Stone Care Guide

You’ve made an excellent investment in new natural stone. Natural stone can provide years of beauty when properly cared for. This page includes care instructions and some helpful do’s and don’ts on stone care.

Care Guides

What is Cultured Marble? Understanding Your Surface

Before you grab a cleaner, it’s crucial to know what you’re working with. Cultured marble is not natural stone. Its strength and shine come from a top layer of clear gel coat. Harsh chemicals and abrasive tools are the arch-enemies of this gel coat. Once it’s scratched or etched, the damage is often permanent and requires professional polishing to fix.

Your Cultured Marble Cleaning Toolkit: What’s Safe and What’s Not

Having the right supplies is half the battle. Here’s a quick checklist of what you should and shouldn’t have in your arsenal.

Safe and Effective Cleaning Solutions

  • Dish Soap (Mild): A few drops of a gentle, non-abrasive dish soap in warm water is your go-to for daily and weekly cleaning.
  • Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol): Excellent for disinfecting and tackling soap scum without harming the gel coat.
  • Baking Soda Paste: A non-abrasive paste made from baking soda and water is perfect for tackling tougher stains.
  • Soft Cloths & Sponges: Microfiber cloths are ideal. Always use soft, non-scratch materials.
  • Magic Eraser-type Melamine Sponges: Use with caution and only on stubborn spots with plenty of water. They are micro-abrasive.

Cultured Marble Care and Maintenance: Keeping the Shine

Cleaning is only one part of the equation. Proper care will extend the life and beauty of your cultured marble.

  • Use Coasters and Trays: Always use coasters under glasses and trays for toiletries to prevent contact with harsh chemicals in perfumes and lotions.
  • Wipe Up Spills Promptly: While the surface is non-porous, acidic spills (like wine or nail polish remover) can cause damage if left sitting.
  • Never Sit or Stand on Your Vanity: Cultured marble can crack under extreme, concentrated weight.
  • Consider a Cultured Marble Polish: For an extra boost of shine every 6-12 months, you can use a polish specifically formulated for cultured marble or acrylic surfaces.

Caring for your luxury vinyl flooring is simple! Here are a few tips and tricks to make the process even smoother.

  • Clean Spills ASAP – Clean spills as quickly as possible to avoid any lasting damage. Substances may contain extreme pH levels that can cause tough stains. If a spill occurs, be sure to wipe it away immediately.
  • Use Felt Pads – Protect your flooring from scratches or scuffs by applying felt pads to the bottom of heavy furniture. Having a protective layer can save your flooring from the possibility of hundreds of dollars in damages. 
  • Add Extra Protection with a Doormat – Add a doormat to entrances and exits around your house to pick up any dirt, dust, or grime before entering your home.
  • Treat Tough Stains using Baking Soda – Tackle tough stains by mixing baking soda and water to form a paste-like consistency. Lightly scrub away the stain with a soft bristle brush. Baking soda is less harsh than chemical cleaners and will not damage LVP.

Things To Avoid When Caring for your LVP

  • Never Steam Clean- LVP is not designed to withstand heat. The use of excess heat can cause the flooring to lose its shape and even penetrate the protective top layer. Instead, treat floors with lukewarm water.
  • Avoid Abrasive Scrubbers- Using abrasive scrubbers on LVP can scratch and damage floors. Instead, treat tough stains with the help of a soft bristle brush and baking soda paste.
  • Never Use Ammonia Or Bleach- When choosing a safe cleaner for LVP, be sure it does not contain ammonia or bleach. Both can penetrate the protective layer of LVP and damage the inner layers of the durable flooring. Instead, mix a homemade apple cider vinegar and water solution.

A regular cleaning routine is key for your LVP to outlast all other floorings you have had. Implement these cleaning tips to maintain the beauty and longevity of your LVP.

Routine Cleaning Steps –

  • Dust Often: Use a clean, non-treated, dry microfiber mop or cloth to remove sand and grit that can scratch the surface.
  • Use Proper Cleaners: Use a neutral pH cleaner designed for stone, or mix a few drops of mild, non-citrus dish soap with warm water.
  • Clean and Rinse: Mop or wipe the surface with the cleaner. For soap solutions, rinse thoroughly with clean water to prevent soapy residue buildup.
  • Dry: Use a clean microfiber cloth or mop to dry the surface, which prevents streaks and hard water spots.

What to Avoid –

  • NEVER Use Vinegar: Vinegar, lemon juice, lime, or other acidic cleaners will etch natural stone.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach, abrasive cleaners, or ceramic tile cleaners.
  • Avoid Vacuums with Harsh Attachments: Worn plastic or metal vacuum wheels/attachements can scratch stone floors.

Deep Cleaning and Maintenace –

  • Grout Cleaning: Use a soft-bristled brush with a neutral cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water to clean grout lines.
  • Stain Removal (Poultice): To remove oil or deep stains, apply a “poultice” (mix of baking soda and water or a specialized powder) to draw out the stain, then cover with plastic for 24-48 hours.

Sealing: Seal your stone annually or as recommended to prevent liquids from soaking in.

Daily Care Routine –

  • Wipe Immediately: Clean up spills, especially coffee, wine, or tomato sauce right away to prevent stubborn stains.
  • Mild Soap & Water: Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap and wipe with a soft cloth or microfiber sponge.
  • Dry Thoroughly: Use a clan, dry towel to remove water spots and streaks.

Deep Cleaning & Maintenance –

  • Stain Removal: For suborn stains, use a paste of baking soda and water, or a mix of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Apply the solution, let sit for 10 minutes, and gently scrub with a soft cloth.
  • Dried Residue: Gently scrape off dried food or gum with a plastic putty knife.
  • Disinfecting: Use 70% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) and water, or a gentle surface cleaner without bleach.
  • Glass Cleaner: A non-abrasive glass cleaner (without ammonia) can be used occasionally for extra shine.

What to Avoid –

  • Acidic Cleaners: Never use products containing vinegar, lemon juice, or harsh acidic cleaners as they can etch the surface.
  • Abrasive Materials: Avoid scouring pads, steel wool, and abrasive cleaners (like Ajax or Comet) which can dull the polish.
  • High Heat: Avoid placing hot pans directly on the surface; use trivets or heat pads.
  • Sharp Objects: Do not cut directly on the countertop; use a cutting board.

Identify Your Tile Type

Before applying any solution, confirm what material you are cleaning to avoid etching or dulling the finish.

  • Ceramic & Porcelain: These are durable and can handle mild acids like diluted white vinegar or a mix of warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
  • Natural Stone (Marble, Granite, Slate): Never use vinegar, lemon, or acidic cleaners. Use only pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for stone.
  • Vinyl Tile: Use a specialized vinyl floor cleaner or a cup of vinegar in a gallon of water, but avoid steam mops, as high heat can warp the material.

General Cleaning Process

  • Dry Clean First: Sweep with a soft-bristle broom or vacuum with a soft-brush attachment to prevent grit from scratching the glaze.
  • Mop with Care: Use a microfiber or chamois mop rather than a sponge mop, which can push dirty water into grout lines. Change your water bucket frequently to avoid redistributing dirt.
  • Rinse & Dry: Rinse the floor with clean warm water to remove soap residue that can leave a hazy film. Immediately buff dry with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and slips.

Cleaning the Grout

  • Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda and water into a thick paste, apply to grout lines, and let sit for 15 minutes or overnight for tough stains.
  • Scrubbing: Use a nylon grout brush or an old toothbrush. Avoid metal brushes, which can scratch the surrounding tile.
  • Sealing: Once clean and dry, apply a silicone-based grout sealer annually to prevent future staining.

Common “Don’ts” for Tile Care

  • Don’t use steel wool or abrasive powders on polished surfaces.
  • Don’t use bleach or ammonia-based products regularly, as they can break down grout sealers.
  • Don’t leave standing water on natural stone, as it can lead to rust stains or moisture absorption.

Enjoy the lasting beauty of your natural stone

Natural stone has been formed over millions of years but improper care can ruin nature’s beauty. Although we usually think of stone as “hard”, it is a porous material that can absorb spills and stains if left untreated. Sealing your stone with a quality impregnating sealer will prevent most spills from damaging your investment.

There are a wide variety of sealers available, so you need to select one for your specific needs and natural stone type. Impregnating sealers, with new, advanced fluorochemical technology, penetrate the stone and help protect it against water and oil-based stains. Industry professionals recognize that natural stone is best protected with a fluorochemical-based sealer. We recommend sealing your new stone with StoneTech Professional™ Heavy Duty Stone Sealer formulated with the latest in fluorochemical technology.

If your stone is less porous or semi-porous, then StoneTech Professional™ Heavy Duty Stone Sealer is the recommended sealer. If your stone is very porous, such as some veined granites, then StoneTech Professional™ BulletProof™ Stone Sealer may be your best choice. For color enhancing and other special considerations, consult your stone supplier or stone care professional. StoneTech Professional™ has a complete line of sealers for your natural stone. Once sealed properly, your stone is protected against everyday dirt and spills. Proper cleaning will help the sealer last longer and keep your stone protected without damaging your stone’s natural beauty.

Keeping your stone free of dust and dry, sandy soil will minimize the scratches and wear-patterns that can develop from everyday use of some natural stone, such as marble, limestone, and sandstone. Sweep or dust all natural stone surfaces regularly to remove loose soil and dust.

Clean your natural stone on a regular basis with warm water and a clean non-abrasive cloth, sponge or mop. In addition, using a neutral cleaner specially formulated for natural stone will help remove soils that normal dusting or damp mopping leave behind. We recommend StoneTech Professional™ Revitalizer™ Stone & Tile Cleaner and Protector. This cleaner is developed especially for natural stone and tile care. Its unique blend of neutral cleaning agents make it gentle on your stone while leaving behind an impregnating protective shield every time you clean.

Do not use general purpose cleaners or you may damage your stone or the sealer applied. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids as these may etch the stone surface and damage the polish. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

Use Revitalizer™ on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills as well as hairspray or other cosmetics. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch or dull the stone surface. Also, some common toiletries (e.g., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.

Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt, and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the potential damage from these particles. In addition, be careful when using a vacuum cleaner as the metal or plastic attachments or wheels may scratch the surface.

Damp mop the stone floor with a dilute solution of Revitalizer™ or All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner as directed on the label. Keep off floor until completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.

Periodic use of Revitalizer™ will remove any soap scum or hard water deposits that may have formed. In the bath or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A SPILL OCCURS

No matter how careful you are, spills are going to happen. A quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging you stone or the sealer. StoneTech Professional recommends that you only use the cleaning products recommended in this care guide.

Substances that are highly acidic, such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard, and many soft drinks will “etch” most marble, limestone, and travertine; whether the stone is sealed or unsealed. Although sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull area or etch mark in the stone.

In addition, cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone, or degrade the sealer. That’s why selecting the correct cleaning products is so important to the lifetime beauty of your natural stone.

Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone’s even finish.

Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Blot with a dry, white cloth. Spray the area with Revitalizer™ and wipe off excess with a clean cloth or clean the soiled area with Revitalizer™ Wipes.

Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth; turning the cloth frequently. Spray the area with Revitalizer™ and wipe off excess with a clean cloth or clean the soiled area with Revitalizer™ Wipes.

Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with Revitalizer™. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, contact a professional cleaner.

If you identify the stain as having an oil base (from foods like salad and cooking oils, butter, or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. We recommend StoneTech Professional™ Oil Stain Remover. This easy-to-use poultice is designed to slowly remove oily stains from natural stone surfaces. Follow the directions on the label.

Dos and Don’ts

  • DO use coasters under glasses, especially if the contain alcohol or citrus juices
  • DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes or cookware.
  • DO use place mats under china, ceramics, silver, or other objects that may scratch your stone’s surface.
  • DO place a small rug or mat at entryways to trap dirt and sand from normal foot traffic.
  • DO dust countertops, islands, vanities, and floors frequently.
  • DO blot up spills immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone.
  • DO clean surfaces by wiping with clean water or by using StoneTech Professional™ Revitalizer™ Stone & Tile Cleaner and Protector.
  • DON’T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or other general-purpose cleaners.
  • DON’T use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub and tile cleaners.
  • DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
  • DON’T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for natural stone.

Bathroom countertops won’t require daily cleaning in most cases. However, you should try to wipe them down at least once a week. Use a soft, damp rag or sponge to wipe the counters with a mild soap. Dish soap is an excellent choice here. While it may be tempting to break out the big guns to get your bathroom especially clean, most of the supplies in your cleaning kit are likely too harsh for cultured marble. Abrasive cleaners such as Soft Scrub, acidic ones such as white vinegar, or anything that contains bleach can damage the finish. Repeatedly using these cleaning chemicals will make your countertops’ shine fade or even form pits as the finish dissolves. Keep harsh cleaners far away from cultured marble.

Careful homeowners shouldn’t store anything on cultured marble countertops that could accidentally scratch them. However, scratches will inevitably occur from time to time. Minor scratches are an easy fix. Buy some Gel-Gloss and use a soft brush to buff the scratch out until the surface is smooth again. Make sure to buff the entire surface with Gel Gloss annually to fill in any scratches you may have missed.

If you spill a potentially staining substance on cultured marble, clean it up immediately to prevent it from seeping in. Unfortunately, some color may still be left behind. Depending on your preferences and what you have on hand, you may be able to remove the stain using anything from hydrogen peroxide to paint thinner. Be aware, however, that these stronger cleaning substances may damage your countertop while attacking the stain. Test a small amount on a discreet part of the countertop first to make sure it’s safe to use.

The following is a restorative surface cleaning process which is done in preparation for resealing or for specialized surface cleaning circumstances. This process should not damage the stone surface, however, this type of heavy duty cleaning will degrade or strip many sealers from the application.

  1. Dilute concentrated STONETECH KlenzAll™ Cleaner with warm water according to the following mixing chart:
USE STONETECH KlenzAll™ Cleaner (Concentrate) Warm Water pH
Light Duty 1 part 8 parts 10.7
Medium Duty 1 part 4 parts 11
Heavy Duty 1 part 2 parts 11.3
  1. Apply mixed solution with a mop, clean cloth or low-pressure sprayer. Avoid applying cleaner on unintended surfaces.
  2. Lightly scrub with a scrub brush or floor machine as needed.
  3. Remove STONETECH KlenzAll Cleaner using a clean cloth, wet/dry vacuum or damp mop.

Using STONETECH Mold & Mildew Remover, use only as directed. Always test in a small inconspicuous area to determine ease of use and desired results. Be sure surfaces to be cleaned are swept or vacuumed to remove loose debris. Avoid skin and eye contact. Wear protective eyewear and gloves. Keep children and pets out of the area during application and drying. Do not mix this product with other household cleaners or metals.

  1. Spray STONETECH Mold & Mildew Stain Remover directly on soiled areas. Avoid applying onto unintended surfaces.
  2. Clean surface with non-abrasive sponge or stiff nylon brush as needed.
  3. Rinse area well with clean water.
  4. Repeat as needed for heavily-soiled areas