How to Take Care of the Natural Stone in you Home

How to Take Care of the Natural Stone in you Home

Date published: Nov 09, 2020

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Natural stones, whether granite, marble or slate, offer an authentic and trendy look in both construction and interior decoration. But unfortunately, they are porous, which means they are very susceptible to stains. How can you then preserve a countertop or a stone floor, and clean them with suitable cleaning techniques and solutions?

How to Take Care of Natural Stone in your Home

Cleaning Tips

  • When using a cleaner, ensure that no too much is used as it may leave a film or cause streaks. In addition, it is better to use a clean, soft cloth for this purpose. When mopping your floor, it is better to put a damp cloth beneath a rubber broom.
  • You can also make use of a steam mop for cleaning and sanitizing natural stone floors in your home.

How to Take Care of Natural Stone Surfaces

If you want to make sure the natural stone in your home keeps looking its best, some amount of maintenance will be required.

  • Ensure that floors are dusted on daily basis using dry dust mops. This will keep your natural stone flooring safe from abrasive debris like grit, dirt, and sand. You should also keep an area rug close to the entrance to trap debris from outdoors.
  • Natural stone Montreal counter tops can protected by simply keeping coasters under the glasses - especially those that contain citrus juices or alcohol.
  • Avoid placing hot dishes or pans directly on counter tops. It’s better to use hot pads, trivets, or placemats underneath them.
  • Items made of ceramics, silver, or china can cause scratches over natural stone surfaces, so it’s better to keep mats under them.
  • If soap scum forms in wet areas, a squeegee should be used after every use of bathtub or shower.

How to Remove Stains

The stain removal method to be used depends upon the type of natural stone surface being treated. Let’s look at the details here.

Oil Based Stains

Stains caused by cooking oil, tar, grease, lipstick, etc. fall in the category of oil-based stains. For removing these stains from natural stone such as onyx, travertine, limestone, or marble Montreal, you can use regular household cleaning solutions. However, if it’s quartzite, sandstone, slate, or granite use acetone or mineral spirits for effectively stain removal.

Organic Stains

Organic stains include tobacco, tea, food, or coffee. If the stone is quartzite, slate, sandstone, or granite surface then half teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide or a few drops of ammonia can be applied directly to the stain and then removed using a damp cloth. Your usual cleaning solution can be used for travertine, onyx, limestone, or marble surfaces.

Ink Stains

For white stones and other lighter surfaces, use hydrogen peroxide or bleach. On the other hand, for black stone and other darker surfaces, use lacquer thinner or acetone. You will have to use smaller amounts and be sure it’s removed immediately using a damp cloth. This procedure is used specifically for surfaces such as marble, travertine, onyx, and limestone.

Stains on Grout

If there are stains on the grout the area needs to be cleaned using a toothbrush and a cleaning solution. But, if the stain is not coming out then a grout colorant can be used to cover it up.

Sealing Natural Stone Surfaces

The benefit of sealing natural stone surfaces is that it helps to maintaining the appearance of the surface and to repel stains. Let’s look at the different types of sealants that can be used.

Topical Sealers

These sealers form a film and serve to protect natural stone from oil, water, and other similar contaminants. Topical sealers are developed using natural wax, plastic compound, or acrylic. After a topical sealer is applied, your regular maintenance program should also include maintenance of the sealer. You will need to strip and reapply the sealer on a yearly basis to maintain its good condition.

However, these sealers are not recommended for exterior usage since the can’t withstand nature’s elements. When moisture penetrates the sealer, cracks will form. It’s also important to note that the sealer may alter the texture and appearance of the natural stone. For example, if the natural stone has a lightly glossy finish or a rough texture then application of topical sealer the result will be a look that’s more polished and glossy, like marble.

Penetrating Sealers

This is a type of solvent or water-based sealer that penetrates the surface and forms a moisture repellent. But it is still a breathable form of sealer, allowing some moisture to get in. This is the reason kitchen counter tops and vanity tops in the bathroom usually have penetrating sealers applied to them.

When to Use Each of These Sealers

Applying sealers is useful in high traffic zones of the home like kitchens and bathrooms. It should also be used wherever porous stone such as marble, travertine, limestone, etc. has been installed. In addition, you need to keep track of the times sealer is to be re-applied.

A Final Note

As we can see, regular cleaning and maintenance will help you take care of your natural stone counter tops, vanity tops, and other stone surfaces, like granite tiles Montreal to be sure they’re in good condition for many years to come. You need to inform yourself of the right procedures to follow as well as the ones to avoid.

If you are planning to install natural stone at your home then give us a call and our experts will work to understand your requirement and guide you as to the best uses of natural stone and help you decide which ones are suitable for your home and design needs.

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