Care For Granite Countertops,Natural Stone Floors, and Surfaces

The two most important things that you can do to care for granite countertops, stone flooring, or any natural stone surface are:

1. Remove any dust, grit, and sand from the stone's surface.
2. Clean up accidental spills as soon as possible.



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Marble, Limestone, and Travertine Floor Care

Protect your natural stone floors near entry ways with non slip mats or area rugs. This helps to remove any loose dirt or sand from shoes.

Frequent dust mopping, vacuuming, and sweeping of your natural stone floors will prevent the accumulation of grit and grime. This will also slow the rate of deterioration caused by foot traffic grinding in dirt, sand, or grit.

Wet mop using a mild vegetable soap and water solution OR a stone cleaner made especially for stone. Many qualified stone technicians believe that damp mopping with clear water EVERY day to clean soiled areas is all that is necessary to keep your stone floor clean. Most often, the floor will be damp mopped less frequently and a soap and water or stone cleanser should be used.

Quick daily cleanings should be accompanied by periodic deep cleanings. How often you deep clean your stone will depend on the usage. Having children and pets will require more frequent deep cleanings.

Daily spot cleaning. This is simply wiping up any accidental spills promptly. If you do get a stain, attend to it as soon as possible with a slightly stronger solution of detergent and then a poultice if the detergent cleaner is unsuccessful.



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Care For Granite & Natural Stone Countertops

Wipe up any spills as soon as possible. If left unattended, the spills can etch the polish and dull the finish of the stone. Beverages such as coke and orange juice contain acidic materials that when in contact with calcium based stones (marble, limestone, travertine, and onyx) can deteriorate the stone. This doesn't burn a hole through your stone, it just loses its finish in the area of contact.

Use coasters or placemats on your natural stone surfaces. This is especially true for calcareous natural stones such as marble, onyx, and travertine.

Rinse and dry your natural stone surface after washing. This is very effective on dark stones to get rid of streaks. Miracle cloths are very effective for drying your darker stone to a streak free finish.

Daily cleanings should be accompanied by periodic deep cleanings.

Daily spot cleaning is simply wiping up any accidental spills promptly. If you do get a stain, attend to it as soon as possible with a slightly stronger solution of detergent and then a poultice if the detergent cleaner is unsuccessful.



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The DON'TS of Natural Stone Care
DON"T use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids on your stone.
DON'T use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub & tile cleaners.
DON'T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
DON'T mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
DON'T ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so.

The cleaning products you use should only be strong enough to do the required task and no more.

AND, always call your professional stone supplier, installer, or restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat yourself.