Oddly enough natural elements (sand and dirt) do the most damage to natural stone surfaces. Use protective coverings to shield your stone surfaces from abrasive debris. Floor mats and placemats will go a long way in protecting your investment!
Stains
Organic stains from things like tobacco, fruit, coffee, leaves or bird droppings will generally come out on their own if the stone is outdoors. If the stain is indoors use 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia.
Metal can leave an orange, brown or green stain, depending on the type of metal. Create a poultice of a liquid cleaner mixed with baking soda. Spread the paste over the stain with a spatula and let sit for 1 or 2 days. Repeat this process as-needed. Metal stains may be permanent.
Oil-based stains may be removed with a poultice of baking soda and water.
Biological stains from things like algae, moss or mildew can be cleaned with a diluted mixture of water and bleach (1/2 cup to a gallon of water).
Pen or marker may be removed with hydrogen peroxide for light colored stone, or acetone for dark stones.
Scratches may be buffed with a dry 0000 steel wool. Try this method with water spots and rings, as well.
Paint may be scraped off with a razor blade or removed with lacquer thinner. For larger paint stains use commercial heavy liquid paint stripper. Stone may need to be re-polished.
Polishing and Enriching Color
Polish twice a year to keep your natural stone looking its best! Use stone polish. Shake bottle well then apply polish using a clean, dry white cloth towel. Let polish dry for two minutes then wipe off haze with clean towel.
Please contact us for assistance in maintaining your natural stone!
- Use a small amount of mild liquid dishwashing soap and warm water and a clean towel to clean the surface of your natural stone surface
- Rinse!
- Avoid abrasive or acidic products; avoid lemon, vinegar and ammonia.
- Use a squeegee in bathrooms or on large walls of tile or granite
- Blot up spills immediately!
- Use a quality marble wax or non-yellowing automobile paste wax to minimize water spots on vanity tops.
Stains
Organic stains from things like tobacco, fruit, coffee, leaves or bird droppings will generally come out on their own if the stone is outdoors. If the stain is indoors use 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia.
Metal can leave an orange, brown or green stain, depending on the type of metal. Create a poultice of a liquid cleaner mixed with baking soda. Spread the paste over the stain with a spatula and let sit for 1 or 2 days. Repeat this process as-needed. Metal stains may be permanent.
Oil-based stains may be removed with a poultice of baking soda and water.
Biological stains from things like algae, moss or mildew can be cleaned with a diluted mixture of water and bleach (1/2 cup to a gallon of water).
Pen or marker may be removed with hydrogen peroxide for light colored stone, or acetone for dark stones.
Scratches may be buffed with a dry 0000 steel wool. Try this method with water spots and rings, as well.
Paint may be scraped off with a razor blade or removed with lacquer thinner. For larger paint stains use commercial heavy liquid paint stripper. Stone may need to be re-polished.
Polishing and Enriching Color
Polish twice a year to keep your natural stone looking its best! Use stone polish. Shake bottle well then apply polish using a clean, dry white cloth towel. Let polish dry for two minutes then wipe off haze with clean towel.
Please contact us for assistance in maintaining your natural stone!
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