Natural Stone Care  Guide

Cleaning and sealing

In purchasing natural stone, you have made a significant investment by adding lifelong beauty to your home. When natural stone is cared for correctly it will give you years of enjoyment. The information contained in this brochure includes protection and care instructions for your stone.

Sealing and protecting your stone

Natural stone is formed over millions of years.  It’s beauty can be ruined in an instant if it is not properly protected and cared for.  The first step to protecting the stone’s integrity is to understand it’s porosity and identify it’s maintenance needs.  The density of granite is greater than marble and significantly greater than travertine, limestone, slate and other porous stones.  We recommend Stone Pro’s unique fluorocarbon impregnating sealers designed specifically for all types of stone.

Granite

The density of granite makes it the most durable of natural stones.  Granite’s durability allows it to hold its polish longer, thus making it a favorite for countertops.  Granite’s durability, however, is vulnerable to water and oil spills and will discolor and stain if not sealed correctly.  Stone Pro’s ULTIMATE PRO SEALER, developed specifically for granite is recommended.

Marble

Marble is vulnerable to water and oil spills when not sealed properly. Stone Pro’s ULTIMATE PRO or PRO SEALER is recommended.  It is important that you realize no sealer will protect marble from acidic spills.  Due to the calcium carbonate, everything acidic will etch marble.  For etch repair please refer to the ETCH MARK section in this brochure.

Porous stones

Limestone, travertine, terrazzo, satillo pavers and slate material re considered porous materials.  Stone Pro’s POROUS PRO SEALER adds more sealant properties to protect susceptible natural stone.

Cleaning procedures and recommendations

Many people are investing thousands of dollars on natural stone to enhance and beautify their surroundings.  Then unknowingly, degrade their stone by using cleaners not designed for natural stone.  Most “ everyday or general type of cleaners” contain acids, ammonias, vinegars or other cleaning agents not conducive fore stone.  Using these types of cleaners WILL damage your stone and it’s protective sealer.  Scouring powders or creams contain abrasives that may scratch your stones surface.  In addition to using the correct cleaners, keeping your stone free of dust, dirt and sandy soil will minimize scratches and wear patterns that can develop.  Sweep and dust all natural stone surfaces as often as possible.

Countertops

Stone Pro’s FINISHING TOUCH is an everyday cleaner and polisher specifically formulated with ingredients gentle for natural stone.  It enhances your stone’s natural color and adds to the sealant properties with every use. Stone Pro’s CRYSTAL CLEAN is recommended for quickly cleaning up spills without leaving water spots or streaks.

Floors

It is important to sweep before applying any cleaners to surface area. Lightly mop with Stone Pro’s  CRYSTAL CLEAN.  Our pH neutral cleaner is formulated with special alcohols for immediate evaporation, which eliminates streaking. With this one step cleaner, no rinsing or drying is needed.

When spills occur

Regardless how careful one is, spills are going to happen. Quick response time and the right solution will assist in limiting the possible damages to the stone and/or sealer.  We suggest using only the products recommended in this guide.

FOOD SPILLS- Carefully scoop up spills, do not wipe across the surface.  Blot with dry cloth.

LIQUID SPILLS- Blot away excess with clean dry cloth, turning regularly.  Do not wipe across the surface.  For both types of spills, spray area with CRYSTAL CLEAN the wipe until dry.  If the spill occurs on a counter top, complete the job with FINISHING TOUCH.  This will restore the stone’s natural color and polish while repairing sealer damage.

OILY STAINS- Stains that are oily in nature (salad oils, lotions) may be able to be removed using a poultice. We recommend you call a Stone Pro professional for assistance and instruction before using poultice.

Etch marks

Substances that are acidic, such as coffee, wine, orange juice, mustard and soft drinks WILL etch all stone, excluding granite, sealed or unsealed.  Sealing your stone properly will afford you time to wipe up the spill, but will not stop the chemical reaction between the acid and the calcium carbonate in the stone.  Cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone should never be used.  Improper cleaners will etch away the polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone and degrade the sealer.  Stone Pro’s NATURAL TOUCH is the only alternative to professional restoration.