Use and Care Guide

Cleaning Natural Stones
Natural stone is a very durable surface when protected and maintained properly and is widely used in residential
and commercial applications.
Always Remember:
• Sweep or vacuum your floors regularly.
• Protect your stone from sand and grit as floors may scratch from dirt and debris.
• Be careful with acidic foods and drinks (lemonade, orange juice, etc.) as they may etch certain stones.
• Never use any cleaners that contain ammonia, acids, or bleach.
• Never apply wax or acrylics to the surface as they may damage the stone.
• Tend to spills quickly. Sealers do not prevent 100% of damages caused by spills.
• Sealing all natural stone is highly recommended.
o It is suggested that a breathable penetrating sealer be applied before and after grouting. This
treatment provides an excellent defense against staining and may be desirable in high traffic areas.
Follow the sealing manufacturer’s guidelines for recommendations on how often a sealer should be
reapplied.
Standard Cleaning Guidelines for Natural Stone
1. Sweep or vacuum loose dirt and dust from the floor. For wall surfaces, tile can be gently wiped down with
a clean, dry cloth or rag.
2. Mop the floor with a mild detergent, degreaser, or tile cleaning solution. A sponge or clean cloth can be
used to apply the cleaning agent to wall surfaces.
3. Rinse the tile thoroughly with clean water to remove any left-over detergents.
4. Drying with a clean cloth or rag is recommended to increase the shine and to prevent water spots or
streaks.
Commercial Deep Cleaning
Commercial cleaning can present its own challenges due to the high traffic nature of most applications and
exposure to foreign debris that a standard residential application may not be subject to. Commercial floors must
be maintained properly to ensure the longevity of an application.
Always Remember:
• In addition to following standard cleaning protocol for your product type, also consider the following:
o Floors need to be kept as dry as possible after cleaning to prevent slip accidents
o When mopping, the water should be changed frequently so you are not pushing around muddy
water
o Scrubbing the floors too often with a buffer may cause irregular wear patterns
o Always be sure to protect furniture legs and stanchions with felt pads to protect the floors from
scratching
o Chewing gum, grease and other debris difficult to remove may require use of a plastic putty knife
o Prior to removing graffiti and other difficult stains, test a small area to make sure the chemical
agents will not damage the surface.
o For embedded stains, the use of a poultice mix may be required
o When electing to remove nano coatings, a nano scrub or poultice type product may be used