3 Ways to Clean and Protect Natural Stone
Stone can transform your space, indoors and out, whether you are creating a new patio for outdoor entertaining or you are renovating your kitchen for a more sophisticated look. But stone can also be expensive, so if you plan to make the investment, you also need to plan to invest in the proper maintenance. Otherwise, that beautiful stone will quickly become dulled, stained, or even pocked or cracked.
Fortunately, it’s easier than you think to maintain your stone surfaces, so long as you are consistent and use the proper techniques. Here are three ways you can clean and protect natural stone:
Regularly Sweep and Vacuum
Protecting your natural stone floors is as simple as keeping the dirt off them with regular sweeping and vacuuming. The more porous the stone, the more you’ll need to do this since the dirt and other debris can settle into those openings and cause staining or erosion. Inside, you are likely to have more dense stone like granite or marble. Outside, you are likely to have more porous stone like limestone or brick. Plus, your outside stone will be subject to more dirt and elements. You will need to clean it more often.
Sweeping should be sufficient for less porous stone, but you should vacuum porous stone to suck that dirt out of the openings. Start with a sweep to get the major dirt off, then follow with a vacuum to get everything out of the nooks and crannies.
Also, be sure to clean up any spills as soon as they occur. Limestone, sandstone, and some other porous stones will soak up water quickly, and that can lead to staining. Just use a soft cloth to blot up spills and follow with a mild cleanser if the liquid is colored.
Use the Appropriate Cleanser
Your stone needs a good cleaning on a regular schedule to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris that can lead to dulling or staining. You must use the right cleanser though, or else you’ll damage your stone.
Avoid harsh or acidic cleaners, such as vinegar, ammonia, or bleach. Use a cleanser that is designed for the specific stone you have. Different stones have different needs, so what’s appropriate for granite may not be appropriate for travertine, for example. In most cases, a simple solution of soap and water will be enough to clean your stone. But if you need something more, make sure the cleanser is designed for your stone.
Follow with a stone sealer to get maximum protection. Just make sure the stone is thoroughly cleaned before you seal. Otherwise, you’ll be sealing in dirt and stains. Again, you’ll need to be sure the sealer is designed for your stone. Porous stones need a silicone-based sealer that can penetrate deep into the crevices.
Apply a Poultice
If your stone floors have become stained, a poultice may be able to remove the marks. First, you must get the area including the stain completely saturated with water, and then you must apply the poultice (which you will create with a mixture of water and powder according to the manufacturer’s directions). The mixture will be similar to a paste.
Use a wooden or plastic spatula to apply the poultice to the stain in a layer about a quarter-inch thick. Put plastic wrap over the poultice, and tape the edges of the wrap to the floor. Put two small slits in the plastic to let the solution “breathe.”
After 24 hours, remove the plastic and use a plastic or wooden scraper to remove the hardened poultice. Be careful not to scratch the stone during this step. Then clean the area with water and a mild soap. The stain should be removed. However, if you have an especially nasty stain, you may have to repeat all the steps until it is gone.
Hire a Professional
Using the wrong cleaners or failing to properly care for or protect your stone can lead to damage that you can’t fix on your own. In that case, you would need to hire a professional Mesa stone floor cleaning company. Some routine stone cleaning sounds a lot better, doesn’t it?
Call Arizona Stone Care for professional stone cleaning to get your stone floors looking like new again. We specialize in stone restoration and repair in Mesa for those cases where the stone floors have been neglected or they have become damaged over time. Stone polishing can also be used to renew the surface of aging stone surfaces. Call us today to learn more!
Guest Blog Published By:
Arizona Stone Care
2036 N Gilbert Rd #2
Mesa, Arizona 85203
Phone: (480) 232-6264
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://arizonastonecare.com
