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| Care & cleaning of natural stone |
Real Stone Real Value: The Story of Natural Stone |
From the Quarry to the Kitchen |
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| STONE CARE
GUIDE |
| Your new natural stone purchase is an investment in lasting beauty. Whether you chose marble, granite, limestone, slate, travertine or other natural stone, your investment will give you many years of wear. With the proper care, your natural stone floor, countertop, vanity, fireplace or other installation will continue to add beauty and value to your home. This care guide gives you a few tips on how to properly care for your natural stone and help extend its life and beauty. Following some simple precautions, properly sealing, and using the correct cleaning methods and products, will insure you a lifetime of use from your natural stone. |
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| KNOW YOUR STONE |
| Natural stone can be classified into two general categories, based on its composition; siliceous or calcareous. Knowing the difference is critical when selecting cleaning products. Siliceous stone is composed of mainly silica or quartz-like particles. It tends to be very durable and relatively easy to clean. Granite, Quartzite and Sandstone are examples of siliceous stone. Calcareous stone is composed mainly calcium carbonate. It is sensitive to acidic cleaning agents and acidic foodstuffs and requires cleaning with specially formulated stone cleaners. Marble, Limestone and Travertine are examples of calcareous stone. |
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| 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. For example, choose an impregnating sealer that gives you repellency against oil and water-based stains if your stone is in the kitchen or other areas where food is served. Stone Tech Professional has a complete line of sealers for your natural stone. If your stone is less porous or semi-porous, then Stone Tech Professional Impregnate Pro is the recommended sealer. If your stone is very porous, such as some gneiss granites, then Stone Tech Professional BULLETPROOF may be your best choice. Ask your stone supplier or stone care professional for advice on which sealer is best for your stone and installation. Once sealed properly, your stone is protected against everyday dirt and spills. Proper cleaning will help the sealer last longer and keep yourstone protected with out damaging your stone’s natural beauty. |
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| CLEANING PROCEDURES & RECOMMENDATIONS |
| Keeping your stone free from 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 fresh 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 Stone Tech Professional Revitalizer Tile and Stone Cleaner with 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 a protective shield every time you clean. Cleaning natural stone with a “stone soap” or other cleaners containing petroleum or an animal fat base may change the appearance of your stone. These cleaners may darken natural stone, especially if the stone is unsealed, and over time create a waxy buildup and turn yellow. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids. Do not use scouring powders or creams, these products contain abrasives that scratch the surface. Do not use highly alkaline cleaners, window cleaners, furniture cleaners or any cleaner other than Stone Tech Professional Revitalizer to insure that there is no damage to your stone or the sealer applied. |
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| BATH and OTHER WET AREAS |
| In the bath or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup. Periodic use of Revitalizer will remove any soap scum or hard water deposits that may have formed. Spray your marble, granite or other natural stone with Revitalizer and wipe dry with a clean cloth. |
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| 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 minimize the potential damage from these particles. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface. Normally, it will take a person about eight steps on a floor to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of their shoes. In addition, do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn. The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface. Damp mop the stone floor with a dilute solution of Revitalizer as directed on the label. Keep off floor until completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery. |
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| WHAT TO DO WHEN A SPILL OCCURS |
| 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. Stone Tech Professional recommends that you only use the cleaning products recommended in this care guide. Do not use general purpose cleaning products or even soap and water to clean a stain. Improper cleaning or cleaning products may cause permanent damage. Remember to always pre-test the cleaning method in a hidden area of the stone before attempting to remove a stain. |
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| Liquid Spills -Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth; turning the cloth frequently. Spray the area with Revitalizer. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. |
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| Food Spills -Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Blot with dry, white cloth. Spray the area with Revitalizer. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. |
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| 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. |
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| 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 Stone Tech Professional Extract Oil Stain Removal Paste. 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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| Soot -Sometimes soot and other soils deposit on stone mantles or fireplace surrounds and begin to discolor the natural stone. If left untreated, these stains can be difficult to remove, Spray the affected area with Revitalizer and allow to dwell for a few minutes. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If stain remains, contact a stone care professional. |
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| Vomit/Pet Urine |
| Vomit or pet urine may contain a very high level of acid. Blot the area with a clean, white cloth. Attempt to neutralize the acid from the vomit or urine by rinsing with warm water. Follow by spraying the area with Revitalizer. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, contact a professional cleaner. Although you may be able to remove vomit or urine, your stone may have etch marks. |
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| ETCH MARKS |
| Substances that are highly acidic, such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard and most soft drinks, will “etch” most calcareous material stone (e.g., marble, limestone and travertine), whether the stone is sealed or unsealed. Although sealing will allow you time to wipe up the spill, it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull area or etch mark in the stone. In addition, highly alkaline cleaners, not specifically formulated for natural stone, may contain ingredients that will etch your stone. That’s why selecting the correct cleaning products is so important to the lifetime beauty of your natural stone. |
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| Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone’s even finish. On polished stone, such as granite or marble, you can use Stone Tech Professional’s Mirror Image Natural Stone Spray Polish to minimize the appearance of etch marks. |
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| HOW CAN I BE SURE MY TILE OR STONE HAS BEEN PROPERLY TREATED? |
| Stone Tech Professional sealers are completely invisible protectors; however, there are several ways to know your natural stone has been thoroughly sealed and protected. You can test the stone’s repellency by sprinkling one or two drops of water on an inconspicuous area of the stone. Wait 23 minutes and see if the stone is darker or if the water still beads on the stone surface. |
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| DO'S AND DON’TS |
- DO use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
- DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes or cookware.
- DO use place mats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that may scratch your stone’s surface.
- DO place a small rug or mat at entry ways to trap dirt and sand from normal foot traffic.
- DO dust countertops, islands, vanities and floors frequently.
- DO blot up spills immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone.
- DO clean surfaces by wiping with clean water or spraying with Stone Tech Professional Revitalizer cleaner, then wiping dry with a clean cloth.
- DON”T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general-purpose cleaners.
- DON”T use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners.
- DON”T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
- DON”T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for natural stone.
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| These care instructions have been provided as a courtesy by your STONE TECH PROFESSIONAL authorized dealer. |
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