Most people don’t pay much attention to the ingredients in the cleaning products they bring into their homes. Even though most of them do a good job, some might not be safe for all your surfaces.
Even if you hire a cleaning service to clean your stone surfaces, there is no guarantee that they will use cleaners that are safe for stone. It is common to hear that customers are unaware of the cleaning services provided by businesses. According to some, businesses are utilizing a batch of their own “secret formula” to accomplish their goals.
The following are some common misconceptions regarding the application of cleaning products to stone surfaces: We’ll show you what products to use on natural stone surfaces and how to organize your cleaning routine in the future.
Common Household Products Can be Harmful to Stone
Some natural stones, like marble and travertine, are extremely porous and mostly made of acid-sensitive calcium carbonate.
Vinegar and lemon are both extremely acidic. It will slowly leave etch marks and dullness on stone surfaces because it will penetrate the surface and react chemically with the calcium in the stone.
Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Natural Stone
Natural stone is a lovely investment that can transform any room and, with appropriate care and maintenance, last for centuries. Many homeowners are aware of the need to routinely clean surfaces like floors and countertops but knowing how to clean real stone correctly without harming it is a fundamental skill. cleaning mistakes that homeowners frequently do and why you should avoid them.
Using the Wrong Cleaning Agents
Some cleaners are harmful to natural stone, and not all cleaners are created equal. Natural stone surfaces can be dulled and damaged by commercial cleaners that are acidic and contain harsh chemicals like bleach. Additionally, common cleaning products should be used with caution. Vinegar is lauded as an effective cleaning agent for a wide range of household applications as homeowners turn to natural, eco-friendly solutions. Since vinegar is an acidic substance, it has the potential to cause etching, a chemical reaction, on natural stone surfaces.
- Strong Resistant: coffee, wine, acids, oils, soft drinks, etc.
- Do not use: Dichloromethane, hydrofluoric, NaOH, caustic soda, or paint strippers
- Bleach: used for maintenance only. It may lose its sheen if this product remains on the surface for more than 12 hours.
- Products for cleaning that have a pH higher than 12: Avoid using for upkeep, it may lose its sheen if this product is left on the surface for more than 12 hours
Different stones and different types of used for cleaning
GRANITE:
To keep granite countertops shiny, daily cleaning with a mixture of hand-wash soap and water is recommended. Simply mix a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and four cups of water in a spray bottle. After food preparation, give the countertops a quick spritz and wipe them with a soft, microfiber cloth. Allow it to air dry.
LIMESTONE:
Never use harsh or acidic cleaners on limestone countertops. Commercial limestone or hand-wash soap and warm water. The stain can be removed by mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a thick paste. Apply liberally and cover with plastic wrap for 24 hours. Wipe away and reseal the area.
MARBLE:
The key to keeping marble looking great is prevention. Wipe up food and drink spills as soon as possible. Wipe down marble countertops daily with mild dish detergent and warm water using a soft cloth-skip the scrubbing sponges as well. Never use vinegar, glass cleaners with ammonia, or any type of harsh cleaner.
SOAPSTONE:
Freshly quarried soapstone is light gray in color. The stone becomes darker as it is exposed to water and oils. To enrich the color, soapstone countertops are often rubbed with mineral oil. Daily cleaning can be done with any household cleaner and water. It is best to avoid scouring powders and pads.
TRAVERTINE:
Avoid using powerful alkaline cleaners on polished travertine since they could harm the stone’s mirror shine. In this situation, we only advise using neutral detergents. Do not use acid products. Since travertine is a calcium-based material, it reacts with acids and is dissolved by them. Use only neutral or alkaline detergents, depending on the type of residue to be removed.
PRECIOUS STONE:
Most stones respond well to mild detergent and warm water. Scrub with the sponge and wipe with a cotton cloth.
CALCITE:
To clean surface stains on calcite, dip it in vinegar for a few seconds and quickly rinse with water. Don’t leave it in too long, or the calcite will start to noticeable dissolve.
SLATE:
Use equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide and apply to stain and leave it for ten minutes. Scrub with a brush or sponge and rinse with water. Rubbing alcohol-this can be effective at removing stains. combine rubbing alcohol with plenty of water, soak a sponge and work the stain until it is removed.
QUARTZITE:
You can use a cloth, microfiber cloth, or the soft side of a sponge. Use clean water and a mild, neutral cleaner that is suitable for stone surfaces.
DOLOMITE:
It is advised to clean dolomite countertops once a day. If you are cleaning your dolomite, do not use cleaners that are acidic in nature, such as lemon juice, vinegar, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals. We do recommend making use of components created for cleaning stones.
ONYX:
Wipe the surface of your onyx using a mild dish soap, using a soft, damp cloth. This is the most effective way to clean up any spills or stains on this type of onyx. Use a soft microfiber cloth to prevent getting any scratches on the surface of your white onyx countertop or backsplash.
