Cleaning Procedures & Recommendations
General Cleaning: Clean stone surfaces with a cleaner designated safe for natural stone. Use a clean mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Don't use more than the recommended amount of any cleaning product. Too much may leave a film, causing streaks. Change rinse water frequently. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble, travertine or limestone as these can etch the surface of the stone. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.
Floor Surfaces: 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 can scratch a stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn, the metal or plastic attachments may scratch the surface.
Bath and Other Wet Areas: In the bath / shower or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use.
Counter/Vanity Top Surfaces: Clean your countertops daily with a soft cloth or paper towel and a residue free cleaner designated safe for natural stone.
- If Streaking Occurs: Buff the countertop with a clean white terry cloth or paper towel if streaking occurs.
- Use a Good Stone Polish Occasionally: For additional luster on those special occasions, apply a good stone polish to the surface of your countertops.
- Seal if Necessary: Countertops may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. If a sealer is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use in food preparation surfaces.
Outdoor Pool & Patio Areas: In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.
Floor Surfaces
- Vacuum or dust frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop.
- Non-treated mops, vacuums and soft brushes will remove most dirt and debris
- Heavy traffic areas should be cleaned and sealed regularly to prevent staining
- Only use Neutral pH (7), no rinse, concentrated stone soaps when cleaning
- Use products that have “safe for marble/stone” on the label
- Never use vinegar, lemon juice, or bathroom tub and tile cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine, or onyx surfaces.
- Never use abrasive cleansers such as dry powder cleansers or soft cleansers on natural stone.
- Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help minimize the potential damage from these particles.
- Try to stay off the floor until it is completely dry, as wet tile floors may be slippery.
- Attach thick felt pads to the legs of chairs.
- Keep plants elevated off stone surfaces.
Countertops and Vanities
- Use a neutral, pH-balanced cleaner specially formulated for stone on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills, as well as hairspray or other cosmetics.
- Be careful with common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch or dull the stone surface.
- Also, some common toiletries (i.e., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.
Bath and Other Wet Areas
- For daily maintenance cleaning, use a neutral, ph-balanced cleaner to clean everyday soils and stains.
- In the bath, or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can help minimize this build-up.
Do's and Don'ts
- Do dust mop floors frequently.
- Do clean surfaces with a neutral stone cleaner.
- 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 counter top surfaces with coasters, trivets or place mats, particularly under those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface.
- Don't place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and place mats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface.
- 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 cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
- Don't mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
Stain Treatment and Other Issues: If possible, immediately blot spills with a clean paper towel. If something has soaked into the stone and stained it, a poultice may need to be applied.
Sealing: Your natural stone and grout may need to be periodically sealed. For small jobs, you can purchase the product and do it yourself, or contact us to perform the service for you.
Contact Specialized Surfaces for further assistance!
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