What You Should Know About Cleaning Natural Stones

Understanding the stone's geologic categorisation and structure is the essential process in good stone handling and upkeep. You can use this knowledge to decide what natural stone cleaning products to buy and how to take care of the natural stone the best.

Sedimentary, Metamorphic, and Igneous are the three fundamental geological divisions of natural stone, according to how each was formed. Each kind of stone can also contain either calcareous or siliceous stones.

How can natural stones be maintained?

Follow these simple guidelines to prolong the length and maintain the aesthetic of any natural stone:
  • Put coasters beneath all glasses, especially those that contain alcoholic beverages or citric juices.
  • Although several stones can endure warmth, it is nevertheless advised to apply trivets or mats.
  • Regularly dust-mop interior floors with a dry, clean, untreated dust mop. Natural stone can be harmed by the rough nature of sand, mud, and grit.
  • Mats or area rugs placed inside and outside of entrances will reduce the amount of grit, sand, and other foreign objects that could harm the stone floor. Make certain the mat's or rug's bottom has a non-slip finish.
  • If vacuum cleaners are used, check to see if the metal, plastic, or wheels are in good condition as they have the potential to scratch some stones.
  • Spills: Quickly dab the spill with a paper towel. Wiping will spread the spill, so refrain from doing so. Rinse the spot multiple times after cleansing with water and mild soap. Use a gentle towel to dry the spot.

Things to know for natural stone cleaning methods

There are numerous natural stone cleaning products that many companies provide.

Calcareous stones may become dull or etch when products with lemon, vinegar, or other acids are used.

Abrasives are frequently found in scouring powders and lotions, which could scratch some stones.

Hydrofluoric acid is present in many commercial purposes marketed rust removers in trace amounts. In contrast to other elements, this acid also damages silicates. If subjected to HF, all stones, such as granite and quartzite, will be affected.

Do not combine bleach and ammonia. This mixture produces a fatal and deadly gas.

What to avoid for natural stone cleaning?

The problem with the majority of everyday cleansers is that the same abrasive chemical qualities that make them efficient can also destroy the sealant that protects stone slabs or tiles.

These surfaces are more susceptible because of that fracture too, as stains, scratches, etches, and persistent dullness.

Natural stones with high porosities include marble and travertine, which are mostly made of acid-sensitive calcium carbonate minerals.

Lemon and vinegar both contain high levels of acid. When applied to stone materials, it will permeate the surface and interact chemically with the calcium to generate dullness and etch traces over time.

What type of natural stone cleaning products should be used?

Sometimes pH-neutral cleaners simply aren't powerful enough to handle the job at hand.

There are cleaning solutions with an alkaline base that can get rid of stains caused by excess sealant, heavy grime, grease and oil. These aggressive cleansers, nevertheless, are to be used with caution or by knowledgeable and experienced individuals.

Bottom-line

Choose a pH-neutral cleanser instead if you don't have a solution designed specifically for cleaning stones because it isn't very acidic or basic and won't provide any bad consequences.

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