If you are new to natural stones, the first surprise you are likely to get is the effort needed to keep them clean. Unlike wood, ceramics, or concrete, natural stone is more delicate and easily gets stained and scratched.
Natural stone is made of minerals, and they readily absorb all kinds of liquids and salts because they are highly porous.
A major issue
Even less porous stones are absorbent to some extent. When natural stone surfaces keep absorbing substances, they not only get stained, but their mineral composition gets altered forever. Once the mineral composition gets altered, natural stones don’t remain as attractive or durable anymore.
This is why when you choose a stone cleaner, you must do so after thorough research about the stone type and condition.
Picking up an ordinary cleaner for your stone surfaces is a dangerous mistake that will ruin your beautiful natural stones very soon. If you are in doubt about the kind of stone cleaner you should get, always ask your fabricator or ask at any natural stone shop.
There are various types of stone cleaners available, but not all of them are the best. What works for sandstone may not work for marble, and what works for limestone may not work for granite. Therefore, the first step in choosing a stone cleaner is to know what works for your stone surfaces.
Again, consulting an expert is always the best. Once you know what works for your natural stone, you will find it easier to choose a stone cleaner.
Is the stone sealed?
Natural stone sealer is a substance that is applied to the stone to protect it against staining and damage. Sealers are either applied topically or absorbed into the stone.
Enhancing sealers get penetrated into the stone, providing protection and changing the color of the stone. Topical sealers provide only protection without any enhancement.
Sealed stones are easier to maintain but the wrong cleaner can damage the stone nevertheless. Certain cleaners damage the sealer, penetrate the stone, and ultimately lead to cracks and dents. This makes them more vulnerable to stains. The more you use the cleaner, the more the sealer breaks down and damages the stone.
That is why it is important to pick a cleaner that leaves the protective coating unharmed. You should also regularly polish the stone with a polish fortified with a sealer.
Cheap isn’t the best
When choosing a stone cleaner, don’t run after the cheapest product. Look for quality instead of cost, because that is what will keep your natural stone surfaces new even after many years have passed.