After the installation of natural stone products such as marble, granite, limestone, regular inspections, maintenance, cleaning, and care should be conducted to preserve their decorative effect. Here are some tips to consider for the daily maintenance and care of the natural stones.
Avoid contact with acidic or basic substances
All types of stone are sensitive to acids and bases. For instance, fresh pyrite has a brassy yellow color, but upon oxidation, it can lose its luster and color. Various acids can accelerate the oxidation of pyrite in granite. Acids can also decompose the calcium carbonate in marble, leading to erosion and corrosion on its surface. In the case of bases, they can erode the feldspar and quartz in granite, resulting in crystalline expansion.
Avoid misusing non-neutral cleaners
Most general-purpose cleaners contain acidic or alkaline substances, and long-term use of these cleaners can lead to a loss of luster on the stone surface. Additionally, many cleaners contain or can produce soluble salts, which can crystallize and damage the micro-pores of the stone. It's best to avoid using cleaners with unknown ingredients, as they may cause deterioration of the stone over time.
Avoid over-waxing
Waxing stones has some disadvantages:
Waxed stone is prone to dust accumulation and requires regular, time-consuming wax removal. Moreover, the alkalinity of the wax solution used for wax removal can be damaging to both the stone and the environment.
Wax has relatively low hardness and wear resistance, providing insufficient protection for the stone.
Wax is an organic substance with poor aging resistance and is especially prone to yellowing when exposed to light.
The refractive index of wax differs significantly from that of stone. After waxing, stone surfaces tend to lose their natural texture.
Avoid long-term coverage with carpets and clutter
Air and moisture circulation are crucial for maintaining stone. When stone is covered with carpets or clutter for an extended period, it becomes difficult for the moisture underneath to evaporate. Excess moisture and acidic mist can lead to hydrolysis and acid erosion, resulting in efflorescence, rusting, and other deterioration issues.
Maintain cleanliness
Whether dealing with hard granite or relatively softer marble, both types of stone are susceptible to long-term erosion from windblown sand and soil particles. It is important to regularly use dusters, dustpans or other tools to keep the surfaces clean. Placing dust control mats at the entrances of hallways is also advisable, as they can filter out sand particles from shoes, reducing the wear and tear on the stone surfaces caused by these particles.
All stones have natural capillaries that allow contaminants such as grease, tea, coffee, soda, soy sauce, and ink to easily penetrate, creating unsightly and difficult-to-remove stains. Therefore, it is essential to remove any spills or contaminants from the stone surface immediately to prevent them from seeping into the stone's capillaries.
Perform regular protective treatments
To extend the lifespan of stone and prevent the penetration of water and contaminants, the frequency of protective treatments may vary depending on the type of stone and the quality of the protective agent used. Generally, it is recommended to apply a protective agent once or twice every one to three years.
