Did you just remodel your kitchen or bath? Are your stone floors looking dingy despite regularly cleaning? In between your annual professional stone cleaning, you’re going to want to clean on your own. But cleaning stone floors, backsplash and other hard surfaces might need a specific process. If you’ve been using natural cleaners or just anything from under the kitchen sink, we want to tell you to wait! You may have done more harm than good. Below are some tips and tricks for cleaning your natural stone.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Stone Cleaners
Don’t – Use harsh cleaners
You may think stone is naturally strong enough to handle harsh acid cleaner, bleach and other chemicals. But it’s more likely to erode your natural stone. This means even natural cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice are actually breaking down, or even burning, your natural stone. And even if it doesn’t harm your travertine, limestone, marble or slate, it is going to break down the sealer and make your stone more susceptible to future stains.
What’s that look like? Patchy stone color. Scratches. Surface dullness. Dark stone that appears white or bleached.
Do – Use a stone cleaner with a neutral pH level of 7
Stone can be damaged by cleaners with pHs that are too alkaline (like bleach) or acidic (like vinegar). Be careful though, some stone cleaners can have a pH up to 10 which could severely damage your clay natural stones like Saltillo. Always check the label.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Equipment
Don’t – Use abrasive brushes or scrubbers
Scrubbing pads or bristled cleaning brushes that are too stiff can be abrasive on your natural stone. You may think it will help remove a stain, but it often makes problems worse. It can cause scratches and scarring on your natural stone and grout that will allow bacteria to grow.
Do – Use microfiber towels
To gently clean those soft, natural stones, use microfiber towels, squeegees and magic erasers to keep soap scum off your shower walls. Steam cleaners are also great for cleaning stone and grout without using harsh chemicals
If you’ve made a mistake and you’re noticing some discoloration to your natural stone. Don’t panic! Our certified team at Aladdin Cleaning and Restoration can help you repair the damage, clean the stone properly and reseal it. Whether you have marble, granite, travertine, Saltillo or other types of natural stone, we know there are specific processes your stone needs. See how professional stone or tile cleaning can restore your floors, bathrooms and kitchen spaces.
Let us help you maintain the beauty and value of your investment with professional hard surface and floor cleaning services. Contact Aladdin Cleaning and Restoration for natural stone cleaning, restoration and sealing today.