Sealing Your Stone
Cleaning Procedures
What to Do With Spills
Links

Sealing Your Stone

Natural stone has been formed over millions of years but improper care can ruin nature's beauty. Although we usually think of stone as "hard", it is a porous material that can absorb spills and stains if left untreated. Sealing your stone with a quality impregnating sealer will prevent most spills from damaging your investment.

There are a wide variety of sealers available, so you need to select one for your specific needs and natural stone type. Impregnating sealers, with new, advanced fluorochemical technology, penetrate the stone and help protect it against water and oil-based stains. Industry professionals recognize that natural stone is best protected with a fluorochemical-based sealer. We recommend sealing your new stone with StoneTech Professional™ Heavy Duty Stone Sealer formulated with the latest in fluorochemical technology.

If your stone is less porous or semi-porous, then StoneTech Professional™ Heavy Duty Stone Sealer is the recommended sealer. If your stone is very porous, such as some veined granites, then StoneTech Professional™ BulletProof™ Stone Sealer may be your best choice. For color enhancing and other special considerations, consult your stone supplier or stone care professional. StoneTech Professional™ has a complete line of sealers for your natural stone. Once sealed properly, your stone is protected against everyday dirt and spills. Proper cleaning will help the sealer last longer and keep your stone protected without damaging your stone's natural beauty.

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Cleaning Procedures & Recommendations

Keeping your stone free of dust and dry, sandy soil will minimize the scratches, and wear patterns that can develop from everyday use of some natural stone, such as marble, limestone, and sandstone. Sweep or dust all natural stone surfaces regularly to remove loose soil and dust.

Clean your natural stone on a regular basis with warm water and a clean non-abrasive cloth, sponge or mop. In addition, using a neutral cleaner specially formulated for natural stone will help remove soils that normal dusting or damp mopping leave behind. We recommend StoneTech Professional™ Revitalizer™ Stone & Tile Cleaner and Protector. This cleaner is developed especially for natural stone and tile care. Its unique blend of neutral cleaning agents make it gentle on your stone while leaving behind an impregnating protective shield every time you clean.

Do not use general purpose cleaners or you may damage your stone or the sealer applied. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids as these may etch the stone surface and damage the polish. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

Countertops and Vanities
Use Revitalizer™ on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills as well as hairspray or other cosmetics. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch or dull the stone surface. Also, some common toiletries (e.g., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.

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. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the potential damage from these particles. In addition, be careful when using a vacuum cleaner as the metal or plastic attachments or wheels may scratch the surface.

Damp mop the stone floor with a dilute solution of Revitalizer™ or All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner as directed on the label. Keep off floor until completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.

Bath and Other Wet Areas Periodic use of Revitalizer™ will remove any soap scum or hard water deposits that may have formed. In the bath, or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup.

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What to do with Spills

No matter how careful you are, spills are going to happen. A quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging your stone or the sealer. StoneTech Professional recommends that you only use the cleaning products recommended in this care guide.

Etch Marks - Substances that are highly acidic, such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard and many soft drinks, will "etch" most marble, limestone and travertine - whether the stone is sealed or unsealed. Although sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull area or etch mark in the stone.

In addition, cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone or degrade the sealer. That's why selecting the correct cleaning products is so important to the lifetime beauty of your natural stone.

Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone's even finish.

Food Spills - Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Blot with dry, white cloth. Spray the area with Revitalizer™ and wipe off excess with a clean cloth or clean the soiled area with Revitalizer™ Wipes.

Liquid Spills - Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth; turning the cloth frequently. Spray the area with Revitalizer™ and wipe off excess with a clean cloth or clean the soiled area with Revitalizer™ Wipes.

Mud - Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with Revitalizer™. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, contact a professional cleaner.

Oily Stains - If you identify the stain as having an oil base (from foods like salad and cooking oils, butter, or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. We recommend StoneTech Professional™ Oil Stain Remover. This easy-to-use poultice is designed to slowly remove oily stains from natural stone surfaces. Follow the directions on the label.

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Useful Links

www.marble-institute.com
www.findstone.com
www.stonetechpro.com
www.ahnzu.com
www.granitechathome.com
www.daltile.com
www.usenaturalstone.com