Do not use over-the-counter cleaners (such as Kaboom, Windex, vinegar and water, Mop & Glo, Scrubbing Bubbles, LimeAway, Murphy’s Oil Soap, etc…) on stone surfaces unless it has a neutral pH and is designed specifically for polished marble. Please see our list of recommended cleaners. Cleaners not specified for stone use can etch stone and may interfere with sealer longevity.
Don’t use stone countertops as a cutting board! It will leave deep damage and will dull your knives out fast.
Don’t slide objects across stone floors such as laundry baskets, cardboard boxes, planters, tables, chairs, etc… Felt can be applied to bottoms of above objects and that will help reduce chances of scratching the stone. Never use upright vacuum cleaners on stone floors.
Rugs and runners are excellent for containing dirt, abrasive, staining, and slip-causing elements at entries and high traffic areas. Garages and adjoining rooms should be kept clean of abrasives and contaminants (oils, tar, grease) that can be transferred to the stone.
Foods that contain acid such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, and vinegar should be prepared on a cutting board to limit contact with stone. Acids will etch the stone.
Don’t set tools or heavy objects on stone countertops without padding underneath. Heavy objects striking the stone will cause stun marks which are permanent damage especially on white marble.
Keep steel wool pads, potted plants, and copper pans off of stone countertops (especially white marble). These items can cause permanent staining.
Some liquid hand/dish soaps, contact lens cleaners, hair products, lotions, and cosmetics contain citrus and salicylic acids. These acids can react with stone and cause etching. Use caution when using them on your stone surfaces.
Dustmop floors on a regular basis to remove abrasive elements. Use an untreated dustmop. Treated dustmops contain oil to attract the dust; these oils may make stone floors slippery.
Use a designated mophead (cotton/rayon blend) for damp-mopping stone floors. Store mopheads in a clean area to keep from contaminating with other products and dirt. Damp-mop with a neutral stone cleaner formulated for your stone. Wring out excess water. Be careful not to flood-mop floors or use water only for cleaning. It will drive dirt deep into the grout and stone pores. Do not use more than the recommended amount of stone cleaner. If streaking occurs, reduce the amount of cleaner used in the water and mop the floor again. Take care when mopping next to metal objects as they may create a rust stain on the stone.
If cleaner does not remove scuff marks, a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can be used.
Use care when cleaning surfaces adjacent to stone floors with glass, metal, wood polishes, etc… They can be a severe slip-hazard and may stain or etch the stone. If you have marble floors in your bathrooms, prior to cleaning the toilet wrap an old sheet around the base of the toilet to prevent cleaner from contacting the marble floor.
Attend to all spills immediately. Absorb with a sponge or damp cloth. Sealer helps reduce staining and etching but will not 100% stop it.
Do not use bar soap in stone showers! Bar soap leaves behind a film that you can’t see but builds up with every use. This promotes growth of mildew and bacteria and dulls your stone. Liquid soap is recommended.
Do not use well or hard water to wash stone. Hard water leaves minerals behind that will lead to future problems. If you do have well or hard water, we recommend that you have a water softening system installed.
Wet stone can be a slip hazard. Use caution when mopping floors and exiting showers.