Natural Stone Care & Maintenance
Stone care starts with knowing the material and finish. Marble, limestone, travertine, slate, and granite differ in porosity and sensitivity. Polished and honed versions of acid-sensitive stone can both etch; a lower sheen does not remove that risk.
Use the care instructions for your exact product and finish when choosing a cleaner, tool, or treatment. The resources below help you check those details.
Everyday cleaning
Remove abrasive grit
Use a clean, untreated dust mop or scratch-safe vacuum setup. Check wheels and attachments for sharp or worn edges. Keep entrance mats clean so trapped sand does not travel onto the stone.
Clean lightly and blot spills
Wash with a correctly diluted, stone-approved neutral cleaner and soft tools. Lift the dirty solution, rinse as directed, and dry. Blot spills promptly without spreading them; note what spilled if a mark remains.
Prevent wear
Review the existing sealer
A penetrating treatment slows absorption; it does not make stone stain-proof or prevent acid etching. Some stones need no sealer. Check the stone and grout separately, identify existing treatments, and assess their performance before adding a coat. Follow the actual product's renewal guidance rather than a fixed calendar.
Reduce water and scratching
Use a soft squeegee on appropriate shower surfaces after use and protect floors beneath furniture. Lift objects instead of dragging them. Cleft, tumbled, or pitted stone may need gentle attention in its recesses rather than stronger chemicals. Follow the enclosure's ventilation guidance and report damaged joints or persistent dampness.
What to avoid
- Vinegar, lemon, acidic descalers, and ordinary acidic grout or rust removers.
- Scouring powders, gritty pads, and improvised chemical mixtures.
- Spot polishing or applying an unknown coating to disguise a dull patch.
When something changes
- A dull patch after a spill
- It may be etching: a change to the stone's finish rather than absorbed dirt. Stop scrubbing and ask a stone restoration specialist to assess it. More sealer will not restore the finish; agree on the expected sheen and appearance of any repaired area.
- A persistent stain or repeated white deposits
- Save photos and the cleaner labels. Stain treatment depends on the substance and stone; recurring deposits may involve moisture. Get the cause identified before attempting a poultice or chemical treatment.
Care instructions & further reading
Not sure which care instructions apply?
Have the product name, finish, and a photo of the concern ready when you contact our Newington team.