When it comes to natural stones, preventive maintenance is key. Natural stones have unique characteristics that make them highly durable yet more prone to certain types of wear and tear than other building materials. It’s important to know the best practices for keeping your natural stone looking its best and maximize its long-term durability.
Preventive maintenance for natural stone begins with regular cleaning and inspection. A good practice is to periodically clean any visible dirt or contaminants from your stone surfaces using a mild detergent solution and a soft cloth or sponge. Be sure to rinse away all soap residue thoroughly, as it can cause discoloration over time. Additionally, it’s wise to check for signs of damage such as chips, corrosion, staining, or cracking before cleaning.
In addition to regular cleaning, preventive maintenance may include polishing or sealing your natural stone surfaces. Sealing provides a barrier from dirt and spills, making it much easier to keep the surface clean. Polishing is often done for marble or limestone countertops and floors which can become dull over time due to wear and tear.
Preventive Maintenance for natural stones also includes avoiding certain chemicals that are not suitable for use on these materials. Abrasive cleaners, acidic solutions, and solvent-based products should be avoided as they can damage the stone’s surface or cause discoloration. Additionally, using mats around sinks, baths, and showers will help protect against water damage by absorbing most of the excess moisture coming in contact with the stone.
Regular inspection and preventive maintenance will help ensure your natural stones last longer, look better, and remain a source of pride in your home or business long into the future. With just a bit of attention to care for these unique materials, you can be sure they will live up to their potential as functional and aesthetically pleasing elements in any home or commercial space.
What Type of Finish Does Your Stone Have?
Knowing the type of finish your stone has can help you determine how best to clean and maintain it over time. There are three main types of finishes: polished, honed, and brushed.
Polished finishes create a glossy look that reflects light. This finish is ideal if you want a bright and shiny aesthetic in your space. To keep your polished stone looking its best, use pH neutral soap or detergent with warm water on a regular basis. You may also wish to use specialty cleaners specifically designed for natural stones once every few months. Make sure to avoid abrasive cleaners which can wear away the polish over time.
Honed finishes produce a matte look. This finish is excellent for areas where slip resistance may be important, as it does not have the glossy sheen of a polished surface that can cause slips and falls. To clean your honed stone, you should use pH neutral soap or detergent with warm water and avoid scouring powders or pads which could further hone the surface.
Finally, brushed finishes are created by brushing the surface of the stone in one direction to give it an aged look. When cleaning brushed natural stones, use only pH-neutral cleaners made specifically for natural stone with warm water. Avoid acidic cleaners as they may damage the brush marks over time. A sealant should also be used every few months to protect its appearance and prevent staining from spills.
By understanding the type of finish your natural stone has, you’ll be better able to select appropriate cleaning products and methods to ensure its longevity. As always, make sure to test any cleaners in an inconspicuous area first before applying them to the entire surface. With proper preventive maintenance, your natural stones will look beautiful for years to come.
Hiring Professionals
Hiring professionals for maintenance of natural stones is an investment that can pay off in the long run. Properly maintained natural stone surfaces and materials will last longer, look better, and are more resistant to dirt and stains. Professional maintenance services include cleaning, sealing, polishing, and repair work. These experienced professionals know how to use specialized tools and products to do the job correctly while protecting your natural stone from damage. They also have access to all kinds of different sealers, cleaners, and polishes that can help preserve your stone surfaces over time.
At Monreal Maintenance, we take pride in our team of professional and experienced personnel who specialize in natural stone maintenance. We understand the unique needs and requirements for proper upkeep of natural stones, which is why we have a full-time staff that can help you maintain your surfaces both inside and outside your home or business.
Our expert technicians utilize the latest techniques and products to ensure that you receive quality results every time. From annual sealing services to repair work on damaged stones, our professionals are ready to help with any job. Whether it’s restoring worn granite counters or deep cleaning marble floors, we have the capabilities and expertise to get the job done right. So if you’re looking for reliable professionals for natural stone maintenance, look no further than Monreal Maintenance. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed!