5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Stone Care and Maintenance

Natural stone, with its timeless beauty and elegance, can elevate any space. But, like anything valuable, it requires proper care. Unfortunately, not all care routines are created equal — some might inadvertently harm these beautiful surfaces. With countless types of stone, each with unique needs, it's crucial to be knowledgeable. Here's a look at five common mistakes in stone care and how to steer clear of them.

1. Over-Relying on Acidic Cleaners

It's a common misconception that for a surface to gleam, it requires the strength of acidic cleaners. Yet, for many types of natural stone, this is far from the truth. Marble, limestone, and travertine are particularly vulnerable to acids. Even seemingly harmless substances in our homes, such as lemon juice or vinegar, can lead to surface etching, resulting in lackluster spots or unsightly rings. To maintain the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of your stone surfaces, make sure to use pH-neutral cleaners. These products are specially designed for stone care. Using them ensures your surfaces remain vibrant and protected over time.

2. Not Sealing Porous Stones

At first glance, many stones seem impenetrable and hardy. However, beneath the surface, some stones, like granite, marble, and slate, possess porous characteristics, making them vulnerable to external elements. These pores can act as gateways, allowing unwanted substances such as oils, wine, or coffee to penetrate and stain the stone. Without proper sealing, these marks can become permanent blemishes, marring the stone's natural beauty. To counteract this, it's essential to make applying sealants a routine part of natural stone care and maintenance. Regular sealing prevents unsightly stains and aids in the stone's overall longevity, helping it resist wear and tear from daily use. This protective barrier keeps potential stains at bay, ensuring that your stone retains its original elegance for years to come.

3. Misunderstanding How to Polish

The term "polishing" often conjures images of adding a shiny coat atop surfaces. However, when it comes to stone, polishing is about refining and enhancing its natural attributes. A frequent oversight homeowners make is reaching for generic polishes, the kinds suitable for wooden furniture or ceramic tiles, and using them on their prized natural stone surfaces. This misguided approach can result in a grimy residue buildup, giving the stone a cloudy appearance. To maintain the intrinsic beauty of natural stone and achieve that desired gleam, select polishing products specifically crafted for stone surfaces. These are formulated to enhance without leaving behind any unsavory films.

4. Using Abrasive Pads or Tools

There's no denying the frustration stubborn stains on stone surfaces can cause. In the quest to restore the stone's original allure, one might be tempted to use aggressive scrubbing tools like steel wool or harsh brushes. However, such abrasive materials can do more damage, inflicting scratches and compromising the stone's integrity. These superficial marks not only affect the aesthetic but can also serve as entry points for further deterioration. Instead of resorting to these rough tools, it's recommended to use soft microfiber cloths or brushes designed for stone care. These ensure effective cleaning without jeopardizing the surface's quality.

5. Not Addressing Spills Promptly

Stones might seem indestructible, but they aren't immune to damage from a prolonged spill. Even the slightest spill, like a drop of red wine on marble or a splash of olive oil on limestone, can begin to tarnish the stone's splendor if left unattended. As time progresses, these spills can permeate the porous layers of the stone, leading to deeper stains that become increasingly challenging to address. The aftermath of delayed cleanup can result in irreversible discolorations. It's imperative to act swiftly in the face of spills. Using a soft cloth, blot the spillage gently. Remember that wiping can spread the liquid further, exacerbating the problem.

Conclusion

Natural stone stands as a testament to nature's artistry, infusing spaces with an elegance that is both rustic and refined. To maintain this charm, awareness of the potential pitfalls in stone care is essential. A one-size-fits-all approach won't suffice. Recognizing the distinct needs of different stone types and tailoring your care techniques will prolong their beauty. With the correct measures in place, natural stone's magnificence will stay intact and continue to shine through the ages.