FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
QUICK GUIDE TO STONE MAINTENANCE
Ever wonder how to maintain or clean your natural stone? Here is a quick guide for Stone Maintenance, the Do’s and Don’ts, and FAQ.
Daily use maintenance tips:
The main traffic floor should be cleaned daily. On rainy or snowy days, we recommend cleaning be done more often to neutralize acid rain residue. Cleaning should consist of sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping the floor. Mops should be changed frequently.
Quick Tip: Routinely inspect the floor for spills or stains. Picking them up quickly prevents staining and liquid penetration into the stone.
No, DON’T use a cotton mop because they release cotton oil on the surface, creating a film.
Quick Tip: DON’T use metal mop frames because their edge will scratch the surface.
Water should be changed continuously (every 1,000-2,000 SF). If not, the dirty solution will be reapplied to the surface which can cause dark staining to occur.
Quick Tip: DON’T use metal mop frames because their edge will scratch the surface.
Do’s and Don’ts of Floor Care:
Yes, DO clean up spills immediately to minimize damage to your stone. DON’T wait to clean up spills on stone. DO use maintenance products designed for your stone surfaces.
Quick Tip: Routinely inspect the floor for spills or stains. Picking them up quickly prevents staining and liquid penetration into the stone.
For best results, DO clean surfaces regularly. Always rinse your floors well to prevent a build-up of residue that could become slippery. DO use door mats inside and outside, along with runners and area rugs on floors. DO dust mop the floor daily to not only pick up the dust but also the grit tracked into the building. The grit acts as an abrasive on a hard surface floor.
No, DON’T use cleaners that contain acids, such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub cleaners. DON’T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or other general-purpose cleaners. DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers. DON’T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for stone. DO use maintenance products specially designed for your stone surfaces.
A Quick tip: DO consult with a professional who is an expert in maintaining stone floors.
No, DON’T use scouring powders and abrasives because they will scratch the surface. DON’T use purely surface waxes or all-purpose sealers. Employment of such products can result in slippery surfaces. DON’T use all-purpose cleaners containing water-soluble inorganic or crystallizing salts, harmful alkalis, or acids. The use of such products could prove harmful to the stone floor.
A Quick tip: DO consult with a professional who is an expert in maintaining stone floors.
PROBLEMS?
If you encounter a severe problem with your stone surface, do not try and remedy it yourself. Talk to a professional. If the stains are absorbed deep into the stone, normal cleaning solutions will not remove them. You could push the stain deeper into the pores of the stone. Deep stains will require a special chemical and possibly a “poultice”. Only trained professionals know the correct treatment necessary to restore your stone.
QUESTIONS?
Miller Druck is always here for you. Miller Druck has been installing and maintaining stone surfaces for over 100 years. Call us or email us with your questions.