ESSENTIAL CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR NATURAL STONE SURFACES

CLEANING PROCEDURES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

General Cleaning Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner designated safe for natural stone. Use a clean mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Don't use more than the recomended amount of any cleaning product. Too much may leave a film, causing streaks. Change rinse water frequently. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble, travertine or limestone as these can etch the surface of the stone. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch polished surfaces.

Floor Surfaces Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that can scratch a stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn, the metal or plastic attachments may scratch the surface.

Bath and Other Wet Areas
In the bath/ shower or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. Spritz on a little stone safe cleaner, wipe with a squeegee.

Counter/Vanity Top Surfaces Counter / vanity tops may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. If a sealer is applied in kitchens, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use in food preparation surfaces.

Outdoor Pool & Patio Areas In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.

Stain Treatment and Other Issues
If possible, immediately blot spills with a clean paper towel. If something has soaked into the stone and stained it, a poultice may need to be applied. Consult the Care Guide for detailed instructions on how to treat a host of possible stains as well as resolve other issues.

Do's and Don'ts

• Do dust mop floors frequently.
• Do clean surfaces with a neutral stone cleaner.
• Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing.
• Do blot up spills immediately.
• Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and counter top surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats, particularly under those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface.
• Don't place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface.
• Don't use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces.
• Don't use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners.
• Don't use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
• Don't mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.