Caring for Your Stonework

NATURAL STONE CARE & CLEANING

GENERAL CARE

Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the surface of some stones.
Knowing this, use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.
Do not place hot items directly on a stone surface. Use trivets or placemats under hot dishes.
China, ceramics, silver or other objects can scratch some stones. Use placemats to protect stone surfaces.

CLEANING PROCEDURES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Floor Surfaces

Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean, non-treated, dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness.

Food Preparation & Vanity Top Surfaces

Food or vanity surfaces may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. Check with Stepping Stones or your installer for recommendations. We carry a high quality selection of sealers and cleaners.

Bath and Other Wet Surfaces

Keep it simple—use neutral pH stone cleaner for stone surfaces. Please make sure you read ALL labels.

Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Also, do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

SPILLS & STAINS

Spills and stains can happen. Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately. Don’t wipe the area, it could spread the spill. Flush the area with plain water and mild soap, then rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary. If the stain remains, call Stepping Stones Marble and Granite.

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 coaster, 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.