Natural stone, due to its unique properties, environmental friendliness, diversity, and unique natural beauty, is one of the most popular building materials. In modern construction, natural stone is used for exterior cladding of facades, entrances, and the manufacture of architectural elements and interior decoration. Furthermore, it is used to make window sills, countertops, etc.
Depending on the operating conditions, natural stone used in the exterior or interior decoration of the house, like any other material, can change its appearance over the years. If there is a need to clean the surface of natural stone from dirt, it is very important to determine what kind it belongs to and the nature of the dirt. After that, you can decide on the stone cleaning product to use.
The main types of natural stone used in the exterior and interior decoration of buildings are siliceous or calcareous rocks. The siliceous natural stone consists mainly of silicon dioxide and quartz particles. The most famous materials of this group are granite, slate, sandstone, and quartzite. The natural calcareous stone consists mainly of calcium carbonate—the most popular type of this group: marble, travertine, and limestone.
Signs that show stone needs to be cleaned;
Spots (ink, paint, etc.)
A stain from household products (soap, lipstick, hair gel, shampoo, etc.)
Oil stains (household fats, grease, oil, candle wax, etc.)
Loss of colour from the improperly selected sealant
Rust stains (iron oxides, etc.)
Salt and cement stains, mineral and calcium deposits, scale
Knowing the characteristics of the stone and the nature of the origin of dirt, you can choose the best stone cleaning product. Methods for cleaning natural stone from dirt depend on its nature.
Household detergents do an excellent job of cleaning surfaces from contaminants. But the situation is different with stone. All sorts of new products from various manufacturers appear, guaranteeing a good result. But before using any tool, you must understand how it will affect the stone countertops, sinks, pool lining, etc.
What to look for in stone cleaning products
PH level
Acid-base balance is the main parameter that should be followed when choosing a stone cleaning product. A medium with a pH level of 7 is neutral, from 0 to 6.9 - acidic, and from 7.1 to 14 – alkaline. How does this affect stone surfaces?
For daily care, it is recommended to use neutral agents, since natural stones are sensitive to acidic and alkaline environments. Alkali does not act so destructively, but with long contact, it leads to a loss of gloss. However, some alkaline products can be used to clean heavily soiled surfaces. After this, the surface must be wiped with a neutral solution and cold water.
All these substances can permanently spoil the appearance of the surface. Therefore, to clean the stone, you must use only special stone cleaning products designed specifically for it. This is because such products have a neutral pH level and will not damage the surface. And before cleaning, it is advisable to test the product in a different area to ensure that it will cope well with its task.
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