Caring for your Marble , Granite & Quartzite

The natural stone you have purchased for your home or work place is an investment that will give you many years of beautiful services. Stone is a natural product and simple care and maintenance will keep it looking beautiful. Here are some recommendations for routine care and cleaning.

Precautions:

• Granite, Quartzite or Marble are generally durable but hard objects such as cast iron skillets can chip the edge if it is hit.  This is fixable.   Cutting boards are recommended when cutting on any natural stone or even quartz.
• Marble is recommended to hone the finish.  Acidic food, drinks or products can take the polished sheen off the surface leaving a dull or matte etching.  When the marble is honed, any acid etch is harder to see because it is a matte etch on similar finish.  Honing the surface creates rich matte finish that many homeowners prefer even without the acid concerns.
• Marble can patina. Red wines or foods among others can discolor and naturally patina the surface of marble.  Due to marble being a living stone, this discoloration can fade over time with proper cleaning.  This creates an old world look and feel to the marble.

Cleaning Procedures & Recommendations

Stone Surfaces

• Clean stone surfaces with warm water and a mild soap such as a clear Dawn Liquid Soap. 
• Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone.
• Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth.
• Change the rinse water frequently.
• Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

• Do clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap such as Dawn Liquid Soap or a PH Balance neutral cleaner.
• Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing
• Do blot up spills immediately

Do's & Don'ts

• Don't use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces
• Don't use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners
• Don't use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers
• Don't mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas
• Call your professional stone supplier, installer or restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat.

The Marble Institute of America offers a brochure that includes information on treating spills and stains on natural stone surfaces. For a copy, please send $1.00 US along with a self addressed, stamped business size envelope  to the Marble Institute of America, 28901 Clemens Road, Suite 100, Cleveland, Ohio 44145 USA.