The following stain removal steps are to be used at your own risk. Always pre-test these products before application over large areas, look for further staining or etching which can look like a cloudy or flat spot in the material. Always wear gloves and follow appropriate safety precautions.

Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately. Don’t wipe the area, it will spread the spill.

Identify your stain and cleaning process below.

Flush the area with water and mild soap and rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth.

The following stain removal steps are to be used at your own risk. Always pre-test these products before application over large areas, look for further staining or etching which can look like a cloudy or flat spot in the material. Always wear gloves and follow appropriate safety precautions.

It’s paramount to clean your floors often and correctly. Cleaning high traffic areas more often will help maintain all areas. Damp mop at least once a week (or more often for heavy traffic areas).

Make certain that any cleaner you choose is formulated specifically for stone, tile and grout cleaning (neutral pH). Water alone will not suffice as it will leave behind oil and mineral build up. Never use a detergent or soap because it can dull the surface, promote a residue build up or degrade your floors sealer. Routine cleaners should never contain acids, vinegar, chlorines or ammonia, as these chemicals can damage and discolor the grout or the surface of the stone or tile. Instead use neutral cleaners specially formulated for tile and grout that are low VOC, non-hazardous and nonpolluting.

Higher traffic areas should be cleaned more often than areas with much less traffic. For example a kitchen and entry corridor would be cleaned three to four times as often as a formal living room. Kids, pets, animals and lifestyle will all influence the need for more aggressive periodic cleanings.

Use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.

Use trivets or mats under hot dishes or cookware.

Dust counter tops, islands, vanities and floors frequently.

Blot up spills immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone. Clean surfaces by wiping with a properly diluted cleaning solution, then wiping dry with a clean cloth.

Be aware of general detergents: Don’t use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general-purpose cleaners. Don’t use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners. Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers. Don’t use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for natural stone.

Dust mop: Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean, non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit are abrasive and can damage natural stone.

Use mats/rugs: Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that may scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a slip resistant surface.

Use vacuum cleaners: Be sure the metal or plastic attachments or the wheels are not worn as they can scratch the surface of some stones. If you have larger hard surface areas, a backpack style vacuum with a soft bristle floor attachment can be very helpful.

Add protective pads to furniture: Protect your tile by affixing felt or similar pads to the legs of any metal, iron, wood, or plastic furniture that will be placed on it. Exterior metal furniture, which rests on tile floors or patios, may rust and cause staining.

Use a squeegee: In the bath or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of some stone types. Overall soap scum buildup can be diminished by switching from bar soap to a liquid body wash.

Re-seal and protect: For interior surfaces, resealing should be performed every 3-5 years. For exterior surfaces, resealing should be performed every 1-3 years. We recommend the use of a heavy-duty sealant that is low in VOC content and does not contain any hazardous materials. Sealing products used in the stone industry are “impregnators” which do not actually seal the stone, but more correctly act as a repellent rather than a sealer. Sealing does not make the stone stain proof, rather it makes the stone clean easier.