Preventive
Care
Know your stone surface and its needs and tailor
a maintenance schedule to suit. Know its limitations
and usual longevity, precautions to avoid wear
and damage, whether it is soft, hard, porous
or easily scratched and what chemicals will
affect it. Find out how your stone should be
treated on a daily and long-term basis and when
you will need professional resealing, repolishing
or deep cleaning.
Have your stone surface professionally sealed
once it has been installed. Sealing with a penetrating
sealer which soaks into the stone will help
prevent staining, will reduce a build up of
moisture and will allow easier cleaning. Topical
sealers that rest on top of the stone can encourage
moisture to accumulate under the surface and
can change the look of the stone and are therefore
not recommended.
Avoid placing acidic or chemical products on
surfaces as these can etch or stain (especially
marble and limestone). Wine, juice, vinegar,
milk, tea and coffee can etch some stone surfaces
so the use of coasters is recommended. Soil
and water trapped under pot plants can cause
mildew and staining. High alkaline products
such as soap, shampoo, perfume and aftershave
can stain or etch. All spills must be cleaned
up immediately.
Avoid wearing shoes on polished surfaces as
even the smallest amount of grit on the bottom
of a shoe will scratch a stone surface. Removal
of shoes will prolong the life of a polished
floor. If this is not possible then a good quality
doormat is recommended to remove as much excess
dirt and grit as possible. It takes up to 4
steps on each foot to remove grit from the bottom
of shoes.
Place soft pads under furniture such as felt,
as any slight movement of furniture, especially
chairs, will cause scratching. Clean felt pads
will help avoid this. Always lift furniture
when moving it and DO NOT drag. Chairs are the
biggest cause of damage to stone floors when
they do not have pads on the bottom of the legs.
Use a clean cotton cloth or mop to clean or
polish stone as these are gentle on stone and
will not scratch it. The Microfibre Mop is ideal.
If scouring is necessary, use only professionally
recommended scouring products such as the Scrub-a-dub,
and follow the directions given by your stone
care professional. Using other scourers will
scratch the stone and remove the glossy surface.
Change the water regularly when using rinsing
cloths.
Clean with only recommended
products
Clean with only recommended products such as
S-P Cleaner, Stone Deep Clean, Brilliance or
Renue as these are neutral PH cleaners, and
always read the product label to ensure correct
application and suitability. Wax based sprays
such as Mr Sheen will leave a build up on the
surface and are not recommended. All-purpose
common cleaning products that contain acid,
bleach, vinegar, lemon or degreasers may etch
the surface or damage the delicate minerals
in the stone, eventually causing the surface
to look dull. Common abrasive cleaners can scratch
the surface.
Regular
Care
Natural stone surfaces that are regularly and
correctly maintained will retain their magnificent
look and feel for longer.
Benchtops
Clean the stone surface with a recommended
product such as S-P Cleaner and a soft damp
cloth after use to avoid the build up of bacteria
and substances that may scratch or etch the
surface. Acidic substances such as juice, coffee,
tea, vinegar and wine will etch the surface
of marble or limestone benchtops if left so
remove spills immediately. Rinse the area after
cleaning with fresh water to remove all excess
dirt and detergent and dry with a soft cloth.
DO NOT use abrasive cleaners or scourers, as
scratches are highly visible on a glossy surface.
Floors
Sweep floors on a daily basis to prevent dirt
from scratching the surface under foot and accumulating
in the grout. A broom with soft bristles may
be used but the most effective and gentle method
for cleaning smooth surfaces is to use a Microfibre
Mop, which has a soft pad. It can be used wet
or dry. The mop we recommend comes with a large
swivel head which makes sweeping quick and easy.
It picks up the dirt and dust as it glides and
can be easily manoeuvred into corners. The microfibre
pad can then be removed and rinsed thoroughly.
Vacuum rough textured surfaces, as this is
more effective than sweeping. The suction will
pull the dirt from within the textured surface.
Ensure that the vacuum cleaner wheels do not
have grit on them and that the felt on the head
of the suction end is not worn so these do not
scratch the floor.
Mop on a regular basis after sweeping or vacuuming.
Damp mopping can be carried out with a damp
Microfibre Mop to pick up any residual dirt
after sweeping. Wet mopping or washing should
be carried out with a wet Microfibre Mop, warm
water and a recommended product such as S-P
Cleaner, to give a more thorough clean. Change
the water regularly so that dirt is not continually
transferred back to the floor. Rinse the floor
after mopping to ensure the dirty water is completely
removed from the surface. Wipe the floor with
a cloth or towel as this will dry the floor
and remove any residue and streaks. Regularity
of cleaning will depend on the traffic and condition
of the floor.
Showers
Remove soap scum effectively by using a recommended
product such as Stone Deep Clean and a recommended
white pad scourer only such as the Scrub-a-dub.
DO NOT use acidic or abrasive products such
as Ajax, Jif, Exit Mould, Domestos, Shower Power
etc as these will dull the surface of the stone,
especially marble and limestone. To prevent
the build up of soap scum and mould the cleaner
must be gentle enough not to damage the surface
but effective enough to cut through the build-up
and kill bacteria.
Remove mould effectively by using a mild bleach
solution of 1 cup household bleach to 4 cups
water and apply with a sponge, only to the affected
areas. Leave on for no more than ten minutes
then rinse off thoroughly with water. DO NOT
allow bleach to accumulate on the floor of the
shower, as it will dull the surface. Rinse the
entire area. DO NOT mix bleach with ammonia,
as it will cause a toxic chemical reaction.
Be aware that over time if not done correctly
this procedure may dull the surface of some
stones.
Dry the area as thoroughly as possible after
cleaning to prevent the growth of mould and
mildew. Use a dry sponge, towel or squeegee
to wipe away the excess moisture. Ventilation
is also essential. Stone tiles in showers must
be sealed professionally after installation
and silicon applied in the corners and around
edges to prevent moisture from accumulating
behind the tiles. The grout must also be sealed
professionally to prevent it from holding water
and encouraging mould growth. A well designed
shower with good fall towards the drain is a
major help in keeping the area mould free.
Outdoor areas
Sweep outdoor areas weekly with a medium bristled
brush, as dirt can accumulate quickly and settle
in the grooves of textured surfaces.
Hose the surface monthly using clean water
and a mild neutral stone detergent such as S-P
Cleaner to remove excess dirt. A heavy duty
clean should be carried out yearly. If neglected,
outdoor areas can look dull and stained due
to the accumulation of dirt and pollutants.
Many outdoor areas have slip resistant, textured
surfaces, which can become difficult to clean
if left too long without maintenance.
Remove organic growth such as algae, moss or
lichen as soon as possible using only a scourer
recommended by your stone care professional
such as the white Scrub-a-dub. DO NOT use a
wire brush. Clean the area with a sponge and
a mild chlorine solution of 1cup chlorine to
4 cups water to kill bacteria. Leave on for
no longer than 10 minutes then rinse off thoroughly.
Organic growths are usually moist and can stain
stone if not removed.
Furniture and ornaments
Dust furniture and ornaments regularly with
a damp cloth to trap any dirt on the surface
of the stone as a build up of dust, oils and
dirt, can etch the surface of some stones. Repeat
with a clean, dry, soft cloth to polish and
remove streaks.
Clean monthly with a recommended product such
as S-P Cleaner, but DO NOT use products such
as Mr Sheen as these will leave a waxy build
up on the surface of the furniture or ornaments.
As furniture and ornaments are not subject to
the same wear as a stone floor they do not need
cleaning with detergent as often. Regular dusting
and wiping with warm water and a soft cloth
should suffice.
Chemicals
that will affect your stone
The general rule with cleaning natural stone
is to use a ‘NEUTRAL’ PH cleaner
or stone soap and ideally use only products
recommended by your stone care professional
(PH is explained at the end of this section).
It is important to ALWAYS test a small area
first prior to cleaning. It is also helpful
to know whether your stone is ‘siliceous’
or ‘calcareous’ as this will determine
the type of cleaner to use.
‘Siliceous’ stones include granite,
slate, sandstone and those that contain mainly
quartz crystals. These surfaces are hard, durable
and highly stain resistant and may be cleaned
with solutions that are mildly acidic.
‘Calcareous’ stones include travertine,
marble, limestone and onyx and those that contain
mainly calcium. These surfaces are soft and
quite porous and will be affected by acidic
liquids and cleaners. DO NOT use acidic substances
such as lemon or vinegar on these surfaces.
Solvent based cleaners
They are not commonly used on stone as most
stains only require water based clean up
They contain no water and will not mix with
water, only another solvent
Solvent based cleaners will remove paint, ink
or marker pen or other solvent based stains
Solvents can adversely affect wax coatings and
topical sealers
In some cases the upper layer of a penetrating
sealer can also be broken down
Solvent based cleaners must be used with caution
as a solvent will take the gloss off a coated
surface
Examples of solvent based cleaners include:
mineral turpentine, acetone (nail polish remover),
products containing xylene (petrol based) and
solutions containing alcohol
Water based cleaners
Water based cleaners contain water or will
mix with water
Some water based cleaners are recommended over
solvent based solutions, as they are less harmful
to the stone, the environment and people
Some water based cleaners however are quite
acidic and are not compatible with natural stone
due to their PH levels (See ‘PH’
description at the end of this section)
Examples of water based cleaners
that contain or will mix with water include:
Detergents
Useful for breaking down oils and grease but
must be tested for compatibility with the stone
It can be harsh on natural stone and leave it
looking dull if it has a PH level that is too
high or too low
Neutral PH cleaners such as S-P Cleaner, Stone
Deep Clean, Brilliance and Renue are recommended
Acids
Acid and acidic products WILL destroy the
high gloss on a marble surface instantly
These must be used carefully or not at all as
they can damage any polished surface
A mild acid solution can be used to remove the
cloudy appearance on some stone tiles caused
by residue from the grout and it will also remove
calcium build up, however this should only by
carried out by a stone care professional or
as instructed
There are many different types of acids and
acidic cleaners so ideally use recommended products
or check the label on your cleaning product
to see which type of acid is included
If in doubt DO NOT use and
consult your stone care professional
Abrasives
Abrasive chemicals or materials will scratch
and damage polished stone surfaces
Scourers (other than the recommended Scrub-a-dub),
steel wool and abrasive cream cleansers are
particularly harmful
If it is necessary to use an abrasive treatment
on any stone surface this must be carried out
by a stone care professional to avoid damaging
the stone
Bleach
Bleach is useful when mould or stain removal
is required, such as in a shower
Overuse of bleach however will eventually remove
the gloss from a polished stone surface
Bleach will not break down a penetrating sealer
used on tiles
If necessary use a mild bleach solution or use
a product recommended by your stone care professional
DO NOT mix bleach with ammonia, as it will cause
a toxic chemical reaction.
Everyday substances
To avoid damaging your stone it is important
to know which common substances will affect
it
Some stones such as granite are quite resistant
to etching or staining
Softer stones such as marble, limestone, onyx,
serpentine and travertine will stain and etch
if it comes into contact with acidic or low
PH products
The ‘PH’ level is the level of acidity
or alkalinity of water based solutions
PH is rated at 0 – 14 with 7 being neutral
Acidic substances which can damage stone have
a PH lower than 7
Many foods and liquids found in a kitchen are
acidic and have low PH levels. This is why marble
is not recommended as a practical option for
a kitchen benchtop
Examples of common foods and chemicals
with a low PH below 7 that can damage your stone
are listed below. The lower the level the more
damaging the product:
PH level
0 Hydrochloric acid 10 million times more acidic
than water
1 Citrus fruits (1.8 – 2.0) 1 million
times more acidic than water
2 Coke (2.0 – 2.5) 100 thousand times
more acidic than water
3 Wine, vinegar, Pepsi, apple juice (3.0 –
3.6) 10 thousand times more acidic than water
4 Tomatoes, orange juice, squash (4.0 –
4.5) 1 thousand times more acidic than water
5 Skin, perfumes, toiletries (5.5 – 6.0)
100 times more acidic than water
6 Milk, tap water (6.3 – 6.8) 10 times
more acidic than water
7 Pure water Neutral (water)
8 Blood, black tea & coffee (7.5 –
8.0) 10 times more alkaline than water
(Levels 8 – 14 are alkaline substances.
Alkaline substances have a PH higher than 7
and don’t generally affect the stone,
however test an area first before using an alkaline
substance)
Stain
removal
Many natural stones are porous and can stain,
however with the right products, methods and
patience they can often be removed. Ideally
all natural stone surfaces should be professionally
sealed with a penetrating sealer after installation,
to minimise damage from stains. Below are general
guidelines to follow for stain removal.
STAIN DOs
1. Identify the stain if possible as this will
determine the treatment. It could be water based
(some paints), alcohol based (wine, spirits,
marker pen), oil based (grease, cooking oil),
metal based (rust), organic (coffee, tea, milk,
food, bird droppings, make-up, tobacco), or
biological (mould, mildew, lichen).
2. Consult your stone care professional and
tell them as much as you can about the stain.
They will advise you on how to best treat the
area. This is the safest way to avoid damaging
your stone and to ensure that the stain is completely
removed. A simple solution may be provided for
you to try yourself, but if not, removal by
a technician may be recommended.
3. Test the area first if treating the stain
yourself, to ensure the treatment is suitable,
even if using a recommended treatment or product.
4. Treat the stain ideally before it dries or
as soon as possible with a recommended treatment
or product only.
STAIN DONT'S
1. Avoid using chemicals unless recommended,
as these may damage the stone or set the stain
if not appropriate.
2. Avoid using heat especially on albumin based
stains (containing protein) such as blood or
milk as it may cook and set the stain.
What we can do to remove your stains
The most effective and common method used
by a stone care professional to remove a stain
from natural stone is to apply a poultice
A poultice is made with a powder and a special
treatment product, which is determined by the
type of stain
The powder is mixed with the treatment product
to form a paste, which is then thickly applied
to only the affected area
It is covered with plastic wrap, the edges sealed
and small holes made to allow the powder to
dry
As the mixture dries it draws the stain from
the stone and absorbs it
This process can take up to 48 hours and sometimes
may need to be repeated several times
After removing the poultice the area is washed
with pure water and polished with a soft cloth
and a cleaning product suited to the stone
This method is effective for removing common
stains such as coffee, iodine, blood, chewing
gum, ink, paint, rust, acidic liquids, efflorescence
(a white substance which can develop on some
stone), graffiti, water, mould, mildew, lichen,
dull and coloured spots
