At literally hundreds of millennia old, it’s got more history than the whole of humanity. Indeed, no surface says “eternal” like natural stone. Nevertheless, even the most solid, elemental natural stone surface still requires proper care if it is to remain gorgeous for generations to come.

Almost all natural stone surfaces are porous, allowing moisture to penetrate and cause staining or non-hygienic conditions. Cleaning them promptly and regularly is an important part of prevention. However, owners should take care to use non-acidic cleaning solutions, and to avoid other cleansers that can potentially damage the stone.

Here is Opustone’s basic guide for the prevention, cleaning, and sealing of your natural stone surfaces:

Prevention

Counter tops

  • Regular cleaning should be gentle and performed with warm water or a neutral cleaner.
  • Clean up spills immediately.
  • Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids on marble.
  • Do not use scouring powders or abrasives.

Flooring

  • Protect flooring with non-slip mats or rugs and counter tops with coasters or place mats.
  • Dry dust mop interior floors regularly using a clean mop.
  • Exterior walkways and step shout be kept clear of debris and washed with water.

Bath areas

  • Minimize soap scum with squeegee after use.
  • Remove soap scum with non-acidic soap scum remover.
  • If outdoors use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss stains.

Sealing

In some cases, it makes sense to properly seal for protection against dirt, spills and everyday use. In other cases, the stone is best left untreated.

Multiple factors should be considered when determining if the stone should be sealed:

  • The location and use of the stone (counter top, floor, wall, exterior, bathroom, etc.).
  • Will the sealant effect the color of the stone?
  • How will the sealant react to the stone and resin?
  • What is the finish of the stone?
  • Food prep areas may need an impregnator type sealer that is safe for foods

Contact your fabricator or stone professional for further guidance on sealing

Cleaning

Oil Based Stains - Grease, cooking oil, cosmetics

Will darken the stone and normally must be chemically dissolved to allow for the stains source to be rinsed away. Clean Gently with a soft liquid cleanser or household detergent.

Organic Stains - Coffee, tea, fruit, food, urine, bird droppings

May cause pinkish-brown stains and may disappear after the source of the stain is removed. Outdoors normal sun and rain interaction will bleach out stains. Indoors, clean with 12% hydrogen peroxide and a small amount of ammonia.

Metal Stains - Iron, rust, copper

Iron or rust stains are orange to brown in color and leave remnants of the source shape. Copper and bronze appear as green or muddy brown. Metal stains must be removed with a poultice.

Biological stains - Algae, mildew, moss

Clean with a solution of 1/2 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water.

Ink Stains - Magic marker, pen, ink

Clean light-colored stones with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Use acetone or lacquer thinner on dark colored stones.

Paint Stains

Small amounts can be removed with lacquer thinner or carefully with a razor blade. Heavy paint should be removed with a commercial paint stripper.

Water spots and rings

Buff dry with 0000 steel wool.

Fire and smoke damage

Fireplaces may require a thorough cleaning to revive appearance. Commercial smoke revival products are available.