Ask the Experts and Get to Know Your Stone for Ideal Preventative Stone Care

It’s good to have some understanding of the geological classification and composition of natural stone surfaces for you to select the proper cleaning products and follow the correct maintenance procedures. Be in touch with reputable stone care professionals in Australia to know the characteristics of natural stone- its limitations and usual longevity, precautions to avoid wear and damage, whether it is soft, hard, porous or easily scratched and what chemicals will affect it.

Your stone surfaces – marble or other natural stone - should be treated on a daily and long-term basis and they also need professional resealing, repolishing or deep cleaning to get the longest life and preserve the beauty.

Sealing is a common step taken on some stones as an extra precaution against staining. Have your stone surface professionally sealed once it has been installed. Sealing with a penetrating sealer which soaks into the stone will help prevent staining, will reduce a build up of moisture and will allow easier cleaning. Topical sealers that rest on top of the stone can encourage moisture to accumulate under the surface and can change the look of the stone and are therefore not recommended.

Avoid placing acidic or chemical products on the stone as these can etch or stain (especially marble and limestone) the stone surface. Wine, juice, vinegar, milk, tea and coffee can etch some stone surfaces so the use of coasters is recommended. Soil and water trapped under pot plants can cause mildew and staining. High alkaline products such as soap, shampoo, perfume and aftershave can stain or etch. All spills must be cleaned up immediately.

Use a clean cotton cloth or mop to clean or polish the stone surface as these are gentle on stone and will not scratch it. The Microfibre Mop is ideal. If scouring is necessary, use only professionally recommended scouring products such as the Scrub-a-dub, and follow the directions given by The Marble Man stone care professionals. Using other scourers will scratch the stone and remove the glossy surface. Change the water regularly when using rinsing cloths.

Avoid wearing shoes on polished surfaces as even the smallest amount of grit on the bottom of a shoe will scratch a stone surface. Removal of shoes will prolong the life of a polished floor. If this is not possible then a good quality doormat is recommended to remove as much excess dirt and grit as possible. It takes up to 4 steps on each foot to remove grit from the bottom of shoes.

Place soft pads under furniture such as felt, as any slight movement of furniture, especially chairs, will cause scratching on the stone surface. Clean felt pads will help avoid this. Always lift furniture when moving it and DO NOT drag. Chairs are the biggest cause of damage to stone floors when they do not have pads on the bottom of the legs.

The Marble Man Advantage 

The natural stone surfaces used in your home or property make it stand apart from the rest by adding to its elegance and resale value. However, a dull looking stone tile will badly affect the look and feel of a room decor. Your stone deserves to be looking its best, and The Marble Man can give you a FREE Stone Care Evaluation. Take the frustration out of cleaning your dull, stained or worn marble floors today; give the experts a call today on 1300 627 626. You may also visit their website and send them some pictures of your stone tiles that need servicing.