Stone Care

Stone is a natural product and simple care and maintenance will keep it looking beautiful. Here are some recommendations for routine care and cleaning.

PRECAUTIONS FOR MARBLE SURFACES

Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the surface.

Do not place hot items directly on the marble. Use trivets under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver, and objects that can scratch the surface.

FLOOR SURFACES

Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt, and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the grit that will scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is non-slip. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn. The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface.

OTHER SURFACES

Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone cleaner (available from Olympia Stone), or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids on marble or limestone. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams as these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

BATHROOMS AND OTHER WET AREAS

In the bath or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Be aware that frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.

OUTDOOR POOL AND PATIO AREAS

In outdoor areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.

SEALER

Olympia Stone seals all tops with a non-toxic, penetrating sealer before installation. It is recommended that a penetrating sealer be reapplied at least once a year in order to protect the stone and minimize water spotting.

DOS AND DONT’S

• Do dust mop floors frequently.
• Do clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone cleaner.
• Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing.
• Do blot up spills immediately.
• Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and 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.
• 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 mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.

Contact Olympia Stone for further information or to purchase cleaner and sealer.

Information provided by the Marble Institute of America.