Before installing a kitchen counter or bathroom tile, there are a few things you need to know about the care and maintenance of stone surfaces. These include avoiding sand, dirt, and grit, using a maintenance cleaner, and applying a sealant or conditioner. Here is a brief overview of commercial stone care. Keep these tips in mind to make your kitchen or bathroom look its best. Besides the above information, you’ll also need to know how to clean your stone surfaces with neutral cleaners. Acidic foods and drinks can etch or dull stone surfaces, so avoid placing hot items on them. Using a placemat or trivet is a great way to protect stone surfaces.

Avoiding sand, dirt, and grit

To avoid staining stone, use a protective base or placemats. Avoid using acidic cleaners or soft cleansers on stone surfaces, as they can strip the pigmentation from colored grout. Dusting often is a must, as is blotting spills immediately. Use a neutral stone cleaner to prevent permanent damage. Never use abrasive or soft cleansers on stone surfaces.

Always use neutral cleaners on your stone surfaces rather than harsh alkaline or acidic ones. Acidic cleaners should be used only for spot cleaning and removing grout residue. Test a neutral cleaner on a small scrap of stone left over from the installation before using it on the entire surface. It will show any etching and erosion that may result. Also, never use acidic cleaners on a calcium-based stone surface.

Sand, dirt, and grit are the three main enemies of natural stone. If these particles are present on your stone surfaces, you risk scratching them. Using plastic or metal attachments is another common cause of grinding. Food oil spills can also damage the stone. Moreover, a stone that stays wet may develop mold stains. Ultimately, this can affect the integrity of your stone installation.

Using a sealant

Before applying a sealant, make sure to clean the stone thoroughly. Sealants are formulated to lock in unwanted stains. The Natural Stone Institute lists common colors and provides instructions on removing them. You should use a lint-free cloth to clean the stone and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply the sealer. Allow the stone to dry completely before applying the sealant. Protect yourself by wearing gloves and ventilating the area.

There are many different sealants available for sealing natural stone surfaces. BulletProof Sealer is a high-quality sealant that protects against water and oil stains and covers 100 square feet per gallon. It can be applied to both damp and dry surfaces. This extra-strength formula is perfect for porous natural stones and can protect for five years. In addition, the sealant is designed to be non-toxic and will not affect your property or harm the occupants.

Using a maintenance cleaner

If you have a natural stone floor or counter, you must clean it regularly and adequately. You cannot simply use any cleaning solution for this purpose. Stone surfaces are best cared for with a maintenance cleaner explicitly designed for them. These are pH-neutral and safe for human skin, but you should never use acidic cleaning agents on your stone surfaces. Avoid cleaning solutions for bathroom floors, tile, grout, dry cleaners, and soft cleaners.

To effectively clean your stone surface, you need to identify the type of stain. This requires a bit of detective work, and experts like commercial stone care Long Island City NY can help. Some stains are caused by plants, food, or cosmetics products. Others are caused by activities in the area where the color is. 

Using a conditioner

There are two main types of conditioners, commercial and home. A commercial conditioner is specially designed for the needs of commercial properties, and the first is a ph-neutral solution, ideal for stone counters and floors. It also helps impregnators repel stains. Commercial conditioners are specially formulated for the needs of commercial establishments and are effective in cleaning stone surfaces. The second type of conditioner is a natural acid-free solution that you can mix with water and apply directly to the stone surface.

The most basic type of conditioner for stone surfaces is soap. Most types of stone can be cleaned using soaps. Soaps are natural stone care products that help build a slight patina on the surface. This patina keeps the stone conditioned and warm and makes it stain-resistant. Liquid soap is another type of conditioner, and you should scuff the surface with a stiff nylon brush for a deep clean.