Maintenance Tips

Natural Stone floor and counter-top

My marble floor has lost its shine, how can I get it back?

Marble looses its shine mostly in high traffic areas and by chemical spills and also incorrect maintenance. We can safely remove the scratches and all other problems with honing process and then polish the stone to return it to original beauty. Remember polishing alone will not remove scratches or etch marks , a very thin layer of stone needs to be removed by diamond pads before polishing process can begin. So when you get an estimate ask how many different grit(coarseness) of diamond pads are included in the process. This is extremely essential in a successful restoration job with desired results.

The fill on my travertine tiles are starting to come out , what can be done to this?

Typically travertine shows its signs of problems a year or two years after installation. There are many holes throughout the surface which have been filled in quarry , so over time and traffic on the floor they start to get loose and come out. We clean the holes and use epoxy to fill the cavity. Its just like what the dentist does to your teeth.

How do I keep my stone clean?
We recommend using a cleaner specially formulated for natural stone. General purpose cleaning products can damage natural stone or the sealer applied, so don’t just pick anything off of the shelf at the grocery store. Improperly formulated cleaners or those with acids (such as porcelain or tile cleaners) may etch the surface of the stone. Make sure that you select a cleaner specially formulated for natural stone care. The best product in the market is STONETECH and they are owned by DUPONT. We use all of their products and very satisfied with them , here is their website address : _{STONETECHPRO.COM}

How do I clean my just-installed, sealed stone countertops?
Our suggestion for your ongoing care would be to damp wipe with a micofiber cloth and Dupont revitalizer(Stonetech products) Not only its good for removing everyday soils and spills, but every time that you clean you're reinforcing the protection of the initial sealing.

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I put something down on my polished white marble table and it left a white ring mark on it. How can I clean this spot?
This kind of discoloration and ring mark that you are noticing are likely not stains but actual etch marks. Etch marks occur on polished marble and other stones of this nature due to acids or other chemicals reacting with the minerals in the stone. This causes the stone to feel rough and look a little discolored, usually lighter. In order to remove these there would have to be a refinishing process done to restore its original, polished look. Call us for an appointment.

There's a hazy, grout-like residue smeared all over my just-installed ceramic tile floors. Can this be fixed?
The haziness that your see is probably grout smear from the installation process. This can be safely removed . Call us for an appointment.

Stone Cleaning Tips by Location & By Spill

Learn more about how to care for stone by location and by type of spill.

Maintenance Cleaning in Common Stone Locations

Countertops and Vanities
Use a neutral, pH-balanced cleaner, specially formulated for stone, on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills, as well as hairspray or other cosmetics. Be careful with common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch or dull the stone surface. Also, some common toiletries (i.e., 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 diluted solution of a neutral cleaner designed for stone. Keep off floor until completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.

Bath and Other Wet Areas
Periodic use of a neutral stone cleaner 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.

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 degrading the sealer.

Etch Marks
Highly acidic substances such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard and many soft drinks will “etch” most marble, limestone and travertine. Sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, but it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull mark.

General 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. 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 a neutral stone cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth.

Liquid Spills
Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth while turning the cloth frequently. Spray the area with a neutral stone cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth.

Mud
Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with a neutral stone cleaner. 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, cooking oils, butter or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. A poultice will wick up the stain from deep within the stone.

Stone Care 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 entryways 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 regularly with neutral cleaners designed for stone.

• DON’T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, other general purpose cleaners, bathroom 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 stone

Consistent with other floor surfaces, dirt and debris can cause harm to wood flooring. If not properly and regularly removed, the beauty and good looks of a wood floor will diminish faster than if they receive good ongoing care.

There are two goals to proper wood floor care - remove the dirt and debris and clean the floor to maintain a nice looking floor. Long term floor care includes a program to recoat the floor periodically to keep it looking beautiful.

Remove dirt and debris - This starts with using mats at entry ways and in heavy traffic areas to minimize the amount of sand, dirt and debris that is carried in with foot traffic. Regular dust mopping, sweeping and vacuuming will help to keep the floors clear of solid debris.

Clean the floor - Liquid spills are best to be cleaned up as they happen. If they're ignored, they can cause slippery areas and eventually dry to look unattractive. Bimonthly cleaning by us will remove dirt and contaminants left behind after mopping or sweeping, leaving the floor squeaky clean and without residues other cleaners leave behind.

What is unique to wood floor care? Wood flooring is a natural product and one that responds to water and moisture. While water is a good cleaning agent and a common ingredient for products used on wood flooring, it can cause harm. Wood flooring used in an atmosphere of high humidity and subjected to wet conditions will respond by warping or cupping, and lose its beauty quickly.