Maintaining the Beauty and Longevity of Commercial Stone
The appearance of natural stone surfaces depends on regular cleaning, sealing, and polishing. This protects the stone from staining, liquid penetration, and other damage and helps prevent deterioration.
Avoid acid products on most stone surfaces, such as lemon, vinegar, or scouring powders. These can dull or etch calcareous stones.
1. Dust Mopping
A commercial stone care Manhattan, NY should include frequent dust mopping of all interior stone surfaces. Sand, dirt, and miscellaneous grit are the most damaging materials to stone. Eliminating them regularly reduces maintenance needs and extends time before any stone restoration is needed.
Frequently sweeping and vacuuming are also good practice. A broom with soft bristles or a microfiber mop is appropriate for most stone surfaces.
Avoid using abrasive cleaning products and tools like steel wool, scouring pads, and scrubbing brushes, as they can scratch the surface of natural stone. These can damage the surface and remove the protective sealant, requiring expensive repair and restoration.
Use a neutral stone cleaner, preferably one specially formulated for the type of stone you have in your project. Avoid acidic cleansers, especially those containing vinegar or lemon juice, as these can etch calcareous stones such as marble, limestone, and travertine. A squeegee is useful for wiping away soap scum and preventing unattractive soap streaks in bathrooms.
2. Sealing
A penetrating sealer provides incredible protection to the stone and dramatically reduces the risk of staining. It is not only a preventative measure, but it also allows the stone to breathe and age naturally, as opposed to other topical sealers that may create non-breathable films over the natural pores of the surface.
Regular dust mopping is recommended to minimize the dirt, sand, and miscellaneous grit that can scratch stone surfaces. Area rugs and mats at entrances help as well to trap the debris before it can scratch the stone floors or counters.
Avoid abrasive materials like steel wool or scouring pads, as they can scratch different types of natural stone. Stick to pH-neutral stone cleaners specially formulated for the specific type of stone you are cleaning to keep it looking its best.
3. Polishing
Depending on the stone, its porosity, and the amount of traffic, it may need to be polished regularly. Regular polishing will prevent etching and dulling and keep the stone’s surface lustrous.
Do Protect from Scratches: Use coasters under glasses, trivets under hot items and avoid dragging heavy objects across the stone’s surface. Mats or area rugs at entrances can help minimize the transfer of sand, dirt, and grit, which can scratch some stones.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals: Acidic cleaners can etch or dull calcareous stone, so always use pH-neutral products designed for stone care. Avoid scouring pads as they contain abrasives that can damage the surface of natural stone.
Don’t Ignore Moisture Damage: Water seeping up through the floor tiles seeks a pathway to evaporate and can carry salts. The salts can leave a white powdery stain on the stone’s surface called efflorescence.
4. Repairing
Stone is one of the oldest, most time-tested materials used in commercial construction. Its durability, strength, and beauty continue to be sought for new construction and remodeling projects.
The best way to protect your investment is to design a maintenance program that meets the specific needs of your natural stone. This requires a complete understanding of your stone’s geological classification and composition.
Do Clean Spills Promptly: Clean up spills as soon as they happen on a natural stone surface to reduce the likelihood of staining. Using area rugs or mats near entrances can also minimize the amount of dirt, sand, and other abrasive materials tracked onto the stone.
Don’t Use Acidic Cleaners: Harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or vinegar can damage and etch natural stone surfaces. Stick to pH-neutral cleaners specially formulated for stone surfaces.
Final Words
Do Seal Your Stone: Properly sealing your stone can help prevent stains and other damage. Consult a professional to determine the appropriate sealant for your stone and schedule regular resealing. More
