Easy Care Tips

Caring for natural stone is simple—just a few everyday habits will keep your countertops, floors, and outdoor features looking as beautiful as the day they were installed. The guidelines below, shared by the Natural Stone Institute, will help you protect and enjoy your stone for years to come.

Quick Tips

• Coasters: Always use coasters under drinks, especially those with alcohol or citrus.
• Trivets: While stone tolerates heat, place hot pans on trivets or mats for safety.
• Spills: Blot immediately with a paper towel—don’t wipe, as this spreads the spill. Clean with mild soap and water, then dry with a soft cloth. Repeat if needed.

Cleaning

• Use a pH-neutral cleaner, stone soap, or mild dish soap with warm water.
• Avoid using too much cleaner, as it can leave a dull film or streaks. Follow label directions.
• Clean with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth, changing rinse water often.
• For showers: use a squeegee after each use to prevent soap scum. For buildup, apply a non-acid remover or a mix of ½ cup ammonia per gallon of water (avoid overuse to prevent dulling).
• Outdoors (patios, pools, hot tubs): hose off regularly; use a mild bleach solution if needed to remove algae or moss.

Cleaning Products

• Choose cleaners labeled as stone-safe.
• Avoid lemon, vinegar, or other acids—they can etch softer stones.
• Do not use scouring powders or creams; abrasives scratch stone.
• Avoid rust removers (laundry/toilet), as many contain hydrofluoric acid that damages stone.
• Never mix ammonia and bleach—this produces poisonous gas.

Sealing

Sealers (also called “impregnators”) help resist stains but don’t make stone stain-proof. Some stones don’t require sealing—ask your supplier. If sealing is recommended:

• Remember: sealing only improves stain resistance.
• For counters, always use food-safe, non-toxic sealers.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for resealing frequency.

Stain Identification Tips

Identifying the stain type helps determine the best removal method:

• Location: Near plants, food prep, cosmetics?
• Color/Shape: What does it look like?
• Surroundings: What activities usually happen there?

Stain Removal

Most surface stains can be removed with the right cleaner or a poultice.

Common Stains

• Oil-Based (grease, cosmetics): Darkens stone. Clean with liquid detergent, mineral spirits, or acetone.
• Organic (coffee, tea, wine, fruit): Pink-brown stains. Outdoors, sun and rain fade them. Indoors, use 12% hydrogen peroxide plus a few drops of ammonia.
• Metal (rust, copper, bronze): Rust = orange-brown; copper/bronze = green-brown. Use a poultice. Deep rust may be permanent.
• Biological (algae, mildew, moss): Clean with ½ cup ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water. Never mix bleach and ammonia.
• Ink: Light stone: bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Dark stone: lacquer thinner or acetone.
• Paint: Small spots: lacquer thinner or razor blade. Heavy paint: use lye-based paint stripper (follow directions, wear protection, rinse well). Oil-based paints may leave oily stains—treat as oil-based.
• Water Spots / Rings: Buff gently with dry #0000 steel wool.
• Fire / Smoke Damage: Use commercial smoke removers; etching may require professional repolishing.
• Etch Marks: Caused by acids. Professional refinishing may be required.
• Efflorescence: White powder from salts. Dry mop/vacuum; avoid wet cleaning. If it recurs, fix the moisture source.
• Scratches / Nicks: Light scratches: buff with dry steel wool. Deep ones need professional repair.

Using a Poultice

For full instructions, visit naturalstoneinstitute.org/consumers/care/ or contact a stone professional.

Natural Stone is Easy to Care For!

If a stain or damage seems difficult to fix, contact your stone supplier, installer, or a restoration specialist.