Stone Care and Maintenance

Cleaning and Caring for Natural Stone

Natural stone adds a lovely feel to your home, but it can easily lose its luster over time. Beware of spilled alcohol or lemon juice, and don't place very hot dishes on your stone countertops. You might be tempted to take matters into your own hands to clean it, but that could cause irreversible damage.

The first tip to remember is to wipe up all spills immediately. Red wine, grease and moisture may be absorbed into the stone. Check out some tips below and call us or stop by the showroom at Milestone New Generation today.

Tips for Everyday Use

• Use trivets, spoon rests, cutting boards and coasters to maintain cleanliness
• Avoid placing hot items directly on a natural stone surface
• Don't let grease, oil, shortening, butter, etc. remain on the surface
• Use placemats under plates and flatware
• Place toiletry items in baskets on vanity tops to prevent staining
• Use coasters under glasses containing alcohol, soda or fruit juice on material such as marble that is prone to etching
  

How to Clean Natural Surfaces

• Wipe up spills immediately, followed by lightly buffing with a dry, clean cloth to take care of water spots
• Use a neutral cleaner, mild liquid dishwashing detergent, or appropriate stone soap and lukewarm water
• Avoid acidic agents such as lemon or vinegar on marble
• Avoid scouring creams or powders that contain abrasive
• Apply penetrating sealer to vanity tops and surfaces for food preparation
• Avoid cleaners such as:
• Abrasive cleaners (Comet powder, etc.)
• Liquids that contain ammonia, such as window cleaner
• Hydrofluoric acid (HF), which is in some rust removal products and may etch your granite’s polish
  

Surface Damage Caused by Etch Marks

• Wet the surface with clear water and sprinkle on marble polishing powder
• Rub the powder on the stone with a damp cloth or a buffing pad with a low-speed power drill
• Continue buffing until the etch mark disappears and the marble surface shines
• Slight surface scratches may be buffed with very fine steel wool
• Deep marks and dents should be repaired and re-polished by a professional
  

Spills and Stains

• For acidic substances, promptly blot the spill with a clean dry cloth or paper towel
• Use tap water and mild soap
• Thoroughly dry
• Remove efflorescence, a white crystalline deposit, by dusting with a clean dry cloth but not water