Care and Maintenance
The following stone care and cleaning procedures were edited from Stone Magazine:
Countertop daily cleaning and maintenance:
- Use a mild dishwashing detergent and lukewarm water with a soft cloth or sponge. Do not use too much soap as this may leave a film and cause streaking.
- Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap and dry with dry cloth . Do not use scouring powders or cream as this may scratch the stone.
- Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids on any calcareous stone such as marble.
Other cleaning:
- To remove soap scum use a solution of ½ cup ammonia to a gallon of water. Do not use frequently as this may eventually dull stone surfaces.
- In outdoor areas, algae can be removed using a mild bleach and water solution.
WARNING
MIXING BLEACH AND AMMONIA CREATES A TOXIC AND LETHAL GAS!!!
Sealing:
- Areas where food is prepared should have a good sealer applied annually. There are many good sealers available for countertops. If you need a good water repellant sealer look for one that contains a silicon derivative such as siloxane, silane, etc. If you are looking for a water and oil repellent sealer, look for one that contains fluropolymers and make sure that it clearly states that it repels both water and oil. Always test an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire countertop. When applying the sealer always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Most sealers can be applied as followed:
- Clean countertop with a neutral cleaner
- Remove any stains with the procedures listed below.
- Allow the stone to dry for several hours.
- Pour sealer over the entire surface.
- Spread the sealer over the countertops with cloth or papertowel.
- Allow sealer to penetrate for 5-10 mintues, blot off remaining sealer.
- If sealer is completely absorbed in less than 5 minutes, apply more.
- After 5-10 minutes, blot off remaining sealer.
- Buff the stone dry with a clean terry cloth and let surface dry for 12 hours before using.
Stain Removal:
Difficult stains that are not removed by normal cleaning procedures may require a poulticing method.
- One method recommended by Fred Hueston of NTC Enterprises in Stone World magazine is a cup of flour and a tablespoon or two of liquid dish detergent mixed together with water to make a past with the consistency of peanut butter or yogurt. Apply it over the stain , and cover it with Saran Wrap. Let it sit overnight and then remove the plastic and let it dry. Then scrap it away. This method will remove many oil based stains.
- Another recommendation is to mix the following chemicals for a given stain with one cup of flour or poultice material. Add water until you get a thick, yogurt-like consistency.
- Cooking oil, vegetable oil etc.: Mix one teaspoon of liquid dish detergent
- Rust: Mix 2-3 tablespoons oxalic acid.
- Coffee, tea, etc: Mix 20% hydrogen peroxide. Add no water.
- Ketchup, mustard, etc.: Mix 3 tablespoons of ammonia.
In summary, when cleaning your natural stone, mild soap and water is best.
Keep chemical products away and use coasters. When in doubt, ask a professional.
Tile Care & Maintenance
Basic Tile Care
When cleaning unglazed wall and floor tiles, use a damp sponge or cloth with a solution of water and a soapless detergent, do not use an all-purpose cleaner. Do not use ammonia, as it will discolor grout. When cleaning glazed wall tiles, use a sponge or cloth and dampen it with a non oil-based household cleaner. Vacuum glazed floor tiles regularly to remove dirt and other gritty particles, then damp mop or sponge with an all-purpose, non oil-based cleaner.
Caring for Grout
After tiles are cleaned and dried briefly after installation, grout joints should be treated with a silicone sealer. It is recommended that you apply a sealer at least once every six months for maximum stain protection.
Commercial Cleaning
More vigorous cleaning is required is for areas of high traffic or areas that have been highly neglected. Heavy duty cleaning requires making a paste of scouring powder. Apply to the area as needed and let stand for a few minutes. Scour with a brush and then rinse and wipe dry. Larger areas may require the use of a scrubbing machine, though for most floors a small non-abrasive brush or sponge will be suitable.
If you are using soft water, use a non oil-based, all-purpose cleaner. Let stand for five minutes then lightly scrub with a sponge, and rinse thoroughly.
To clean soap scum, mildew stains, and hard-water deposits: remove from ceramic tile using cleaning products that are commonly available at your local home improvement store.
Maintenance Products
For more detailed information about how specific cleaning solutions or sealants should be used, consult the manufacturer of the cleaner, sealant or wax for usage and instructions. Most cleaning products and sealants can be purchased at local home improvement centers or local flooring stores.
Do's and Don’ts of Tile Care
DO NOT: Use steel wool pads, scouring pads, or any item containing harsh aids like metal.
DO NOT: Clean using ammonia. Ammonia will discolor the grout.
DO NOT: Use cleansers that contain bleach and/or acid for cleaning and maintenance.
DO NOT: Use any oil-based detergents, wax cleaners, or sealants in the maintenance of your tiles.
DO NOT: Use agents that contain dye/color on stone or unglazed ceramic tile.
DO: Seal grouted joints.
DO: Test scouring powders on a small area or a sample tile first (would not be recommended for natural stone).
DO: Have any damaged or broken tiles removed and replaced by a qualified contractor.