The natural stone in your home stands as an investment, promising both durability and timeless elegance. Each stone type carries its unique porosity levels, some aging while others maintain a newer appearance over time. While no surface is entirely immune to stains or damage, a few simple steps can help sustain the beauty and practicality of your natural stone for a lifetime.
What type of stone do you have?
Caring for natural stone floors and countertops requires regular cleaning and specific care to retain their beauty and resilience. Here are tailored tips for various natural stone types:
General Stone Care Tips:
Cleaning:
- Use pH-Neutral Cleaners: Avoid harsh, acidic cleaners that might harm the stone.
- Warm Water and Mild Soap: Opt for a mix of warm water and mild dish soap for routine cleaning.
- Avoid Abrasive Tools: Opt for soft cloths or non-abrasive sponges to prevent scratches.
- Promptly Blot Spills: Especially crucial for porous stones like marble to prevent staining.
Sealing:
- Regular Sealing: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for sealing stone to shield it from stains and spills. This might necessitate annual upkeep or as advised.
- Test Sealant Effectiveness: Drip water onto the stone; if it doesn’t bead up, it’s time to reseal.
For Specific Stone Types:
Marble:
- Avoid Acidic Cleaners: Substances like lemon or vinegar can etch marble.
- Gentle Cleaning: Utilize mild detergents or specialized marble cleaners.
Granite:
- Regularly Seal Granite: Helps in preventing stains.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Stick to mild soap and water for cleaning.
Slate:
- Use pH-Neutral Cleaners: Similar to other stones, steer clear of acidic or alkaline cleaners.
- Prevent Scratches: Soft brushes or cloths can safeguard slate from scratches.
Limestone:
- Be Cautious with Acids: Lemon or vinegar can harm limestone.
- Avoid Abrasive Tools: Employ soft cloths to prevent scratches.
Additional Tips:
- Prevent High-Impact Contact: Avoid dropping heavy objects on natural stone surfaces to prevent chipping or cracking.
- Protect Surfaces: Use coasters under glasses and hot pads beneath hot pans to prevent damage.
- Regular Dusting: Use a soft broom or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to eliminate dust and debris.
Professional Maintenance:
- Seek Expert Advice: For stone restoration or deeper cleaning needs, consult a professional stone care specialist.
- Professional Sealing: Consider expert seal application, especially for heavily used stone surfaces.
Where is natural stone used homes?
- Flooring: Adding elegance and durability to high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces.
- Countertops: Offering both style and endurance in kitchen and bathroom settings.
- Fireplaces: Crafting a warm and sophisticated ambiance in living spaces.
- Walls: Contributing texture and character as a standout feature or a complement to existing decor.
- Staircases: Providing a grand look indoors or outdoors, enhancing entryways or connecting spaces.
- Decorative Accents: Creatively used in kitchens, bathrooms, or other rooms for backsplashes, mosaics, or design elements.
Stone Restoration & Protection Experts
Whether you need your scratched or etched stone restored to its original beauty, want a new finish applied, or need help maintaining your natural stone surfaces, Boston Stone Restoration can help. We have the passion for beautifying natural stone combined with the expertise and resources necessary to provide superior service every time.
Give us a call or email today to find out more. We specialize in polishing, repair, sealing, cleaning and protecting marble, slate, travertine, terrazzo and other natural stone floors, countertops, tile and solid surfaces. From Boston to Cape Cod to Providence, we provide stone restoration and protection to residential and commercial properties all over eastern New England. Whether it’s a ballroom floor that needs polishing or countertops that need refinishing, we’ll do it right the first time.