Maintaining Your Investment

Nature needed millions of years to create your beautiful stone. It takes only a minor investment of time and money to protect and preserve this work of art.

Professional cleaning and sealing should be done as soon as possible after installation of any stone (most sealers require that the stone installation be allowed to cure seven to ten days before sealing).

Almost all stones used in today’s applications require sealing if the stone is to be kept looking as good as the day it was installed. Cleaning and sealing should be done only by an experienced company. The wrong sealer on a stone, or improper application, can do so much damage to the finish of the stone that specialized professional help will be required to restore the stone to its original beauty.

Once your stone has been cleaned and sealed, how to keep it looking good.

Keep it swept. The most expensive damage to a stone floor is often from dirt and debris allowed to remain on the floor. Traffic on a dirty floor will result in scratching and dulling of the surface. Dust mopping, sweeping and vacuuming are all good ways to keep the floor clean. Vacuuming should not be done with a roll-around vacuum. The wheels on most vacuums can scar the surface of the stone and require a professional restoration company to fix. A good tool for sweeping is "The Swiffer" by Proctor and Gamble, the dry version. Replace the cloth each time it is used on your stone; they work great.

We do not recommend mopping generally. Mopping leaves watermarks that have to be polished off. If not polished, these watermarks accumulate and make the floor look dirty.

For spills and spots, clean off immediately using a damp rag and dry the area with a clean, soft cloth.

Entry mats. We recommend one mat outside the entry and one inside. Avoid mats with plastic or rubber backs. These can trap moisture that can damage some stones. Avoid mats like carpet samples with hard, scratchy backs. These are made to be tough and last and last. Unfortunately they are often tougher than the finish on the stone and can damage the surface. Don't use chemicals or cleaners that you would not use to clean your own hands. If they can damage your skin, they can damage your stone.

DO:

• Dust-mop floors frequently
• Clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap
• Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing
• Blot up spills immediately
• Protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs
• Protect countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets, or placemats

DON'T:

• Use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine, or onyx surfaces
• Use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub & tile cleaners
• Use ANY type of abrasive cleaning product

NEVER:

• Mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas
• Mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so

Questions? Ask us!

for more information, see findstone.com