TIPS

Maintenance Cleaning in Common Stone Locations

Countertops and Vanities:

Use a neutral, pH-balanced cleaner such as Revitalizer Cleaner & Protector specially formulated for stone on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills, as well as hairspray or other cosmetics. Be careful with common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch or dull the stone surface. Also, some common toiletries (i.e., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.

Floor Surfaces:

Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean, non-treated, dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the potential damage from these particles. In addition, be careful when using a vacuum cleaner as the metal or plastic attachments or wheels may scratch the surface. Damp mop the stone floor with a diluted solution of a neutral cleaner designed for stone. Keep off floor until completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.

Bath and Other Wet Areas:

Periodic use of a neutral stone cleaner will remove any soap scum or hard water deposits that may have formed. In the bath, or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup.

What to Do When a Spill Occurs:

No matter how careful you are, spills are going to happen. A quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging your stone or degrading the sealer.

Etch Marks:

Highly acidic substances such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard and many soft drinks will “etch” most marble, limestone and travertine. Sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, but it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull mark.

General cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone or degrade the sealer. Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone’s even finish.

Food Spills:

Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Blot with dry, white cloth. Spray the area with a neutral stone cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth.

Liquid Spills:

Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth while turning the cloth frequently. Spray the area with a neutral stone cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth.

Mud:

Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with a neutral stone cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, contact a professional cleaner.

Oily Stains:

If you identify the stain as having an oil base (from foods like salad, cooking oils, butter or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. A poultice will wick up the stain from deep within the stone.

Every piece of natural stone is unique.

So each natural stone countertop, mantle, wall or floor is distinctive and matchless.. Within each piece of stone lies the history of one particular place on our planet.  Today's limestone floor for instance, was once a mass of tiny sea creatures, then an ancient seabed, and after millions of years of uplift, a mountainside where the limestone was discovered in our day.

Natural stone is quarried on all seven continents.  Hugh 50,000 pound blocks of stone, minivan size, are cut out from the mountain and sliced into slabs and tiles.  Surfaces are then honed or polished to enhance the stone's brightness and give its natural colors a mirror-like depth.

Although your new countertop may resemble a semi-precious jewel, we've made it remarkably easy for you to preserve its beauty.

Protecting Your Natural Stone

People often assume stone is "stain-proof".  However, all stone is porous to some degree.  If natural stone is not properly treated with a protective sealer, water, oils or other liquids can easily penetrate the stone leaving stains.

Due to advanced formula technology, there is a Stone Sealer that will penetrate all types of stone, leaving an invisible seal to guard against the toughest stains.

Tips for maintaining natural stone

• Keep surfaces dust free. Dust mop regularly with soft, clean, lint less mop.
   

• Clean carefully with water and a mild neutral ph cleanser specifically developed for stone surfaces. (Acidity/alkalinity-or even abrasives - in ordinary cleansers may cause etching or scratching)
   

• Use a separate mop/cloth, specifically reserved for stone. Change mop water frequently.
   

• Tend to spills immediately.
   

• Use mats at entrances to trap dirt, sand, gravel, etc.
   

• Polish, rather than wax, with a polishing system suited to your particular type of stone.