Natural Stone Origin Natural
stone is one of the unique creations of nature. Every piece is unique
and matchless like so many natural formations. The history of
particular places on this planet lies within each piece of stone. For
instance, limestone flooring of today was once a mass of tiny sea
creatures. Then it became an ancient seabed and after millions of years
of uplift became a mountainside where limestone was discovered. Mountainside
natural stone were cut into giant 50,000 pound blocks of stone
originally. These blocks were sliced into slabs, refined to bring out
its natural colors and either given a smooth soft surface or left
slightly rough to enhance its natural texture. The
stone’s mineral composition and origin are all indicated by its luster,
hardness, colors and variations. It’s these unique blend of
characteristics are what makes your natural stone one-of-a kind and
beautiful, yet practical for surfaces in your home Natural Stone is Absorbent We
tend to think of stone as “hard” yet it is a porous material. The
varying degrees of porosity depend on the type of stone. If left
unsealed, spills can easily penetrate the surface. The liquid will
eventually evaporate, but the stain is left behind. Orange juice,
coffee, wine and other highly acidic substances will etch acid
sensitive stone and leave a dull mark. Granite, slate and sandstone are
acid resistant stones and will not etch. Limestone and Marble will etch
because they are not acid resistant. Benefits of Protecting Stone Having
a professional apply a high quality protective sealer is the best way
to prevent stains. The sealer fills in the pores and repels spills on
the surface, giving you time to wipe it away. The most advanced
technology available today is the Fluorochemical technology which
provides the ultimate shield against oil-based and water stains. This
micro-molecular formula bonds with the stone surface rather than just
laying on top and provides unsurpassed wear resistance and durability.
You no longer have to worry about the stones porosity because this type
of sealer reacts with the stone. Antimicrobial sealers are also
available which not only protect the surface from stains, but also
resist the growth of mold and mildew. Specialty Cleaners Natural
stone like any other surface in your home needs to be cleaned regularly
to maintain its beauty. Natural stone however, requires cleaning
products which are specifically designed for its unique mineral
composition. Most general off-the-shelf Cleaners
remove the protective properties or degrade the sealer and will damage
or etch the stone. Never use products containing, lemon, vinegar or
other acids that will etch the stone and NEVER use scouring powders as
these will scratch the surface. Proper Cleaning Using
a pH-balanced neutral cleaner on a regular maintenance schedule will
help remove soils that dusting or damp mopping leave behind. It helps
keep your stone dust free and free of dry, sandy soil which minimizes
the wear patterns on softer stones from everyday use. A high quality
cleaner will contain protective properties which reinforce the sealer
and prolong the stain resistance. Five Star Services uses only top of
the line stone products. If you do purchase a stone cleaner make
certain that you us a neutral pH of seven. High alkaline or mild acidic
cleaners will dull and damage the finish, particularly “no streak”
cleaners. Although they may be neutral pH seven some contain “Chelates”
which dissolve or destroy calcium in the water and eliminate hard water
deposits. Since marble and stone contain a large amount of calcium
these cleaners attack the finish on stone floors. Hint: You
can test whether your cleaner is neutral by pouring a drop of the
concentrated cleaner in an inconspicuous location and let it sit for
5-10 minutes then wipe up. If the spot is dull then the cleaner is not
neutral and will etch your floor, but if no change is observed in the
finish it should be fine. Precautions - Use
coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or
citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will
etch or dull the stone surface
- Do
not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats
under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other
objects that can scratch the surface.
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 sand, dirt and grit that will scratch the
stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip
surface. Normally, it will take a person about eight steps on a floor
surface to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of their shoes. Do not
use vacuum cleaners that are worn. The metal or plastic attachments or
the wheels may scratch the surface. Other Surfaces
Clean
stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, or a mild liquid
dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean rag mop on floors and
a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Too much cleaner or
soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently.
Bath and Other Wet Areas
In
the bath or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a
squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap
scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2 cup ammonia
to a gallon of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may
eventually dull the surface of the stone.
Vanity Top Surfaces
Vanity tops need to have a penetrating sealer applied
Food Preparation Areas
In food preparation areas, the stone needs to have a penetrating sealer applied.
Outdoor Pool & Patio Areas
In
outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a
mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss or have a professional use
an antimicrobial sealer...
Do's and Don'ts - Do dust mop floors frequently
- Do clean surfaces with “Revitalizer”
- Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing
- Do blot up spills immediately
- Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats
- Don't use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces
- Don't use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners
- Don't use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers
- Don't mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas
We
hope this helps your education about natural stone. If you have any
questions please call us and we’ll be glad answer any questions you
have!
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