Get Your Stone Surfaces Looking New Again With These Tips

Stone has long been a fashionable and reliable part of architectural design used in both residential or commercial settings. When taken care of, there are few materials that last as long and look as charming as stone.

There are many factors that determine how to maintain your stone surfaces, and how often you should expect to do the maintenance work. It may be found in many different areas and rooms indoors, and serve many different purposes. In a kitchen, stone is often used for countertops and food-prep surfaces. In bathrooms, stone may be used also for countertops, sink surfaces, shower and bathtub walls and floors. Throughout any residential or commercial space, stone is frequently used for floor tiles and other major surfaces. Whatever it is, use these tips to get your stone surfaces looking new again:

Tip #1: Dust-mop or vacuum stone floors frequently to remove dust and debris, wet-mop with water and a mild soap or stone soap solution, rinse the floors several times, and make sure to completely dry the cleaned areas. Make sure to avoid using old vacuums as they may have loose fixtures that scratch the stone, and do not use acidic solutions as they may damage and erode your stone floors.

Tip #2: For countertops and other non-floor stone surfaces, follow the same steps, only swap in handheld tools instead of the more industrial floor tools.

Tip #3: Think about sealing your stone surfaces. Stone that is in a bathroom or wet area is most likely flamed (rough, textured surface that isn’t reflective), and the best way to protect this kind of stone is sealing with an impregnator. Impregnators penetrate below the surface of the stone and act as repellents. Whereas stone surfaces in your kitchen or other areas are often polished, glossy and reflective, which is finished stone. The best way to protect finished stone is by using a topical sealer. Topical sealers create a protective coat over the surface of the stone against water, oil, and other contaminants.

Tip #4: Protect high traffic floor areas with mats, and for high traffic stone surfaces, such as kitchen countertops, always use coasters!

Tip #5: Avoid using vinegar, lemon juice, or other acidic cleaning solutions on marble, limestone, and similar stone surfaces as these will damage the stone. Also avoid using cleaning solutions that are meant for completely different surfaces, such as bathroom, grout, and tub cleaners!

Tip #6: For exterior stone, such as in pool, patio, or outdoor dining areas, frequently rinse your stone surfaces with clear water, and use a mild bleach to keep the stone clean of algae and moss. Other exterior stone surfaces, such as steps, walkways, and fountains should be swept of dirt and debris and rinsed with water frequently.

There are a lot of intricacies to the maintenance work that’s required to keep your stone surfaces looking new, so if you find yourself overwhelmed by it, don’t hesitate to contact an expert.