Information
about sealing, choosing the right cleanser, scrubbing, dealing with
stains, using poultices, and polishing.
Natural
stone surfaces, such as granite and marble, are hardwearing and
one of the easiest to maintain. Proper care is necessary, however,
to keep the surface looking new and avoid stains and etching. By
following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure that your surface
gleams and shines longer.
Sealing
Sealing is the first step in any maintenance plan. The right seal
will help protect the surface and prevent stains. Most stone will
need to be sealed and then resealed annually. Check with the manufacturer
guidelines to find out what sealer has been used and what they recommend.
The type of sealer will depend on the surface preparation and the
density and porosity of the stone.
Choose the Right Cleanser
For best results, only use pH-balanced cleansers, one that has a
neutral pH level of 7.0, on natural stone. The term "pH"
refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity in a solution. Cleansers
that are high in alkaline are baking soda (pH 9), bleach (pH 11)
and ammonia (pH 11). Cleansers that are highly acidic are lemon
juice (pH 2.4) and vinegar (2.8). Alkaline and acidic cleansers
can remove the natural polish and seal of the stone's surface. This
can make the surface dull and allow new stains to penetrate and
set more easily.
Most
detergents and dishwashing liquid will work as they usually have
a pH level of about 6.5. However, you will want to check to make
sure that it does not contain any of the above ingredients, which
can raise or lower the pH level.
Everyday Cleaning
Always wipe up spills and messes immediately using a soft cloth
or sponge. The longer a substance sits on the surface the more damaging
they become. Use a pH-balanced cleansers or special stone cleanser
to remove any remaining material. Rinse the surface with water and
dry with a soft, clean cloth. Do not allow water to sit on the surface
as it can cause mineral deposits such as calcium, salt, or lime
to build up on the surface.
Do
not use any acidic-based, alkaline, soft paste, or window cleaners.
Also, avoid cleansers that contain vinegar, alcohol, lemon juice,
and ammonia. Do not use any abrasive cleaning pads such as steel
wool, metal brushes, or scouring powders.
Scrubbing
Occasional scrubbing may be necessary to remove surface build up
of dirt or grime. Honed and slate surfaces will require scrubbing
more often because their texture can hold dirt. A good quality sealer
will help reduce this, but not eliminate it. Scrub the surfaces
with a soft bristled brush and a mild cleanser, followed up by rinsing
and drying the surface as you would with everyday cleaning.
Dealing with Stains
When dealing with stains, you may choose to use a heavy-duty cleanser
or a poultice. Heavy-duty cleansers are usually highly acidic or
alkaline and should only be used as a last resort. It is also important
to choose cleansers from a good manufacturer and test it in an inconspicuous
area first.
A poultice
a paste-like product that can either draws the stain out of the
stone or pushes it down into the stone away from the surface. To
use, it is applied to the surface, covered with a piece of plastic,
and allowed to set. Whenever these products are used, it is important
to follow the manufacturer's directions carefully. Otherwise, you
could end up doing more damage to the surface or permanently setting
the stain.
Polishing
Polishing stones and pads can be purchased at most local hardware
stores and will help fix damage done by chemicals. There are also
kits available that have several polishing products in one box.
These should only be used for small areas. Larger areas should be
handled by a professional.
By
following these few simple steps, your natural stone surface should
look new longer.- Darcy Logan
