Introduction
Welcome to the Tile the World podcast! Today, we're diving into the world of natural stone care. Whether you're a homeowner or a stone professional, this guide will help you understand the best practices for choosing, protecting, and maintaining natural stone.
• Natural stone is a unique and beautiful material created by nature over millions of years. Proper care is essential to preserve its beauty.
Understanding Your Stone
• Natural stone is categorized into three main types: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Stones in each category can be either calcareous or siliceous.
• Calcareous stone, like marble and limestone, is mainly composed of calcium carbonate, making it sensitive to acids.
• Siliceous stone is composed of silicates, such as quartz, and is generally more resistant to acids.
• Understanding your stone's composition helps determine the best cleaning products to use.
The Importance of Sealing
• Sealing is strongly recommended for all natural stone, especially newly installed marble, granite, and limestone.
• Sealers, or "impregnators," don't make the stone stain-proof but more stain-resistant, providing time to clean up spills.
• There are two main types of sealers:
◦ Penetrating/impregnating sealers: These are no-sheen, natural-look sealers suitable for interior and exterior use. They penetrate the stone and protect it from within.
◦ Stone enhancer sealers: These are also penetrating sealers, but they darken, enrich, and highlight the stone's natural color.
• Always follow the manufacturer's directions when applying sealer.
• Apply sealer liberally in small sections, let it soak in, and then wipe off excess. Allow 15 minutes for the sealer to soak in before wiping off.
• A second coat can be applied after 30 minutes and then wiped off. Let the stone cure for 72 hours.
• Test your sealer regularly by dropping water on the surface. If water absorbs quickly, it's time to reseal.
Routine Cleaning and Maintenance
• Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap, or mild dishwashing detergent and warm water.
• Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, or harsh bathroom cleaners, as they can damage the stone.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners such as scouring powders or creams that can scratch the stone.
• Use a clean rag mop for floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water, changing the water frequently.
• For soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Caution: overuse of ammonia can dull the surface.
• For outdoor areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.
• Preventative measures:
◦ Use coasters under glasses.
◦ Use trivets or mats under hot dishes.
◦ Dust mop floors frequently using a clean, non-treated dry dust mop.
◦ Use mats or rugs inside and outside entrances.
◦ Avoid using worn vacuum cleaners that can scratch the surface.
◦ Blot up spills immediately. Don't wipe, as this will spread the spill.
Stain Removal
• Identifying the type of stain is key to removing it.
• Common stain types:
◦ Oil-based: (grease, cooking oil, cosmetics) Clean gently with mineral spirits or acetone.
◦ Organic: (food, coffee, tea, fruit, urine) May cause pinkish-brown stains. Clean with 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia. Outdoors, sun and rain can bleach stains out.
◦ Metal: (rust, copper) May require a poultice.
◦ Biological: (algae, mildew) Clean with diluted ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide (1/2 cup to a gallon of water). Do not mix bleach and ammonia.
◦ Ink: Clean light stones with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. On dark stones, use lacquer thinner or acetone.
◦ Paint: Small amounts can be scraped off or removed with lacquer thinner. For larger amounts use a commercial paint stripper.
◦ Water spots and rings: Buff with dry 0000 steel wool.
• Poultices:
◦ Poultices can be used to draw out stubborn stains.
◦ Mix baking soda or kaolin clay with hydrogen peroxide to create a thick paste. For tough rust stains, you can add a few drops of ammonia.
◦ Spread the paste about 1/4 inch thick over the stain, and cover it with plastic wrap, taping down the edges to keep it moist.
◦ Leave for 24-48 hours, remove the plastic wrap, let the poultice dry completely, then scrape it off.
◦ Clean the area with distilled water and a soft cloth and dry it thoroughly.
◦ Poultices may dull the shine of polished stone, and you may need to use a stone polish to restore the shine.
When to Call a Professional
• For etch marks, deep scratches, or stains that you can't remove yourself, consult a stone professional.
• If you have fire or smoke damage you may need a professional.
• For efflorescence (a white powder on the surface) that won't go away, contact your installer.
Conclusion
• Natural stone is a durable and beautiful material that requires the right care to ensure it lasts a lifetime.
• By following these steps, you can keep your natural stone surfaces looking their best for years to come.
These notes cover the key points from the audio overview, providing a structured guide for listeners to refer back to. They include essential information about stone types, sealing, cleaning, stain removal, and maintenance, emphasizing preventative measures and when to seek professional help.
