Maintenance
Natural stone is a living, breathing organism-just like natural wood. And like natural wood that has to be stained and then maintained to preserve its appearance, natural stone must be sealed and maintained to preserve its beautiful appearance. Don't get nervous, it's not that difficult. Read on and learn the easy steps to keeping your customers from calling you with any stone maintenance problems.
The maintenance of natural stone, as with that of anything else, is simple as long as it's done regularly. The term "maintenance" involves a three-part process: deep clean, seal and maintain. First and foremost, however, we emphasize the point that nothing should be used on natural stone that is not designed specifically for it. All household cleaners (such as ammonia, Windex, and acrylic and oil based polishing products) have a tendency to react adversely with natural stone and can do a considerable amount of, in some cases, what may be irreparable damage. A good rule of thumb is: If you have to question it, don't use it.
CLEANING
The first step in a proper stone maintenance program is a thorough cleaning with MARBALEX, a Ph-balanced cleaner. This step will remove any excess grout and construction dirt and grime once the stone has been installed.
IMPREGNATING
The second step involves sealing the stone with STONEGARD, a high quality silicon sealer/impregnator that will protect against any stains that a homeowner may encounter. A common misconception about silicon sealers is that they will protect the stone and render it impervious to scratches and etches (in the case of marbles). This is not the case, unfortunately, as a sealer does not proved a protective topical coating. It is rather an agent that penetrates into the surface of the stone and provides a one-way barrier-like Gore-tex for stone.
CONTINUING MAINTENANCE
The third step in the process requires vigilance on the homeowner' part as the stone must be dust-mopped weekly and then wet-mopped with MARBALEX (for flooring), or just wiped periodically with INTERNATIONAL STONE POLISH and MARBAMIST in the case of counters and walls.Bennett Marble and Granite proudly distributes the full line of cleaning, sealing and polishing products mentioned about or any others suitable to the needs of your natural stone.
STAIN REMOVAL FORMULAS
Mix the following chemicals for a given stain with on a cup of poultice materials (baking soda works great). Add water until you get a thick, yogurt-like consistency.Cooking oil, vegetable oil, etc: Mix one tablespoon of the liquid dish detergent.
Rust: Mix two-three tablespoons oxalic acid with one coup of flour or poultice material.
Coffee, tea etc: Mix 20% hydrogen peroxide with poultice powder. Add no water.
Ketchup, mustard etc: Mix three tablespoons of ammonia.