Caring for Your Stonework

NATURAL STONE CARE & CLEANING

TYPES OF STAINS & FIRST STEP CLEANING ACTIONS

Oil-Based

(grease, tar, cooking oil, milk, cosmetics)

An oil-based stain will darken and must be chemically dissolved so the source of the stain can be flushed or rinsed away. Clean gently with a stone cleaner or use bleach, ammonia, mineral spirits or acetone. If not making progress, check with us for specific recommendations.

Organic

(coffee, tea, fruit, citrus, red wine, tobacco, paper, food, urine, leaves, bark, bird droppings)

Organic stains may create a pinkish-brown color and more than likely, will disappear after the source of stain has been removed. Clean gently with a stone cleaner or check with us for specific recommendations.

Metal

(iron, rust, copper, bronze)

Iron or rust stains are orange to brown in color and follow the shape of the staining object such as nails, bolts, screws, cans, flower pots, or metal furniture. Copper and bronze stains appear as green or muddy-brown color and result from the action of the moisture. Call us for a poultice or a cleaner recommendation.

DO'S AND DON'TS

  • DO keep it simple…use stone cleaner for stone!
  • 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 countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats.
  • 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, grout or tub & tile cleaners.
  • DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers.
  • DON’T mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.

DO call Stepping Stones for problems that appear too difficult to treat!