Natural Stone Care and Maintenance Guide
Simple maintenance tips to protect and preserve natural stone surfaces for years of beauty and performance.
Natural stone is a long-term investment that adds beauty, texture, and value to residential and commercial spaces. Proper cleaning and maintenance help preserve the appearance and durability of marble, travertine, limestone, slate, onyx, and other natural stone products.
Indoor Natural Stone Care
Always vacuum or sweep stone surfaces before mopping to remove dirt and debris that may scratch the surface.
Use a soft brush vacuum attachment whenever possible.
Clean stone floors and walls using:
- Neutral pH stone cleaners
- Mild liquid dish soap
- Warm water
Use clean rinse water frequently during cleaning to avoid redistributing dirt across the surface.
After cleaning, dry the surface thoroughly using a soft towel or microfiber cloth for best results.
Avoid acidic cleaners.
Do not use:
- Vinegar
- Lemon-based cleaners
- Acidic products
- Abrasive cleaners
- Corrosive chemicals
- Oil-based cleaners
These products may damage marble, limestone, travertine, onyx, and other sensitive natural stone surfaces.
Natural Stone Care in Wet Areas
In showers, bathrooms, and wet environments, soap scum should be removed regularly to prevent buildup.
A non-acidic soap scum remover is recommended.
A diluted ammonia and water solution may also be used occasionally, but frequent use may dull polished stone surfaces over time.
Outdoor Natural Stone Maintenance
For outdoor patios, pool decks, and hot tub areas, rinse stone surfaces regularly with clean water.
A mild bleach solution may be used carefully to remove algae, moss, or mildew buildup.
We strongly recommend sealing natural stone products with a high-quality penetrating sealer designed specifically for your stone type.
Stone should typically be sealed:
- After initial installation
- As part of regular maintenance
- According to manufacturer recommendations
Always remove excess sealer from glass, metal, or decorative accents before it dries.
Stone Borders with Copper Accents
Copper accents naturally develop a patina over time due to oxidation and exposure to air.
To help slow the aging process, a light coat of high-quality non-abrasive Carnauba auto paste wax may be applied to the copper surface.
Important:
- Do not use waxes containing abrasives
- Buff the wax off once dry
- Avoid getting wax into unsealed grout joints
Although durable, metal accents may still scratch or dent under heavy impact.
Natural Stone Care Do’s and Don’ts
Recommended:
- Vacuum, sweep, and mop floors regularly
- Use mild stone cleaners or neutral detergents
- Rinse and dry surfaces thoroughly after cleaning
- Clean spills immediately
Avoid:
- Acidic cleaners on marble, limestone, travertine, or onyx
- Abrasive cleaning products
- Mixing bleach and ammonia
Warning: Mixing bleach and ammonia creates a dangerous toxic gas.
Helpful Stone and Tile Resources
Shop Related Collections