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Stone Cleaning

Ideas for cleaning and maintaining stone.

1. Vacuum or sweep the stone first to remove sand and dirt from the surface and crevices of the stone, using care to ensure you do not scratch the surface. Dirt left on the surface when you wet cleaning can scratch the surface or penetrate the pores.

2. Limestone, marble and travertine are calcium base stones, sandstone can also contain a significant percentage of calcium. Calcium is susceptible to acid damage. A pH neutral cleaner is recommended. There are many pH neutral cleaners on the market for stone. Miracle Sealants and Glaze-n-Seal both have pH neutral cleaners we find work well. A PH neutral cleaner will also work on granite.

3. Follow the directions on any cleaner you use. Allowing time for the cleaner to break down the dirt may also help. A soft nylon brush or sponge may also help to remove some dirt. Watch to ensure that any brush or tool you use does not scratch the stone.

4. A poultice may be necessary to remove severe stains. You can make your own poultice using flour and enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Apply the about ¼ inch thick layer of your poultice paste to the stained area and allow to dry for 24 to 48 hours. Remove the dry poultice with a plastic spatula. Multiple poultice applications may be necessary, some stains may never be completely removed. Glaze-n-Seal also makes a poultice specifically for oil and grease type stains. Follow all product directions.

5. Rinse the stone thoroughly after cleaning ensuring that all soap and cleaner residue has been removed.

6. Re seal the stone per the directions on the sealer product you select. We use Miracle Sealants 511 and Glaze-n-Seal Natural Look sealers.

7. Indoor stone should probably be cleaned and resealed every 2 or 3 years. Outdoor stone may need to be cleaned regularly and sealed every one or two years.

8. To test the sealer, you can pour a small amount of clean water on the stone and wipe the water off the surface, if a dark spot remains the stone needs to be resealed.

9. We recommend you also ensure any objects that are placed on the hearth have felt or cork pads on the bottom to prevent scratching the stone surface.