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Care and Cleaning of Natural Stone Surfaces

Care & Precautions

Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.  Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the surface of many stones.  Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface. 

Cleaning Procedures & Recommendations

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 due to their abrasiveness.  Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that will scratch the stone floor.  Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface.   Normally, it will take a person about eight steps on a floor surface to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of their shoes. 

Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn.  The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface.

Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner or stone soap and warm water.  Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results.  Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.  Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or other calcareous stones.  Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth.  Change the rinse water frequently.  Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the stone.

In the bath or other wet areas USING A SQUEEGEE after each use can minimize soap scum.  To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about ½ cup ammonia to a gallon of water).  Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.

Spills and Stains
Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately.  Don’t wipe the area, it will spread the spill.  Flush the area with plain water and mild soap and rinse several times.  Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth.  Repeat as necessary. 
If the stain remains, call All American Stone and Tile Care @ 1-877-SEALPRO (732-5776)

Do’s and Don’ts

• DO Dust mop floors frequently
• DO Clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap
• DO Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing
• DO Blot up spills immediately
• DO Protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats

• DON’T Use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces
• DON’T Use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners
• DON’T Use abrasive cleanser such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers
• DON’T Ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so

Call All American Stone and Tile Care for problems that appear too difficult to treat.

Know Your Stone Type

Natural stone can be classified into two general categories according to its composition: siliceous stone or calcareous stone.  Knowing the difference is critical when selecting cleaning products. 

Siliceous stone is composed mainly of silica or quartz-like particles.  It tends to be very durable and relatively easy to clean.  Types of siliceous stone include granite, slate, sandstone, quartzite, brownstone and bluestone.

Calcareous stone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate.  It is sensitive to acidic cleaning products and frequently requires different cleaning procedures that siliceous stone.  Types of calcareous stone include marble, travertine, limestone and onyx.  What may work on siliceous stone may not be suitable on calcareous surfaces.

How To Tell The Difference
A simple acid sensitivity test can be performed to determine whether a stone is calcareous or siliceous.  You will need about 4 oz. of a 10% solution of muriatic acid and an eyedropper.  Or you can use household vinegar and an eyedropper.  Because this test may permanently etch the stone, select an out of the way area (a corner or closet) and several inches away from the mortar joint.  Apply a few drops of the acid solution to the stone surface on an area about the size of a quarter.  If the stone is calcareous, the acid drops will begin to bubble or fizz vigorously.  If little or no reaction occurs, the stone can be considered siliceous.  Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and wipe dry.  This test may not be effective if surface sealers or liquid polishes have been applied.  If an old sealer is present, chip a small piece of stone away and apply the acid solutions to the fractured surface.  CAUTION:  Muriatic acid is corrosive and is considered to be a hazardous substance.  Proper head and body protection is necessary when acid is used. 

Stone Finishes
A polished finish on the stone has a glossy surface that reflects light and emphasizes the color and marking of the material.  This type of finish is used on walls, furniture tops and other items, as well as floor tiles. 

A Honed finish is a satin smooth surface with relatively little light reflection.  Generally, a honed finish is preferred for floors, stair treads, thresholds and other locations where heavy traffic will wear off the polished finish.  A honed finish may also be used on furniture tops and other surfaces.

A flamed finish is a rough textured surface used frequently on granite floor tiles and an excellent choice for shower pans.

Stone Colors and Appearance
Granites and marbles are quarried throughout the world in a variety of colors with varying mineral compositions.  In most cases, marbles and granites can be identified by visible particles at the surface of the stone.  Marbles will normally show “veins” or high concentrations.  The minerals in granite will typically appear as small flecks distributed uniformly in the stone.  Each type of stone is unique and will vary in color, texture and marking.

Granite is available in a striking array of colors; its durability and longevity make it ideal for kitchen countertops and other heavily used surfaces, including table tops and floors.  While some synthetic surfaces scratch easily and melt under hot cookware, granite resists heat.  It is also one of the most bacteria-resistant kitchen surfaces, and it is not affected by citric acid, coffee, tea, alcohol or wine.  It is also nearly impossible to scratch and with proper cleaning and sealing will not stain under normal use.

Serpentine is another natural stone option for the marble-loving homeowner.  Sometimes called the “green” marble, serpentine is not a true marble but offers a marble-like look.  And, because it is magnesium-silicate based, it is not sensitive to citric acid and other kitchen spills.

Sandstones vary widely in color due to different minerals and clays found in the stone.  Sandstone is light gray to yellow or red.  Dark reddish brown sandstone, also called brownstone has commonly been used in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada.  Bluestone is a dense, hard, fine-grained sandstone of greenish-gray or bluish-gray color and is quarried in the eastern United States.

Limestone is a widely used building stone with colors typically light gray, tan or buff.  A distinguishing characteristic of limestone is the presence of fossils that are frequently visible in the stone surface. 

Travertine is a type of limestone and one of the most popular natural stone for interior and exterior wall cladding, paving, statuary and curbing.  It is mostly known for its porosity and comprised primarily of calcium carbonate.  Slabs and tiles are cut from blocks with the veining or across the veining.  Processors of this material will market the stone as is, with the holes for a more rustic and antique look, or fill the holes with a tinted epoxy and hone or polish the surface to achieve a solid surface effect. 

Slate is dark green, black, gray, and dark red or multi-colored.  It is most commonly used as a flooring material and for roof tiles and is often distinguished by its distinct cleft texture.

Usage
The harder the stone, the more it resists abrasion.  One measure of a natural stone’s strength is its Measurement of Hardness (MOH) rating; on which 1 is the softest and 10 is the hardest.  On the MOH scale, most marbles rate “3” and the quartz based granites rate “7.”  Using a softer stone simply requires the homeowner to use gentler cleansers and more frequent dusting to prevent scratching.

ABOUT MARBLE INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

For over sixty years, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has served as the authoritative source of information on standards of natural stone workmanship and practice and the suitable application of natural stone products.

Membership in the association is worldwide and includes over 1,500 natural stone producers, exporters/importers, distributors/wholesalers, fabricators, finishers, installers and industry suppliers – all committed to the highest standards of workmanship and ethics.

Care and Maintenance

Spills and Stains

Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately.  Don’t wipe the area, it will spread the spill.  Flush the area with plain water and mild soap and rinse several times.  Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth.  Repeat as necessary. 
If the stain remains, call All American Stone and Tile Care @ 1-877-SEALPRO (732-5776)

Do’s and Don’ts
DO Dust mop floors frequently
DO Clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap
DO Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing
DO Blot up spills immediately
DO Protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs
and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats

DON’T Use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners
containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces
DON’T Use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners
DON’T Use abrasive cleanser such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers
DON’T Ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so

Call All American Stone and Tile Care for problems that appear too difficult to treat.

Know Your Stone Type

Natural stone can be classified into two general categories according to its composition: siliceous stone or calcareous stone.  Knowing the difference is critical when selecting cleaning products. 

Siliceous stone is composed mainly of silica or quartz-like particles.  It tends to be very durable and relatively easy to clean.  Types of siliceous stone include granite, slate, sandstone, quartzite, brownstone and bluestone.

Calcareous stone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate.  It is sensitive to acidic cleaning products and frequently requires different cleaning procedures that siliceous stone.  Types of calcareous stone include marble, travertine, limestone and onyx.  What may work on siliceous stone may not be suitable on calcareous surfaces.

How To Tell The Difference
A simple acid sensitivity test can be performed to determine whether a stone is calcareous or siliceous.  You will need about 4 oz. of a 10% solution of muriatic acid and an eyedropper.  Or you can use household vinegar and an eyedropper.  Because this test may permanently etch the stone, select an out of the way area (a corner or closet) and several inches away from the mortar joint.  Apply a few drops of the acid solution to the stone surface on an area about the size of a quarter.  If the stone is calcareous, the acid drops will begin to bubble or fizz vigorously.  If little or no reaction occurs, the stone can be considered siliceous.  Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and wipe dry.  This test may not be effective if surface sealers or liquid polishes have been applied.  If an old sealer is present, chip a small piece of stone away and apply the acid solutions to the fractured surface.  CAUTION:  Muriatic acid is corrosive and is considered to be a hazardous substance.  Proper head and body protection is necessary when acid is used. 

Stone Finishes
A polished finish on the stone has a glossy surface that reflects light and emphasizes the color and marking of the material.  This type of finish is used on walls, furniture tops and other items, as well as floor tiles. 

A Honed finish is a satin smooth surface with relatively little light reflection.  Generally, a honed finish is preferred for floors, stair treads, thresholds and other locations where heavy traffic will wear off the polished finish.  A honed finish may also be used on furniture tops and other surfaces.

A flamed finish is a rough textured surface used frequently on granite floor tiles and an excellent choice for shower pans.

Stone Colors and Appearance
Granites and marbles are quarried throughout the world in a variety of colors with varying mineral compositions.  In most cases, marbles and granites can be identified by visible particles at the surface of the stone.  Marbles will normally show “veins” or high concentrations.  The minerals in granite will typically appear as small flecks distributed uniformly in the stone.  Each type of stone is unique and will vary in color, texture and marking.

Granite is available in a striking array of colors; its durability and longevity make it ideal for kitchen countertops and other heavily used surfaces, including table tops and floors.  While some synthetic surfaces scratch easily and melt under hot cookware, granite resists heat.  It is also one of the most bacteria-resistant kitchen surfaces, and it is not affected by citric acid, coffee, tea, alcohol or wine.  It is also nearly impossible to scratch and with proper cleaning and sealing will not stain under normal use.

Serpentine is another natural stone option for the marble-loving homeowner.  Sometimes called the “green” marble, serpentine is not a true marble but offers a marble-like look.  And, because it is magnesium-silicate based, it is not sensitive to citric acid and other kitchen spills.

Sandstones vary widely in color due to different minerals and clays found in the stone.  Sandstone is light gray to yellow or red.  Dark reddish brown sandstone, also called brownstone has commonly been used in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada.  Bluestone is a dense, hard, fine-grained sandstone of greenish-gray or bluish-gray color and is quarried in the eastern United States.

Limestone is a widely used building stone with colors typically light gray, tan or buff.  A distinguishing characteristic of limestone is the presence of fossils that are frequently visible in the stone surface. 

Travertine is a type of limestone and one of the most popular natural stone for interior and exterior wall cladding, paving, statuary and curbing.  It is mostly known for its porosity and comprised primarily of calcium carbonate.  Slabs and tiles are cut from blocks with the veining or across the veining.  Processors of this material will market the stone as is, with the holes for a more rustic and antique look, or fill the holes with a tinted epoxy and hone or polish the surface to achieve a solid surface effect. 

Slate is dark green, black, gray, and dark red or multi-colored.  It is most commonly used as a flooring material and for roof tiles and is often distinguished by its distinct cleft texture.

Usage
The harder the stone, the more it resists abrasion.  One measure of a natural stone’s strength is its Measurement of Hardness (MOH) rating; on which 1 is the softest and 10 is the hardest.  On the MOH scale, most marbles rate “3” and the quartz based granites rate “7.”  Using a softer stone simply requires the homeowner to use gentler cleansers and more frequent dusting to prevent scratching.