Natural stone can be a beautiful addition to any home remodeling project, however sometimes homeowners are not completely aware of what it takes to clean and maintain such a material. When properly maintained, stone is very durable and will outlast most other materials in any home, however it can lose it’s beauty if not taken care of. Here are 9 of our best practices in caring for your natural stone.

Stains can be an issue with natural stone if they are not regularly sealed. Most stone surfaces need to be sealed every 6-12 months depending on use and type. If you drop water on the surface and it doesn’t bead, it is time to reseal!

Some stones are easier to scratch than others. Granite is a very hard stone, and is one reason why you often see it as a countertop. Soft stones include onyx, limestone, marble, and travertine. Knowing what type of stone has been used is very important for selecting the right maintenance schedule and products to use. NEDC provides all clients with a list of all materials that have been used in their project, which can be referenced for this.

The Basics

1. Seal your stone once a year at least- more often in frequently used area and softer stones.

2. Inspect for stains or damage. If you see a problem, contact your stone-care professional! If it is one of our projects, we offer a 2 year warranty on our services and can handle this for you.

3. Dust and clean counters daily using only water, and weekly using a pH neutral cleaner.

4. Do not use products containing lemon, vinegar, ammonia, or other acids on softer surfaces like marble or limestone. These can etch, pit, and dull the surface.

5. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring powders, which can pit or etch the surface as well.

6. Use coasters! This will help prevent the opportunity for stains from juices or alcohol, as well as water sitting too long.

7. Remove spills by blotting rather than wiping. This will keep the surface area of the spill smaller.

8. Protect your stone from very hot and very cold items. Place a trivet or mat or even cook book between any hot or cold item.

9. Use cutting boards to avoid scratches.