Caring for Your Natural Stone
Natural Stone Care Tips
Enhancing the appearance of your home or business with natural stone countertops, floors, walls, and other surfaces comes with some responsibility. Once your countertop is installed, it is up to you to protect your investment. Granite, marble, and other types of natural stone require regular cleaning and maintenance to remain beautiful and elegant.
So how do you keep your stone clean? The answer to this question may depend on what type of stone you have, its environment or location, the amount of traffic and usage it is subject to, and other factors.
As a general rule, it is best to stay away from acidic cleaners. Many “green” cleaners are made with acidic fruits and vegetables that cause damage or slowly strip any sealer from your countertops, table tops, and other surfaces.
If you have been using a store-bought cleaner like 409 or Windex, you may have noticed a cloudiness or haze building up on the surface of your stone. Regular use of a neutral cleaner with a pH level of 7, available through Stone Care Central, can gradually remove that cloudiness. If the problem persists, you may need to have the countertop professionally cleaned.
Another option is to make your own safe, neutral cleanser. This one works well on granite:
- 1/4 cup of isopropyl rubbing alcohol
- 4 drops of Dawn
- A couple drops of essential oil (optional to cover alcohol smell)
- Add the ingredients into a 16-ounce spray bottle, fill with water and shake.
(Note: Inexpensive vodka may be used in place of rubbing alcohol, but it is not as strong.)
If you have questions about cleaning the natural stone in your home or office, contact Certified Stone and Tile PRO Partner today.