Correct care will enhance your natural stone’s attractiveness and may even facilitate it to improve over time. As a result, it adds value to your home. Slight maintenance is always worth it and ensures your investment stays protected.
First Things First
Because surface dirt is taken into account to be the first abrasive that breaks down the sealer, start by removing any loose dirt or debris from the surface with a dry, chemical-free dirt mop, room sponge, or towel. Please don’t use a vacuum cleaner. Some specific models include plastic attachments that can damage the tile and leave behind tiny indentation and scratches.
A Few Choices
Marble – This surface can generally wear a lot compared to other alternative varieties. However, it is one that may be easily improved with light polishing. Use a damp cloth to scrub and another cloth to buff and dry. Marble is very prone to water spots, so please don’t let it air dry.
Limestone – is very porous and reactive to acids. Scrub your tiles with a pH-neutral stone cleaner that’s specifically approved for limestone. Don’t use regular soap and water as soap and water can build up and form a cloudy surface.
Slate – Remarkably nonporous, this stone is good for floors and outside use. Wash slate with warm water to make them live longer. Highly acidic or alkaline cleaners will cause slate to become brittle. Use a pH neutral cleaner if warm water fails.
Do’s:
- Place coasters or trivets beneath hot, cold, or acidic things to shield your stone surface from deterioration and discoloration.
- Apply a dedicated sealer for porous rocks like Granite. For fewer porous material, a little harder agent can add shine and luster.
- Use specialized cleaners created with mild ingredients that add a protecting coating to your stone. Most have a lower pH level and can naturally take away foreign material without any damage.
Don’t:
- Use ammonia, bleach, or acidic products.
- Apply abrasive cleaners as they may damage the sealer or scratch your stone.
- Wait to remove spills as they will become absorbed and be harder to remove later on.
By investing time to learn about taking the right care of your valuable investment, your natural stone tile will still reward you with beauty and performance that may endure for years to come.