General Care
Care and PrecautionsUse coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the surface of many stones. Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface.
Cleaning Procedures and Recommendations
Floor SurfacesDust 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. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that will scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface. Normally, it will take a person about eight steps on a floor surface to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of their shoes. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn. The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface.
Other Surfaces
Clean stone surfaces with a few
drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available at hardware stores or
from your stone dealer) or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm
water. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other
surfaces for best results. 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. Rinse the surface thoroughly after
washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the
rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these
products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.
Bath and Other Wet Areas
In the bath or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a
squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap
scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2 cup ammonia
to a gallon of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may
eventually dull the surface of the stone.
Vanity Top Surfaces
Vanity tops may need to have a
penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for
recommendations. A good quality marble wax or non-yellowing automobile
paste wax can be applied to minimize water spotting.
Food Preparation Areas
In food preparation areas, the stone may need to have a penetrating
sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations. If a
sealer is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use on
food preparation surfaces. If there are questions, check with the
sealer manufacturer.
Outdoor Pool & Patio Areas
In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use
a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.
Stone Identification
Know Your StoneNatural stone can be classified into two general categories according to its composition: siliceous stone or calcareous stone. Knowing the difference is critical when selecting cleaning products.
Siliceous stone is composed mainly of silica or quartz-like particles. It tends to be very durable and relatively easy to clean with mild acidic cleaning solutions. Types of siliceous stone include granite, slate, sandstone, quartzite, brownstone and bluestone.
Calcareous stone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate. It is sensitive to acidic cleaning products and frequently requires different cleaning procedures than siliceous stone. Types of calcareous stone include marble, travertine, limestone and onyx. What may work on siliceous stone may not be suitable on calcareous surfaces.
How to Tell the Difference
A simple acid sensitivity test can be performed to determine whether a
stone is calcareous or siliceous. You will need about 4 oz. of a
10%solution of muriatic acid and an eye-dropper. Or you can use
household vinegar and an eyedropper. Because this test may permanently
etch the stone, select an out of the way area(a corner or closet) and
several inches away from the mortar joint. Apply a few drops of the
acid solution to the stone surface on an area about the size of a
quarter. If the stone is calcareous, the acid drops will begin to
bubble or fizz vigorously. If little or no reaction occurs, the stone
can be considered siliceous. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water
and wipe dry. This test may not be effective if surface sealers or
liquid polishes have been applied. If an old sealer is present, chip a
small piece of stone away and apply the acid solution to the fractured
surface. CAUTION: Muriatic acid is corrosive and is considered to be a
hazardous substance. Proper head and body protection is necessary when
acid is used.
Stone Finishes
A polished finish on the stone has a glossy surface that reflects light
and emphasizes the color and marking of the material. This type of
finish is used on walls, furniture tops and other items, as well as
floor tiles.
A honed finish is a satin smooth surface with relatively little light reflection. Generally, a honed finish is preferred for floors, stair treads, thresholds and other locations where heavy traffic will wear off the polished finish. A honed finish may also be used on furniture tops and other surfaces.
A flamed finish is a rough textured surface used frequently on granite floor tiles.
Stone Colors and Appearance
Granites and marbles are quarried throughout the world in a variety of
colors with varying mineral compositions. In most cases, marbles and
granites can be identified by visible particles at the surface of the
stone. Marble will normally show "veins" or high concentrations. The
minerals in granite will typically appear as small flecks distributed
uniformly in the stone. Each type of stone is unique and will vary in
color, texture and marking.
Sandstones vary widely in color due to different minerals and clays found in the stone. Sandstone is light gray to yellow or red. A dark reddish brown sandstone, also called brownstone, has commonly been used in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. Bluestone is a dense, hard, fine-grained sandstone of greenish-gray or bluish-gray color and is quarried in the eastern United States.
Limestone is a widely used building stone with colors typically light gray, tan or buff. A distinguishing characteristic of many limestones is the presence of fossils that are frequently visible in the stone surface. Slate is dark green, black, gray, dark red or multi-colored. It is most commonly used as a flooring material and for roof tiles and is often distinguished by its distinct cleft texture.
Stains
Spills and StainsBlot the spill with a paper towel immediately. Don't wipe the area, it will spread the spill. Flush the area with plain water and mild soap and rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary. If the stain remains, refer to the section in this brochure on stain removal.
Stain Removal
Identifying the type of stain on the stone surface is the key to
removing it. If you don't know what caused the stain, play detective.
Where is the stain located? Is it near a plant, a food service area, an
area where cosmetics are used? What color is it? What is the shape or
pattern? What goes on in the area around the stain? Surface stains can
often be removed by cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product or
household chemical. Deep-seated or stubborn stains may require using a
poultice or calling in a professional. The following sections describe
the types of stains that you may have to deal with and appropriate
household chemicals to use and how to prepare and apply a poultice to
remove the stain.
Types of Stains and First Step Cleaning Actions
OIL-BASED(grease, tar, cooking oil, milk, cosmetics)
An oil-based stain will darken the stone and normally must be chemically dissolved so the source of the stain can be flushed or rinsed away. Clean gently with a soft, liquid cleanser with bleach OR household detergent OR ammonia OR mineral spirits OR acetone.
ORGANIC
(coffee, tea, fruit, tobacco, paper, food, urine, leaves, bark, bird
droppings)
May cause a pinkish-brown stain and may disappear after the source of
the stain has been removed. Outdoors, with the sources removed, normal
sun and rain action will generally bleach out the stains. Indoors,
clean with12% hydrogen peroxide (hair bleaching strength) and a few
drops of ammonia.
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,
metal furniture. Copper and bronze stains appear as green or
muddy-brown and result from the action of moisture on nearby or
embedded bronze, copper or brass items. Metal stains must be removed
with a poultice.(See section on Making & Using a Poultice)
Deep-seated, rusty stains are extremely difficult to remove and the
stone may be permanently stained.
BIOLOGICAL
(algae, mildew, lichens, moss, fungi)
Clean with diluted (1/2 cup in a gallon of water) ammonia OR bleach OR
hydrogen peroxide. DO NOT MIX BLEACH ANDAMMONIA! THIS COMBINATION
CREATES A TOXIC AND LETHAL GAS!
INK
(magic marker, pen, ink)
Clean with bleach or hydrogen peroxide (light colored stone only!) or
lacquer thinner or acetone (dark stones only!)
PAINT
Small amounts can be removed with lacquer thinner or scraped off
carefully with a razorblade. Heavy paint coverage should be removed
only with a commercial "heavy liquid" paint stripper available from
hardware stores and paint centers. These strippers normally contain
caustic soda or lye. Do not use acids or flame tools to strip paint
from stone. Paint strippers can etch the surface of the stone;
re-polishing may be necessary. Follow the manufacturer's directions for
use of these products, taking care to flush the area thoroughly with
clean water. Protect yourself with rubber gloves and eye protection,
and work in a well-ventilated area. Use only wood or plastic scrapers
for removing the sludge and curdled paint. Normally, latex and acrylic
paints will not cause staining. Oil-based paints, linseed oil, putty,
caulks and sealants may cause oily stains. Refer to the section on
oil-based stains.
WATER SPOTS AND RINGS
(surface accumulation of hard water)
Buff with dry 0000 steel wool.
FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE
Older stones and smoke or fire stained fireplaces may require a
thorough cleaning to restore their original appearance. Commercially
available "smoke removers" may save time and effort.
ETCH MARKS
Etch marks are caused by acids left on the surface of the stone. Some
materials will etch the finish but not leave a stain. Others will both
etch and stain. Once the stain has been removed, wet the surface with
clear water and sprinkle on marble polishing powder, available from a
hardware or lapidary store, or your local stone dealer. Rub the powder
onto the stone with a damp cloth or by using a buffing pad with a
low-speed power drill. Continue buffing until the etch mark disappears
and the marble surface shines. Contact your stone dealer or call a
professional stone restorer for refinishing or re-polishing etched
areas that you cannot remove.
EFFLORESCENCE
Efflorescence is a white powder that may appear on the surface of the
stone. It is caused by water carrying mineral salts from below the
surface of the stone rising through the stone and evaporating. When the
water evaporates, it leaves the powdery substance. If the installation
is new, dust mop or vacuum the powder. You may have to do this several
times as the stone dries out. Do not use water to remove the powder; it
will only temporarily disappear. If the problem persists, contact your
installer to help identify and remove the cause of the moisture.
SCRATCHES AND NICKS
Slight surface scratches may be buffed with dry 0000 steel wool. Deeper
scratches and nicks in the surface of the stone should be repaired and
re-polished by a professional.
Poultices
Making and Using a PoulticeA poultice is a liquid cleaner or chemical mixed with a white absorbent material to form a paste about the consistency of peanut butter. The poultice is spread over the stained area to a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch with a wood or plastic spatula, covered with plastic and left to work for 24 to 48 hours. The liquid cleaner or chemical will draw out the stain into the absorbent material. Poultice procedures may have to be repeated to thoroughly remove a stain, but some stains may never be completely removed.
Poultice Materials
Poultice materials include kaolin, fuller's earth, whiting,
diatomaceous earth, powdered chalk, white molding plaster or talc.
Approximately one pound of prepared poultice material will cover one
square foot. Do not use whiting or iron-type clays such as fuller's
earth with acid chemicals. The reaction will cancel the effect of the
poultice. A poultice can also be prepared using white cotton balls,
whitepaper towels or gauze pads.
Cleaning Agents or Chemicals
OIL-BASED STAINSPoultice with baking soda and water OR one of the powdered poultice materials and mineral spirits.
ORGANIC STAINS
Poultice with one of the powdered poultice materials and 12% hydrogen
peroxide solution (hair bleaching strength) OR use acetone instead of
the hydrogen peroxide.
IRON STAINS
Poultice with diatomaceous earth and a commercially available rust
remover. Rust stains are particularly difficult to remove. You may need
to call a professional.
COPPER STAINS
Poultice with one of the powdered poultice materials and ammonia. These
stains are difficult to remove. You may need to call a professional.
BIOLOGICAL STAINS
Poultice with dilute ammonia OR bleach OR hydrogen peroxide. DO NOT MIX
AMMONIA AND BLEACH! THIS COMBINATION CREATES A TOXIC AND LETHAL GAS!
Applying the Poultice
Prepare the poultice. If using powder, mix the cleaning agent or chemical to a thick paste the consistency of peanut butter. If using paper, soak in the chemical and let drain. Don't let the liquid drip.Wet the stained area with distilled water.
Apply the poultice to the stained area about1/4 to 1/2 inch thick and extend the poultice beyond the stained area by about one inch. Use a wood or plastic scraper to spread the poultice evenly.
Cover the poultice with plastic and tape the edges to seal it.
Allow the poultice to dry thoroughly, usually about 24 to 48 hours. The drying process is what pulls the stain out of the stone and into the poultice material. After about 24 hours, remove the plastic and allow the poultice to dry.
Remove the poultice from the stain. Rinse with distilled water and buff dry with a soft cloth. Use the wood or plastic scraper if necessary.
Repeat the poultice application if the stain is not removed. It may take up to five applications for difficult stains.
If the surface is etched by the chemical, apply polishing powder and buff with burlap or felt buffing pad to restore the surface.
Dos and Don'ts
DO Dust mop floors frequentlyDO Clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap
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 cleaners, grout
cleaners or tub & tile cleaners
DON'T Use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers
DON'T Mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and
lethal gas
DON'T Ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically
instruct you to do so
Call your professional stone supplier, installer or a restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat.