MAINTENANCE of stones

GraniteUntreated granite surfaces are the easiest to clean.  Their natural high density resists absorption of staining materials.  Dirt and grime can be cleaned by a mild solution of soap and water.  As a rule, thermal surfaces are more liable to stain than polished surfaces.  An impregnator is suggested in thermal finishes.  Even though sealers are used regularly, they bring their own set of maintenance problems.  Sealers can alter the surface texture and finish on thermal finishes and can build up on the surface, creating a layer that is less durable than granite.  For exterior usage, sealers are not suggested, because they can trap moisture between itself and the granite layer, which may crack the granite during temperature changes.

Regular maintenance recommended for granite is a simple cleaning with neutral detergent or mild soap and water.  High traffic areas, which acquire dirt and grime, need a more intensive cleanser.  For polished floors in high traffic areas, a polish preserver/restorer may be required.  Different conditions and stains can be treated with specific cleansing agents.

As kitchen counters, granite should be sealed and a neutral pH detergent or pure soap can be used for cleaning.

MarbleNormal housekeeping involves only periodic washing with clean water and mild alkaline cleaners. Soap free cleansers are preferred because they minimize streaking and filming.  After marble has been cleaned and is properly dried, a top-dressing may be applied. Any beeswax is good for this purpose - do not use oil-based dressing or colored wax.  In case of a honed finish, soiling is more of a probability than for polished. This is because the honed surface is more porous and therefore absorptive than a polished one.

The basic cleaning is the same as for polished surfaces.  For honed high traffic areas, care should be taken to prevent accumulations of liquids or other materials that would result in safety hazards (or staining). To prevent this, regular mopping is recommended.

Honed marbles used for interiors may require sealing to bring out the color and to minimize maintenance. All sealers should be applied on cleaned marble.  On high rises, marble will have to be cleaned with high-pressure pumps for wash and rinse water to remove accumulated pollutants.  As in granite, different stains and conditions can be treated with specific cleaning agents.