Natural stone is undeniably beautiful, which is why so many people are choosing natural stone for their homes.
If you choose natural stone, not only are you going to have a unique piece of décor that makes a statement, but you’re also investing in a hard-wearing material that adds timeless luxury to any space in your home.
Stone is very durable and will essentially last forever if taken care of.
Here is our guide for cleaning and caring for your natural stone to keep it looking its best.
How to care for natural stone
Each natural stone slab is different, and many natural stones can have a different finish. Finishes can vary from polished, honed, satin and flamed and brushed. This means that how you care for your particular stone can be slightly different depending on the surface finish of your material.
For the most part, these care tips should stand you in good stead for maintaining the beauty and elegance of your natural stone.
Seal your stone
Natural stone comes straight from the earth, which means unlike most manufactured materials that we bring into our home; it’s porous.
Porous surfaces absorb liquid, meaning they can stain easier. Sealing your stone is the perfect solution to ensure you protect your stone from any damage.
The sealant you need will depend on your stone, its finish, and the desired appearance. Once you have chosen your stone, we can help advise on the type of sealant you need, although it is best to have a chat to your stonemason about which sealer they prefer to use. The sealer is applied by the fabricator upon installation of the stone into your home.
It’s important to remember that sealers do not make your stone stain proof; just more stain-resistant, so how you deal with spills and potential stains is very important.
Protection from a sealant tends to last a long time, but every stone and environment is different. An easy way to test whether your sealer is still doing its job is to pour a little bit of water onto your natural stone surface. If it bubbles on the surface, it is still intact. However, if you notice that water is no longer beading on the surface, your stone may require re-sealing.
Clean spills carefully
Spills happen, especially in areas of the home like the kitchen and bathroom.
To prevent damage to your stone, blot the spill straight away.
Once the spill has been blotted, flush the area with clean water to loosen and remove any remaining staining. Dry and repeat as necessary.
Wiping up a spill is a natural reaction, but it will likely just spread the spill further and create a more significant area to clean.
Clean the surface with warm water, a soft cloth and a mild detergent recommended for natural stone.
If you have a stain that you can’t remove, don’t worry, get in touch with a stone restoration specialist, they will be able to help. Keep in mind that all natural stones can be resurfaced if need be.
How to clean your stone
As a natural material, stone can react to chemical cleaning products and even seemingly natural cleaning solutions.
Regular cleaning with mild products is our recommendation for keeping your stone looking beautiful.
Avoid cleaning your stone with anything that contains lemon, vinegar or acid and opt for a soft cloth over anything with a rough or abrasive surface.
A soft cloth with fresh warm water and a little mild, PH-neutral detergent specifically designed for natural stone is the best option for keeping your stone clean and looking its best. Too much soap may leave a film; simply rinse to avoid streaks.
Alternatively, you can use a recommended stone cleaner, for example, Lithofin Easy Clean, which cleans the surface, protects it and does not leave any streaks.
Are you looking for natural stone for your home?
Sourcing and supplying natural stone of exquisite quality and natural beauty takes extensive knowledge, careful consideration and a significant amount of time. We’ve been importing natural stone for over 20 years; so, it’s safe to say we know our stuff.
If you’re in the process of looking for a unique stone for your home, we’d love to help.
Feel free to visit our warehouse in Malaga to see the full slabs in all their glory. Give us a call or come in and visit us to ask us any questions you might have about caring for natural stone in your home.
