Natural Stones: How to Care and Maintain Them

Natural stones are beautiful and durable materials that can enhance the look and value of your home. Whether you have natural stone floors, countertops, walls, or backsplashes, you want to keep them in good condition and preserve their natural beauty. However, natural stone also requires some special care and attention, as it can be prone to staining, scratching, chipping, or cracking. If you want to enjoy your natural stone for a long time, you need to follow some simple maintenance tips and tricks.

In this blog post, we will show you how to care for your natural stone and what the best practices and products are to use.

By the end of this blog post, you will have a clear idea of how to care for your natural stone, and how to keep it looking as good as new. Let’s get started!

How to Clean Your Natural Stones Regularly and Properly

One of the most important steps to care for your natural stones is to clean them regularly and properly. Cleaning your natural stone will remove any dirt, dust, spills, or residues that can accumulate on the surface and cause dullness, discoloration, or damage. Cleaning your natural stone will also keep it hygienic and safe for your family and pets.

However, not all cleaning methods and products are suitable for natural stone. Some cleaning methods and products can be too harsh, abrasive, or acidic for natural stone, and can damage or etch its surface. Therefore, you need to follow some guidelines and precautions when cleaning your natural stone. Here are some tips to help you clean your natural stone regularly and properly:

Use a soft cloth, sponge, or mop to wipe or dust your natural stone. Avoid using any rough or scratchy materials, such as steel wool, scouring pads, or brushes, as they can scratch or damage your natural stone.
Use a mild and neutral cleaner that is specially formulated for natural stone. Avoid using any cleaners that contain vinegar, lemon, bleach, ammonia, or other acidic or alkaline ingredients, as they can etch or discolor your natural stone. You can find natural stone cleaners at any home improvement or hardware store, or online. You can also make your own natural stone cleaner by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
Follow the instructions on the label of your natural stone cleaner, and dilute it with water if necessary. Apply the cleaner to your natural stone with a spray bottle, a cloth, a sponge, or a mop, and gently scrub or wipe the surface. Do not use too much cleaner or water, as they can leave streaks or spots on your natural stone. Rinse the surface with clean water, and dry it with a soft cloth or a towel.
Clean your natural stone as often as needed, depending on the amount of traffic and usage. For example, you may need to clean your natural stone floors or countertops daily or weekly, while you may need to clean your natural stone walls or backsplashes monthly or quarterly.
Clean any spills or stains on your natural stone as soon as possible, before they dry or set in. Blot the spill or stain with a paper towel or a cloth, and then apply your natural stone cleaner. Do not rub or wipe the spill or stain, as this can spread it or push it deeper into the pores of your natural stone. Repeat the process until the spill or stain is gone, and then rinse and dry the surface.

How to Seal Your Natural Stones to Protect them from Damage and Stains

Another important step to care for your natural stone is to seal it to protect it from damage and stains. Sealing your natural stone will create a protective barrier on the surface, which will prevent any liquids, oils, or acids from penetrating the pores and causing stains, cracks, or erosion. Sealing your natural stone will also make it easier to clean and maintain, as it will reduce the amount of dirt and dust that can stick to the surface.

However, not all natural stones need to be sealed, and not all sealers are suitable for natural stones. Some natural stones, such as granite, are naturally dense and resistant to stains. And may not need to be sealed at all. Some natural stones, such as marble, are naturally porous. And prone to stains and may need to be sealed more frequently. Some sealers, such as topical sealers, can alter the appearance or texture of your natural stone. And may not be compatible with your natural stone. Therefore, you need to follow some guidelines and precautions when sealing your natural stone. Here are some tips to help you seal your natural stone to protect it from damage and stains:

Use a penetrating or impregnating sealer that is specially formulated for natural stone. Avoid using any sealers that are topical, wax-based, or silicone-based, as they can create a film or a coating on the surface of your natural stone, which can affect its look and feel. You can find natural stone sealers at any home improvement or hardware store, or online.
Follow the instructions on the label of your natural stone sealer, and test it on a small and inconspicuous area of your natural stone before applying it to the entire surface. This will help you to check the compatibility and effectiveness of the sealer and to avoid any unwanted results or reactions. If you are satisfied with the test, you can proceed to apply the sealer to the entire surface.
Apply the sealer to your natural stone with a spray bottle, a cloth, a sponge, or a brush, and spread it evenly and thoroughly over the surface. Do not use too much or too little sealer, as this can cause uneven coverage or poor protection. Let the sealer sit on the surface for the recommended time, usually 10 to 15 minutes, and then wipe off any excess sealer with a clean and dry cloth or a towel.
Apply a second coat of sealer if necessary, depending on the porosity and the condition of your natural stone. Wait for the recommended time, usually 24 hours, before using or walking on your natural stone. This will allow the sealer to cure and bond with your natural stone, and to provide maximum protection and durability.
Seal your natural stone as often as needed, depending on the type and the quality of your natural stone. The type and the quality of your sealer, and the amount of traffic and usage. For example, you may need to seal your natural stone once a year or once every few years. Depending on these factors. You can check the need for sealing by performing a simple water test. Sprinkle some water on your natural stone, and see if it beads up or soaks in. If it beads up, it means your natural stone is still sealed and protected. If it soaks in, it means your natural stone needs to be resealed.

How to Repair Your Natural Stone if It Gets Damaged or Stained

Despite your best efforts to care for your natural stones, they may still get damaged or stained over time. Damage or stains can occur due to various reasons, such as accidents, spills, scratches, chips, cracks, or wear and tear. If your natural stone gets damaged or stained, you need to repair it as soon as possible, before it gets worse or affects the rest of your natural stone. Repairing your natural stone will restore its appearance and functionality, and prevent further damage or stains.

However, not all damage or stains can be repaired easily or effectivelY. Not all repair methods and products are suitable for natural stone. Some damage or stains may be too deep or too severe to be repaired. They may require professional help or replacement. Some repair methods and products may be too harsh, abrasive, or acidic for natural stone, and may cause more harm than good. Therefore, you need to follow some guidelines and precautions when repairing your natural stone. Here are some tips to help you repair your natural stone if it gets damaged or stained:

Assess the extent and nature of the damage or stain to determine appropriate repair methods.
Choose suitable repair products and methods based on the size, depth, location, and type of damage.
Test the chosen repair method and product on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the damaged area.
Apply the repair product using appropriate tools such as cloth, sponge, brush, or spatula, covering the entire affected area.
Allow the product to work and dry for the specified time, typically a few hours or overnight.
Remove excess or residue of the repair product with a clean, damp cloth or sponge.
Rinse the area with clean water and dry with a soft cloth or towel.
Repeat the process if necessary, applying additional coats or trying different repair methods as needed.
Seal the repaired area to prevent future damage or stains, following recommended sealing procedures.

As you can see, repairing your natural stone is not a difficult or impossible task. As long as you use the right repair methods and products, and follow the proper steps and precautions. Repairing your natural stone will help you to maintain its beauty and functionality. And extend its lifespan. If you are looking for more natural stone care tips and tricks. You can visit our website and read our other blog posts on this topic. You can also contact us today and let us help you with your natural stone needs.

We are Galaxy Exports, a leading exporter of natural stone products in India. We can provide you with the best quality and variety of natural stone products. Such as blocks, slabs, and tiles, at an affordable and competitive price. Contact us today and let us help you transform your home with natural stone!