How to Clean Natural Stone in Your Home

stone shower

Natural stone can be delicate and requires special cleaning techniques to maintain the stone’s beauty and prevent damage from cleaners.

It is best to clean stone surfaces with a small amount of neutral PH stone cleaner, which is available at retail stores, or at your local tile and stone dealer. You may also use a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. We recommend using a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. You should not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone.

Remember to rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Also note that the rinse water should be changed frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

How do I clean stone in wet areas?

In the shower or other wet areas, soap scum can be reduced by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum build up, use an approved non-acidic soap scum remover, which can be found at retail stores, or your local stone dealer.

A Few Tips to Remember:

Dusting and mopping floors regularly reduces the need for deep cleaning. 

Surfaces should always be cleaned with mild detergent or specialty stone soap

Always rinse the area thoroughly after washing.

Clean up any spills immediately so they don’t have time to absorb into the stone.

Protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and on counters, use coasters, trivets or placemats.

Avoid acidic cleaners such as vinegar, lemon juice or other acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces.

Do not use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners.

Do not use abrasive cleaners (powder or cream).

Following these tips will keep your stone surfaces looking new for years to come. To request a cleaning estimate, contact us today!