stone care

CLEANING PROCEDURES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Keeping your stone free of dust and dry, sandy soil will minimize the scratches and wear-patterns that can develop from everyday use of some natural stone, such as marble, limestone and sandstone. Sweep or dust all natural stone surfaces regularly to remove loose soil and dust.

Clean your natural stone on a regular basis with warm water and a clean non -abrasive cloth, sponge or mop. In addition, using a neutral cleaner specially formulated for natural stone will help remove soils that normal dusting or damp mopping leave behind.

Do not use general purpose cleaners or you may damage your stone or the sealer applied. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids as these may etch the stone surface and damage the polish. Do not use scouring powders or creams that contain abrasives. These products may scratch the surface.

COUNTERTOPS AND VANITIES

Use a neutral cleaner on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills as well l as hairspray or other cosmetics. Many common foods and d rinks contain acids that may etch or dull the stone surface. Also, some common toiletries (E.G., perfume, tooth paste, mouth wash) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer. Use “‘STONE CREAM” to clean and protect polished surface such as marble and limestone.

FLOOR SURFACES

Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces being they are abrasive. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the potential damage from these particles. In addition, be careful when using a vacuum cleaner as the metal or plastic attachments or wheels may scratch the surface.

Damp mop the stone floor with a diluted solution of neutral cleaner as directed on the label. Keep off floor until completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.

BATH AND OTHER WET AREAS

Periodic u se of neutral cleaner and/or “STONE CREAM” will remove any soap scum or hard water deposits that may have formed. In the bath, or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A SPILL OCCURS

No matter how careful you are, spills are going to happen. A quick response and the right solutions can keep spills damaging your stone or the sealer. David Ochoa Installations recommends that you only use the cleaning products recommended in this care guide.

ETCH MARKS – Substances that are highly acidic, such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard and many soft drinks, will “etch” most marble, limestone and travertine -whether the stone is sealed or unsealed . Although sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull area or etch mark in the stone.

In addition, cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone or degrade the sealer. That’s why selecting the correct cleaning products is so important to the lifetime beauty of your natural stone.

Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone finish.

FOOD SPILLS – Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Blot with dry, white cloth. Spray the area with neutral cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth.

LIQUID SPILLS – Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth; turning the cloth frequently. Spray the area with a neutral cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

MUD – Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with a neutral cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

OILY STAINS – If you identify the stain as having an oil base (from foods like salad and cooking oils, butter, or some cosmetics), you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. Please contact your marble restorer for further information.

NOTE: After cleaning, if any mark or stain remains, contact your marble restorer.

DOS AND DONT’S

  • DO use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
  • DO use place mats or felt pads under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that may scratch your stone surface.
  • DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes or cookware.
  • DO place a small rug or mat at entryways to trap dirt and sand from normal foot traffic.
  • DO dust countertops, islands, vanities, and floors frequently.
  • DO blot up spills immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone.
  • DO clean surfaces by wiping with clean water or by using a neutral cleaner and/or “STONE
  • CREAM”.
  • DON ‘T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general purpose cleaners.
  • DON’T use cleaners that contain acid such as bath room cleaners, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners.
  • DON ‘T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
  • DON ‘T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for natural stone.