Natural stone adds a touch of elegance to any room and can end up lasting a lifetime if maintained properly. Many people make the mistake of thinking that because it’s stone, the only damage it can incur is chipping or cracks. However, stone has a natural porosity just like wood, fabric, and other surfaces—making it susceptible to discoloration and etching.

Here are a few tips for maintaining the beautiful appearance of your natural stone:

1. Use a damp, soft cloth or sponge (microfiber is best) and some pH-balanced soap or cleanser. When possible, use products tailored for use with that specific stone.

2. Never use abrasive cleansers or acids on stone. Even the rough side of a sponge can strip away the protective sealant of the stone, leaving it vulnerable to damage and discoloration.

3. To clean dried-on food, soap scum, or water spots use a soft-bristled brush and clean in gentle circular motions to avoid scratching the stone.

4. Always dry natural stone with a soft microfiber towel following cleaning to prevent water spots or left behind residues.

5. Periodically shake out rugs and doormats to prevent tracking in outside dirt that may scratch stone floors.

6. Vacuum stone floors before sweeping or mopping to avoid accidentally having abrasive particles scratch the surface.

N&A Commercial Cleaning takes on cleaning projects big and small and can make your natural stone sparkle again. Give us a call for a free estimate and we’ll come out to evaluate your business needs and current expenditures. We’ll go over everything with you and put together a program we think you’ll love.