A consistent care routine preserves stone’s beauty for decades. The right products and habits protect finishes, reduce staining, and keep surfaces feeling silky underhand.
Daily & Weekly Cleaning
Wipe spills immediately, then clean with pH‑neutral stone cleaner and microfiber. Rinse and dry to avoid water spots. For floors, use soft pads and low‑moisture mops to protect sealers.
- Do: blot oils and wine quickly; use coasters and trivets
- Don’t: use vinegar, lemon, bleach, ammonia, or abrasive powders
Sealing Basics
Penetrating sealers reduce absorption without forming a film. Apply per manufacturer instructions, remove excess, and test with a water droplet after curing. High‑traffic areas may need more frequent attention.
Stain & Etch Management
Organic stains often lift with poultices; rust requires specialty products. Etch marks are not stains—they are chemical surface changes that may need honing or polishing by a pro.
- Keep a small care kit: poultice powder, plastic wrap, painter’s tape, and instructions
Protection Strategies
Use felt pads under furniture, soft mats at entries, and cutting boards in kitchens. In bathrooms, squeegee shower walls to reduce mineral deposits and soap residue.
Long‑Term Refresh
Professional refinishing can remove scratches and restore luster. Schedule an annual inspection with your fabricator if your space sees heavy use.
Good care is simple: neutral cleaners, periodic sealing, and quick response to spills keep stone looking its best.
Additional Installation & Care Tips
Tip: Always request a physical sample of the exact bundle or slab lot you plan to purchase; color veining and tone can vary significantly between shipments.
Tip: Confirm edge profiles early in the process (e.g., eased, beveled, bullnose, ogee). Complex edges may require additional fabrication time and cost.
Tip: Agree on seam placement and direction of veining during the templating stage. In spaces with strong natural light, seams should be positioned away from glare lines to remain discreet.
Tip: Ask your installer to document the sealant brand, solids content, and expected re-seal interval so you can match products during future maintenance.
FAQ
How often should natural stone be sealed?
Most honed or polished stones benefit from sealing every 6–18 months depending on porosity, usage, and cleaner chemistry. Perform a simple water-drop test—if water darkens the surface within a minute, it is time to reseal.
What cleaners are safe for stone?
Use pH-neutral products labeled for natural stone. Avoid vinegar, citrus, ammonia, or bleach; acidic or alkaline formulas can etch calcite-based stones and degrade sealants.
Will radiant heating damage stone floors?
No. Natural stone performs well with hydronic or electric radiant systems. Follow manufacturer limits for temperature ramp-up and maintain adequate movement joints to accommodate thermal expansion.
Note: Project conditions vary; consult your fabricator and installer for site-specific recommendations on substrate prep, movement joints, and compatible sealers.