If the natural stone is acid-sensitive (limestone, marble, many sandstones, argillaceousstone}, then those chemicals are not to be used. Generally, soft stone (such aslimestone, marble, manyi sand stones, argillaceous stone} are acid-sensitive and aretherefore not to be treated with acidic chemicals. Hard stones (such as granite}, on theother hand, are acid-proof. However, the general classification of granite includes somegabbro and basalts which are not acid-proof, such as, the Indian star galaxy or theSouth-African Nero Absoluto and Impala, as well as well as different kinds ofdiorites such as the Brazilian stone Tijuca. These "relatives" of granite consist of awholly different chemical composition and can therefore not be classified as granites.Additionally, what is commonly referred to as black granites include natural stoneswhich are not granites at all and which, therefore, are also not acid-proof.
Sweeping
The old-fashioned broom is still a valuable part of everyday maintenance of any floorsurface - natural stone included. It is very important to remove soils from flooringsurfaces. Soils are abrasive. The more often soils are removed, the longer the floor willretain the original appearance. Use a broom with a bristle that matches your surface.A soft broom or brush is recommended for smooth surfaces like marble, sandstone and limestone. A medium to soft bristle is ideal for textured surface.
Vacuum
A good vacuum cleaner works better and more efficiently on textured surface than abroom. Use a vacuum on any horizontal surface when large areas are involved, since itis, in most cases, faster than sweeping.
Damp Moping
A damp mop is capable of picking up microscopic abrasive soils and potential stainingagents. Damp mopping is recommended for most smooth surfaces on a regular basis.Best done after sweeping or vacuuming.
Cleaning
It is essential to clean a floor regularly. The working conditions will dictate itsfrequency. The most widespread problems encountered with stone floors are related to thefloor simply not being regularly cleaned.
Rinsing
Rinsing is one of the most critical steps in regular floor maintenance. Dirty mop waterresidue is common and a cause for much complaint. A two-bucket rinse method is highlyeffective in keeping floors from graying out due to soil residues.
Abrasive mechanical cleaning
Abrasives are sometimes useful as a cleaning agent but should be limited to non -polished surfaces. Abrasives may be combined with detergents or soaps for scouring asurface and removing thin layers from the surface. There are many different types ofmaterials used as abrasives - soft abrasives may be composed of nutshells or feldspars,hard abrasives can be silica quartz, carbide or even diamond.
Acid:
Spills from drinking liquids or food containing acid will etch (dull mark) marble andlimestone surface. Also, the wrong declaration of some group of natural stones cancause irreparable damages. The so called" black granites" which are partially
basaltsuch as Tiger Black or Chinese G684 or Gabbro as Star Galaxy, Nero Absolute,Impala or in the case of Belgian granite, which is limestone, all of them are sensitiveagainst acid. In such cases, lemon juice, orange juice, carbonated beverages,
cranberryjuice, apple juice, wine, tomato, etc. may cause a dull mark that may be of a coin sizeor spread over the surface.
Alkaline:
In addition to chemicals containing acid, chemicals that contain high alkaline or bleachcan damage floors to lose its shine and elegance.
Moisture:
Local water may contain chlorine, salts, magnesium, potassium and other minerals.When water is used continuously to clean the marble and limestone floor it may ruincertain type of marble or limestone by causing pitting, spalling and yellowing.
This iswhy it is important to protect the floor with a sealer (impregnator).
Scratches:
Sand and grit carried from outside by shoes can easily scratch and abrade the marblesurface like a sandpaper. Unprotected furniture legs may leave scratches too. Draggingheavy objects or sharp items on the floor can cause very deep scratches
or gouges thatmay be permanent.
Stains:
Even a hard, natural stone such as granite is still porous and can easily be discoloredby spills from food, sitting pots, metal furniture legs, oil, ink, water damage, etc.
Improper Maintenance procedure:
Continuous use of water as the sole cleaning agent (without chemicals}, or using dirtymops, or not changing the cleaning solution frequently enough, can cause soft and hardstone to look dingy, streaky and unattractive.
Improper Maintenance program:
Not having a steady use of dust mop and damp mop cause a decrease of the gloss. Inaddition, a yearly maintenance may be required to revive the gloss especially when thefloor is exposed to medium or heavy traffic.
A. For floor/stairs(indoor)
B. For facade, wall terrace (outdoor)
C. Kitchen-countertop, wash basin, sanitary items
It is usually not necessary to clean daily unless it is a high traffic area like hotellobby, etc. For all floors the daily cleaning should be carried out by a cleaning productwith pH= 7 neutral and water-based. Clean with a neutral cleaner (pH=7) or stonesoap. Surfaces are to be slightly moisted with a wiper to remove the dirt. Dilute theconcentrated cleaner in water 1:50 to 1:100 and clean the surface with a slightly moistened cloth. Let the surface dry for 10 minutes. The products can also be used in abrush cleaning machine with a sucking device. It is important to prevent the productfrom creating layers or stripes on the floor to support the protective effect of theimpregnation. The water solution of the cleaning product should be applied with a mop.Dirty solutions should be mopped up regularly. Remove loose debris by sweeping orvacuuming before applying the cleaning solution.
Periodical initial(basic) cleaning- Due to heavy traffic or other circumstances it canbe necessary to carry out periodically an initial cleaning with a slightly alkalinecleaner. The application period depends on the grade of pollution; it can be carriedoutevery 3-12 month. The product has to be diluted with water approximately 1:20 up to
1:50 depending, on the degreeof pollution the productmust not affect the impregnation ofthe stone. Thecleaning solution should be appliedwith a mop. Dirty solution should bemopped up regularly.
Protection: The surface of the natural stone has to be clean, stain free, dry and withenough absorption properties. Nowadays most of the natural stones are already treatedin the factory. As a result, the stones show altered absorption properties. Therefore it isrecommended to use an oil- and water-repellent, solvent-based impregnation. In anycase is recommended to preparea sample area in order toexamine the efficiency of theimpregnation. Due to the permanent contact of impregnation with foods, is essential lthat the protection is approved as being of food-safe quality.
Cleaning and care: If cleaned immediately, many food stains can be taken care of witha simple damp cloth. Once dried up or involving fat, stains and soiling can no longer becleanedso easily. For such residues, mild cleaningproducts with oil- and fat-solventqualities should be used. Products that are extremely alkaline or highly degreasing can,over the long-term, damage the stone' s impregnation. Many manufacturers offer spraycleaners that are easily applied. They have a cleaning and protecting component andtherefore provide a removal ofstains and protection of the stone in one single workingstep. If used regularly, the spray cleaners can prolong the interval time betweensubsequent impregnations.At the first sight of dark stains caused by oil- and fat-containing food, an immediate reaction is essential. Among the most effective solutionsare oil removalpastes. These cleaning products guaranteea long application time, anessential factor if pollutions need to be dissolved that are deep-seated within capillarystructures of the stone. After the removal of stains the protective impregnation needs tobe renewed.
1. Soft stone such as marble, limestone(not stable againstacidic cleaner).
If there are contaminates such as; basic dirt, dirt layers, thin layersof wax, superficialoil and grease stains, soot, rubber and tar stains, or even efflorescence andcementresidue-
Remove with a light alkalinecleaner (pH=10). What to do if there are superficial ruststains produced by ferrous substances or objects,such as fertilizers, tools, iron pastsetc.: Remove with a slightly alkalirust remover (pH=9)
2. Hard stone such as granite, gneiss (stable against acidic cleaners)
If there is rust and inorganic discoloration: to remove inorganic discolorations, such asrust stains, use Rust remover, a product based on phosphoric acid. It is important tomake a test patch in an inconspicuous area to ensure that the surface is acid resistant.If there are lime residues, rust marks and heavy soap residues: They can be removedwith an organic acid based disinfectant cleaner with (pH=1) Mortar, lime residue,efflorescence, cements films and other stubborn deposits on tiles or slabs: They can beremoved with an acid-based concrete film remover, which is free of hydrochloric acid.
1. Cleaning only with water
2. Not replacing the cleaning solution
3. Cleaning mop head is not kept clean
4. Floor is not vacuumed or dusted enough
5. Not using a door mat
6. Using the wrong cleaning chemicals.
Here are some useful tips
Use walk - off mats:
To reduce the possibility of unsightly scratches and/or dulling of the marble orlimestone floor, install walk off mats inside and outside all entry doorways. Goodquality walk-off mats will remove sand and grit from the bottom of a person' sshoe that could otherwise badly scratchand dull the marble floor.
Dust Mop & Sweep Regularly:
Walk-off mats will reducethe amount of abrasive soils that can enter from shoes,however, they cannot completely eliminate all materials that can scratch or dull a stonesurface. Many abrasive soils are generated inside the house like very small pieces ofbroken glass or porcelain, metal chips or flakes, or sand and dirt brought in/on clothingor other materials. Dust mopping and sweeping will helpremove theseabrasivecontaminants. Use a clean, untreatedand dry dust mop or fine bristle broom anddust pan to remove all dust, dirt and loose debris daily or as needed. This is the mostimportant thing you can do to keepthestone surface looking new.
Utilizing a neutral non - residual water based stone cleaner or a slightly alkalicleaner, damp mop regularly. Spot cleaning can be accomplished by simply applying asmall amount of this neutral cleaner to a soiled spot, lightly rubbing to dissolve the spotand remove with a clean damp sponge.
Don' t clean only with water
This can be very detrimental to your soft stone. Water contains chlorine, salts andother minerals that will diminish the shine if used on a regular basis. In addition,water doesn' t have the ability to cut through dirt and mainly dust will be removed.Utilize neutral, non-residual water based stone cleaner, damp mop regularly. Spotcleaning can be accomplished by simply applying a small amount of this neutral cleanerto a soiled spot, lightly rubbing to dissolve the spot and removing with a clean dampsponge.
Replace the cleaningsolution frequently
Otherwise, it will leavestreaks all over the stonesurface and the grout joints(especiallyif they are light colour) will get dirty very rapidly. Whenever you notice that the cleaning solution becomes cloudy and dirty, immediately replace it with a fresh newsolution
Keep the cleaning mop head always clean
By using mop or cloths that are soiled and dirty, you are actually tracking the dirtback into the floor and grout joints. Dirty mops can create streaks and an unattractivelook. Keep the cloth or mop head clean all the time. Wash them thoroughly after youhave finished the cleaning with neutral soap and warm water
Use the right cleaning chemicals
In case you use the wrong cleaning chemical you can ruin your stone floor very easily.Especially soft stones made from calcium carbonate are very sensitive to any acid orhigh alkaline chemicals. Do not use any tile cleaners, vinegar, ammonia, alcohol etc.Use only neutral cleaners that have pH 7.00 or slightly higher and were made speciallyfor cleaning stone. In this way you prolong the stone life.
Make a planned program for maintenance
Designate the cleaning days and polishing dates and the days that you want to re-apply the protection depending on the abuse and foot traffic. Doing that will keep thefloor well maintained.
The difference between miscellaneous types of natural stone starts right with the origin of its creation, Granite is an indigenous rock with at least 20% quartz and up to 65%alkali feldspar by volume.
Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock, composed of recrystallized carbonatematerials, mostly common calcite or dolomite. Marble, in other words, is ametamorphosed limestone. Limestone is a non-foliated metamorphic rock (sedimentaryrock) composed, mainly of skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral, foramsand mollusks. Its major materials are the minerals calcite and aragonite, which aredifferent crystal forms of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Sandstone is a sedimentary rockcomposed mostly of sand sized minerals or rock grains. Slate is a finely grained,foliated homogeneous metamorphic rock, derived from the original shale-typesedimentary rock, composed of clay or volcanic ash, by means of low-grade regionalmetamorphism. Each of these different varieties has their own properties andappearance, and requires therefore an individual approach and differing applications.
If the natural stone acid-sensitive (limestone, marble, many sandstones, argillaceousstone}, then those chemicals are not to be used. Generally, soft stone (such aslimestone, marble, manyi sand stones, argillaceous stone} are acid-sensitive and aretherefore not to be treated with acidic chemicals. Hard stones (such as granite}, on theother hand, are acid-proof. However, the general classification of granite includes somegabbro and basalts which are not acid-proof, such as, the Indian star galaxy or theSouth-African Nero Absoluto and Impala, as well as well as different kinds ofdiorites such as the Brazilian stone Tijuca. These "relatives" of granite consist of awholly different chemical composition and can therefore not be classified as granites.Additionally, what is commonly referred to as black granites include natural stoneswhich are not granites at all and which, therefore, are also not acid-proof.
Generally, stones are categorized into hard and soft stones. Hard stones includegranite, gabbro, syenite, and diabase. The materials subsumed under this category arewear-resistant and in most cases suitable for all forms of installation. Commercially,these stones are mistakenly referred to as 'Granite'. Equally classified as hard stonesare porous vulcanite and slate stones. These, too, are suitable for any kind ofinstallation. Soft stones' range from so-called sedimentary rock such as limestone andargillaceous shale to metamorphic rocks such as marble. In most cases suitable forflooring, these stones are mostly used for paneling and less demanded areas.Commercially, these stones are commonly referred to as 'marble' or 'limestone'.Sandstones too, offer a variety of possible applications if used as soft stones, preferablyas flooring material.
Besides the appearance, colors and design of the natural stone the most importantcriteria for choosing the appropriate product for indoor and outdoor applications are:frost resistance, abrasiveness, water absorption, acid resistance, suitability for flooringand cladding, polishing possibility. Contact your architect or a Stoneware Sales rep tofind the right fit for your application.
How to make Anti-slippage floorings
How to apply an oil- and water repellentprotection on a kitchen top
How to apply a color enhancingprotection
How to renew the gloss of a stone floor
How to remove acidic stains and lime scale
How to remove organic discolorations
How to repair small holes and scratches (fine cracks) without having to regrindand re-polish the whole surface
Some of the videos can be found on