When it comes to cleaning natural stone, proper methods and precautions are crucial. Natural stones such as marble, granite, and limestone are beautiful building materials, but they require regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain their appearance and value. In this article, we’ll walk you through a few key steps on how to clean natural stone, as well as what to look for and how to follow up with maintenance.
5 Simple Steps to Cleaning Natural Stone
Cleaning natural stone may vary depending on the type and level of contamination, but the following is a generalized cleaning procedure that can be applied to most situations:
Step 1: Gather the required tools and materials
Before you begin cleaning natural stone, make sure you have the tools and materials you need, including:
- neutral detergent for cleaning the stone
- clean water
- soft bristle brush or sponge
- clean white towels or rags
- rubber gloves
- Protective eyewear
Step 2: Sweep away surface dirt
First, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently sweep dirt and debris off the surface of the stone. Make sure not to use harsh or abrasive brushes that could scratch the surface of the stone.
Step 3: Prepare the cleaning solution
Dilute a neutral detergent with warm water according to the instructions. Be sure to choose a neutral detergent, as overly acidic or alkaline cleaners may damage the stone surface.
Step 4: Perform preliminary cleaning
Wet the surface of the stone with a cleaning solution and then gently wipe it with a sponge or soft bristle brush. Do not use too much cleaning solution as it may leave residue on the stone.
Step 5: Rinse and dry
Thoroughly rinse the stone surface with water to ensure that the cleaning solution is completely removed. Then, dry the stone surface with a clean white towel or rag to ensure no water stains remain.
Precautions: What Not to Do
There are some important precautions to take when cleaning natural stone to avoid damaging the surface:
- Avoid using acidic cleaners: Acidic cleaners can corrode natural stone, so never use acidic cleaners, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to clean stone.
- Don’t use abrasive tools: Avoid using abrasive brushes, metal scrapers or stiff brushes to clean the stone as these can scratch the surface.
- Be careful to avoid spilling chemicals on stone: Chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, and alcohol can cause damage to stone. If accidentally spilled on the stone, rinse immediately with water.
- Avoid excessive water: Natural stone is usually not resistant to water, so don’t let water sit on the surface for too long. Drying water stains in a timely manner will prevent them from being left behind.
- Regular maintenance: Don’t neglect regular maintenance of your stone, including sealing and resealing. This helps to protect the stone surface from penetrating dirt.
Follow-up Maintenance
Cleaning natural stone is only one part of maintenance. The following maintenance steps also need to be considered in order to ensure that the stone remains beautiful over time:
- Sealing and resealing: Natural stone usually requires periodic sealing and resealing to maintain its resistance to penetrating dirt. Depending on the type of stone and use, this is usually done every 6 to 12 months.
- Regular cleaning: Regular light cleaning is performed to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on the surface of the stone. This can extend the life of the stone.
- Prevent liquid penetration: If the stone is in constant contact with liquids, it is recommended to use a waterproof mat or tablecloth to prevent liquids from penetrating the stone.
- Avoid heavy impact: Avoid placing heavy objects on the stone surface or knocking on it to prevent the stone from breaking or cracking.
- Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect the stone surface for signs of wear, scratches or other damage and repair in time.
Cleaning and maintaining natural stone takes patience and care, but the right approach can ensure that your stone stays beautiful and durable. Following the steps and precautions listed above will extend the life of your stone and keep your building looking great.
