Daily Cleaning by Stone Type
Granite
Use a soft microfiber cloth with warm water and a few drops of pH-neutral dish soap for daily cleaning. Dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, vinegar, citrus, bleach, or ammonia — these strip the sealer over time. For outdoor granite with a flamed finish, an annual low-pressure power wash removes accumulated dirt without damaging the stone.
Marble
Dust with a soft microfiber cloth. Damp-mop floors with warm water only — no soap unless absolutely necessary. Dry immediately. Never let marble air-dry; water spots can etch the surface. Marble reacts with acids within seconds. Lemon juice, wine, or vinegar-based cleaner permanently dulls a polished marble surface. Use coasters and wipe spills immediately.
Travertine & Limestone
Vacuum or dry-mop to remove grit that can scratch these softer stones (Mohs 3-5). Damp-mop with a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Both are acid-sensitive — seal every 6-12 months and expect a developing patina.
Slate
Sweep or vacuum regularly. Damp-mop with mild detergent. Slate's natural cleft surface hides dirt and wear better than any other stone. Apply a colour-enhancing sealer every 2-3 years to maintain the deep, rich colour.
Sealing Schedule
| Stone Type | Sealing Frequency | Recommended Sealer Type |
|---|---|---|
| Granite (dark) | Annually | Solvent-based impregnating |
| Granite (light) | Every 6-12 months | Water-based impregnating |
| Marble | Every 6-12 months | Water-based impregnating |
| Travertine | Every 6-12 months | Solvent-based impregnating |
| Limestone | Every 4-6 months | Water-based impregnating |
| Slate | Every 1-2 years | Colour-enhancing impregnating |
How to Test if Your Stone Needs Sealing
Place a few drops of water on the surface. If water beads up after 5 minutes, the seal is intact. If water absorbs and darkens the stone, seal it. Test near sinks and stoves — these areas wear faster.
Stain Removal
- Oil-based stains (cooking oil, grease): Apply a baking soda and water poultice. Cover with plastic wrap, tape edges, leave 24-48 hours. The poultice draws oil out of the stone. Repeat if needed.
- Organic stains (coffee, wine, food): Poultice with 12% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. For dark stone, use acetone instead of peroxide.
- Rust stains: Use a commercial rust remover made for natural stone. Standard rust removers contain acids that etch the surface.
- Water spots: Buff with #0000 steel wool on granite only. For marble, professional polishing may be required.
Scratch & Chip Repair
- Minor granite scratches: Apply granite polishing compound, buff with soft cloth in circular motion.
- Granite edge chips: Professional epoxy repair tinted to match. Small chips can be DIY-filled with a stone repair kit.
- Marble etching: Apply marble polishing powder with damp cloth. Deep etching needs professional refinishing with diamond abrasive pads.
- Structural cracks: Full-thickness cracks require professional assessment before cosmetic repair.