How to Maintain Natural Stone for Longevity
Assessing the stone
Doing a quick check-over while cleaning is the easiest way to keep on top of the overall health of your natural stone. When assessing, look for chips, cracking or whether the stones are lying flat. If there are any chips or cracks, the stone may need to be filled or replaced, and if they are uneven, they may need to be ground flat.
Let’s get dusting
Before breaking out any cleaning products, use a brush, broom or microfibre cloth to dust or wipe away any surface dirt or dust. This should be done regularly to avoid the build-up of dirt, as this can eventually begin to wear out the original texture of the stone.
Vacuuming your natural stone is generally ok and can speed up your cleaning process but be sure to take care to avoid chipping or scratching the stone.
Which cleaners are best
It’s really important to consider which products you’ll be cleaning the stone area with. Acidic or harsh chemical cleaners can cause staining, remove the finish and can even damage the integrity of the natural stone over time. For this reason, we recommend cleaning with an all-purpose pH-neutral cleaner. Alternatively, a mild detergent or dishwashing liquid can be used if diluted correctly in water.
Do not use vinegar, lemon or other acidic cleaners on your natural stone. These products can damage the stone by etching, burning or even removing gloss finishing.
Time to mop
Next, carefully clean the area using a microfibre cloth, mop, or brush. Cleaning tip: Use firm circular motions to clean the stone without damaging it. While natural stone is durable, it’s best to avoid being too abrasive while cleaning to lower the risk of scratching.
Be mindful of using too much water. Some stones, such as sandstone and limestone, may start absorbing water if exposed to too much of it. In turn, they may become porous and be prone to scratching, dampness and chipping.
Rinse it off
Make sure to thoroughly rinse the cleaner off with clean, clear water after washing and as a final step, dry the area with a cloth.
Keeping your stone looking as beautiful as the day it was installed doesn’t have to be complicated. Regular cleaning and upkeep are simple and easy to do once you understand your stone. Some final takeaway tips from this article are to avoid using harsh chemicals, too much water, and being too abrasive while cleaning. In the event of a spill, do not rub it, blot it immediately. If moving furniture around, lift it rather than dragging it over the stone. Natural stone is extremely durable but taking extra care to avoid damage is always safest.
If your natural stone needs restoration or repair, the experts at Wilmoore Allstone can help. Contact us for a free consultation, and we can help get your natural stone back to its glory days.
