Frequently Asked Questions

Natural stone adds beauty and value to your home, but keeping it looking its best takes the right care. The good news is that a few simple habits can help protect your countertops, floors, showers, and other stone surfaces from damage, dullness, and staining.

This guide covers the most important do’s and don’ts for caring for natural stone, including what to do when spills happen and which cleaning products to avoid. The recommendations below are based on the care information in your brochure and stone care guide.

 Protecting natural stone starts with everyday habits.

• Do use coasters under glasses, especially if drinks contain citrus or alcohol.
• Do use trivets or mats under hot dishes and cookware.
• Do use placemats under china, ceramics, silver, and other items that could scratch the stone.
• Do place rugs or mats at entryways to help trap dirt and sand before it gets tracked across stone floors.
• Do dust countertops, islands, vanities, and floors regularly to help reduce buildup and surface wear.

Spills should always be handled quickly.

• Do blot spills immediately to help minimize permanent damage to the stone.
• Do use a clean, dry white cloth to absorb liquids.
• Do scoop up food spills gently with a plastic spoon before cleaning the area.
• Do allow mud to dry completely before removing it with a soft plastic or nylon brush.

Quick action can make a big difference when it comes to preventing stains and surface damage.

 Not every cleaner is safe for stone.

• Do clean stone surfaces with clean water or a stone-safe cleaner specifically designed for natural stone.
• Do choose products that help protect the finish and sealer rather than wear them down over time.

Using the right product is one of the easiest ways to protect the long-term beauty of natural stone.

 A lot of common cleaners can damage natural stone.

• Don’t use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or general-purpose cleaners.
• Don’t use bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tile cleaners that contain acid.
• Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as powders or creams.
• Don’t use alkaline cleaners unless they are specifically formulated for natural stone.

These products can strip polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone, or degrade the sealer.

 Sealing is important, but it does not make stone damage-proof.

Don’t assume sealing prevents etching. Acidic substances like orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard, and many soft drinks can still leave dull marks on marble, limestone, and travertine, whether the stone is sealed or unsealed.

Sealer can buy you time to wipe up a spill, but it cannot stop the chemical reaction that causes etching.

This is one of the most common points of confusion for homeowners.

• Do know that stains and etching are not the same thing.
• A stain happens when a substance soaks into the stone. Etching happens when an acidic substance reacts with the surface and leaves a dull mark.
• Do know that professional refinishing is often the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore an even finish.

Different surfaces around the home need slightly different attention.

• Do clean countertops and vanities regularly to remove residues from food, cosmetics, toothpaste, mouthwash, and other daily products that can dull the surface or wear down the sealer.
• Do dust mop stone floors frequently with a clean, untreated dust mop to remove grit before it scratches the surface.
• Do damp mop floors with a stone-safe cleaner as directed.
• Don’t use vacuum attachments or wheels that may scratch the floor.
• Don’t walk on wet stone floors until they are completely dry, since they may be slippery.
• Do clean bath and wet areas regularly to reduce soap scum and hard water deposits.
• Do use a squeegee in showers and other wet areas to help minimize buildup after each use.

 Oil-based stains need a different approach.

• Do identify whether the stain has an oil base, such as salad dressing, cooking oil, butter, or some cosmetics.
• Do use a poultice or professional oil stain remover made for natural stone when needed, following all label directions carefully.

Some issues need more than routine cleaning.

Don’t ignore dull areas, etch marks, deep stains, worn sealer, or buildup that does not respond to regular care. Professional stone restoration can help correct the problem and restore the appearance of the surface.

 To keep it simple:

Do:

• Use coasters, trivets, mats, and placemats
• Dust and clean regularly
• Blot spills immediately
• Use stone-safe cleaning products
• Maintain countertops, floors, showers, and vanities with care
• Contact a professional for etching, stains, sealing, or restoration

Don’t:

• Use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners
• Use abrasive products
• Assume sealer prevents etching
• Let spills sit
• Ignore signs of wear or damage

Master Stone Care helps homeowners protect and restore natural stone surfaces with professional cleaning, sealing, polishing, and restoration services.

If your stone has lost its shine, developed etch marks, or needs expert attention, professional care can help bring it back to life.