approaches:

• Marble and Limestone: Calcium-based stones that are sensitive to acids and prone to etching
• Granite: Generally durable but still requires proper sealing to prevent staining
• Slate and Quartzite: More resistant to etching but can still be vulnerable to scratching
• Travertine: Naturally porous and requires regular sealing and careful cleaning

Daily Cleaning Practices

For routine maintenance of your natural stone surfaces:

1. Clean spills immediately, especially acidic substances like wine, citrus juices, vinegar, and tomato sauce
2. Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water for daily cleaning
3. Avoid general-purpose cleaners, which often contain acids or alkaline ingredients
4. Use pH-neutral, stone-specific cleaners for regular maintenance
5. Always thoroughly rinse surfaces after cleaning to remove any residue
6. Dry the surface with a soft, clean cloth to prevent water spots

Sealing Your Natural Stone

Sealing is one of the most important aspects of stone care:

• Most natural stone requires periodic sealing to prevent staining
• The frequency depends on the stone type, usage, and quality of the previous sealer
• To test if your stone needs sealing, place a few drops of water on the surface. If it darkens or absorbs within 10 minutes, it's time to reseal
• Choose a high-quality, penetrating sealer designed specifically for your stone type
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for application and curing time

What to Avoid

Protect your natural stone by avoiding these damaging practices:

• Acidic Cleaners: Vinegar, lemon juice, and cleaners containing citric acid can etch marble and limestone
• Abrasive Products: Scouring powders, creams, and even rough sponges can scratch the surface
• Vacuum Cleaners: Metal or worn attachments may scratch stone floors
• Bathroom Products: Hair products, perfumes, and cosmetics can damage stone surfaces in bathrooms
• Standing Water: Prolonged exposure can cause discoloration or minerals to deposit on the surface

Dealing with Common Issues

Stains

Different types of stains require different treatment approaches:

• Oil-based stains (cooking oil, grease): Make a poultice with baking soda and water
• Organic stains (coffee, tea, food): Use hydrogen peroxide mixed with a few drops of ammonia
• Metal stains: These typically require professional treatment
• Biological stains (mold, mildew): Clean with a diluted (1:16) solution of bleach and water

Etching

Etching occurs when acid dissolves part of the stone surface, leaving dull marks:

• Light etching may be removed with special polishing powders designed for marble
• Deeper etching requires professional restoration
• Prevention is the best approach—use coasters, cutting boards, and clean spills immediately

Scratches

To prevent and address scratching:

• Use protective pads under items placed on stone surfaces
• Never cut directly on stone countertops
• For light scratches, special polishing compounds may help
• Deep scratches typically require professional repair techniques

When to Call Professionals

While regular maintenance can be handled at home, some situations call for professional assistance:

• Deep stains that don't respond to home treatments
• Significant etching, scratches, or chips
• Uneven surfaces or loose tiles
• Dull stone that has lost its shine despite regular care
• Annual professional deep cleaning for heavily used areas