Natural stone tile is a classic choice for any building project. Since stone is natural, it’s important to bear in mind it can have adverse reactions to various stains and cleaning products. Although accidents happen, normal maintenance can help save your tile from being damaged. We’re going to share our favorite ways to not only maintain and protect your stone but also clean and repair your material as needed. Even though there’s a lot of information on this subject, don’t let it deter you from using natural stone. If your material is installed & cared for properly, it ages beautifully and can easily be restored by a professional if need be. Stone is an elegant material that can last generations in your home. As with any installation, routine maintenance on your natural tile is the best way to ensure it continues to look new throughout the years.
To determine how to properly care for the stone, examine its current condition. If there are uneven tiles, the floor may need to be ground flat, then refinished as a honed or polished surface. If there are cracked tiles, dirt and debris will accrue in the cracks. The tiles may need to be replaced or filled. If there are stains, knowing what type of stain it is will help you determine the correct technique to remove it. If you’re contemplating sealing the stone, verify the amount and intensity of stains that the stone can be exposed to without permanent damage, to aid in your decision.
Sealing
Should your stone require being sealed, we recommend and stock Aquamix Penetrating Sealer, Sealer’s Choice, and Stone Enhancer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for these products, or have it sealed by a professional once the installation is complete. When stone is sealed it helps to defend against everyday spills and debris. In some instances though, it is best to leave the stone unsealed. Sealant can accumulate on the top of certain types of stone, creating a layer that’s more fragile than the stone itself. Additionally, topical sealers are not ideal for exterior installations. They can lock moisture in the upper layer, which can lead to surface deterioration during freeze/thaw cycles.
Precautions for floors and countertops:
- Place coasters underneath drinks or hot pans.
- Use furniture pads to prevent floor scratching.
- Place non-slip doormats and area rugs near entryways to minimize or eliminate harmful debris from being dragged onto the floor.
- Wipe up excess water immediately from sink and bathroom areas to avoid mold, soap scum, and mildew.
- Reduce slipping hazards during wet conditions by using floor runners to dry shoes, wet floor signs, and mopping/shoveling walking surfaces as necessary.
Cleaning up debris on floors or countertops:
- Regularly use a non-treated, dry dust mop or wipe with a microfiber cloth.
- If you use a broom, make sure it is soft-bristle.
- If you vacuum, make sure your vacuum isn’t well-worn. The wheels and metal attachments can scratch the stone.
- For basic routine cleaning, regularly rinse with clean, uncontaminated water.
- If you need to use a cleaner, choose a neutral, all-purpose cleaner specific for stone. Mix it with plain water or dilute a mild soap such as Ivory. We recommend Miracle Sealants Tile & Stone Cleaner.
Regular care of stone floors and countertops:
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth, duster, or mop so you don’t scratch the surface.
- Never use waxes or oils. They will eat away at the stone.
- Never use acidic or abrasive cleaners (such as ammonia, vinegar, lemon juice, grout cleaner, bathroom cleaner, tub & tile cleaner. etc.). It will etch calcific stones like limestone and marble.
For a large spill or scratch that goes beyond general maintenance cleaning:
- Remove the spill quickly by blotting- not wiping. Wiping will only spread the spillage.
- Rinse the area with a clean, mild soap such as Ivory and dilute it with plain water. Then rinse the area with only plain water several times.
- If the stone is deeply scratched, have it re-polished or re-honed by a professional depending which finish you have. Small nicks and scratches can be buffed out very gently with a 0000 steel wool pad. Do not attempt to buff out deep, large scratches or etches yourself. It can easily scuff the stone.
Ways to clean common stains:
- Water Spots and Rings (surface accumulation of hard water): Gently buff with dry 0000 steel wool. For serious moisture damage such as water penetrating the stone’s cavities or moisture coming up through a floor slab, call a stone professional.
- Oil-Based Stains (grease, tar, cooking oil, cosmetics): These stains will darken the stone. They must be chemically dissolved in order to rinse away the stain source. Gently clean the area with a small amount of soft liquid cleanser, household detergent, ammonia, mineral spirits, or acetone.
- Organic Stains (coffee, tea, fruit, tobacco, paper, food, urine, leaves, bark, bird droppings): These may cause a pink or brown stain. The stain may disappear after its source has been removed. Outdoors, with the source removed, the sun and rain will typically bleach out the stains. Indoors, clean gently with 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia.
More cleaning techniques for specific areas:
- Bath and Other Wet Areas: Soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. When it’s time to remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.
- Outdoor Pool and Patio Areas: In outdoor pool, patio, or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.
- Exterior Stone: The large expanses of stone generally found on exterior applications may make it impractical to perform normal maintenance on a frequent basis. Large installations, however, should be given periodic overall cleaning as necessary to remove accumulated pollutants. Easily accessible stone surfaces such as steps, walkways, fountains, etc., should be kept free of debris and soiling by periodically sweeping and washing with water.
Overall, Here’s General Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts:
- Do dust mop floors often.
- Do clean surfaces with diluted mild detergent or stone soap.
- Do blot up spills immediately.
- Don’t use abrasive cleaning solutions such as dry or soft cleansers.
- Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice, or other acidic cleansers on marble, limestone, travertine, or onyx surfaces.
- Don’t ever mix chemicals together unless manufacturer instructions specifically tell you to do so.
If you have further questions regarding caring for your natural stone, feel free to send us an email or reference the Guide to the Care & Cleaning of Natural Stone from the Marble Institute of America, which much of this information was sourced from.