FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE TIPS TO PRESERVE THE BEAUTY OF YOUR NATURAL STONE:

• Coaster: use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.
• Trivets: While many stones can withstand heat, the use of trivets or mats is recommended.
• Dust Mopping: Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop.  Sand, dirt, and grit are abrasive and can damage natural stone.
• Mats/Rugs: Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help minimize the sand, dirt, and grit that may scratch the stone floor.  Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is slip resistant.
• Felt Pads: Use felt pads or sliders under chairs and furniture to help prevent scratching of tile, stone, vinyl, or hardwood flooring.
• Vacuum Cleaners:  If used, be sure the metal or plastic attachments or the wheels are not worn as they can scratch the surface of some stones.
• Spills: Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately.  Don’t wipe the area, it will spread the spill.  Flush the area with water and mild soap and rinse several times.  Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth.  Repeat as necessary.
• Cutting Boards: We recommend using cutting boards for proper conservation.

CLEANING

• Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap, or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water.
• Like any item cleaned in your home, an excessive concentration of cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.  Follow manufacturer recommendations.
• Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results.
• Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth.
• Change the rinse water frequently.
• In the shower or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use.

CLEANING PRODUCTS NOT TO USE

• Products containing lemon, vinegar, or other acids may dull or etch stones.  Do not use these materials on your natural stone.
• Scouring powders or creams often contain abrasives that may scratch certain stones.  We do not recommend using these abrasive cleaners.
• Many commercially available rust removers (laundry rust stain removers, toilet bowl cleaners) contain trace levels of hydrofluoric acid (HF).  This acid stacks silicates in addition to other minerals.  All stones, including granite and quartzite, will be damaged if exposed to HF.

SEALING

• Sealing is a common step taken on some stones as an extra precaution against staining.  The sealing products used in the stone industry are impregnators which do not actually seal the stone, but more correctly as a repellent rather than a sealer.  Sealing does not make the stone stain proof, rather it makes the stone more stain resistant.  Applying an impregnating sealer is a common practice.  We recommend resealing your stone at least once a year, but this may vary depending on how often the area is used and which cleaning products are used.