Stone Maintenance
One of the many reasons that natural stone is so popular today in both residential and commercial installations is its durability and ease of maintenance. The stone you install today will stay beautiful and functional for generations – with very little maintenance.

General Maintenance Tips
After installation, all stone will benefit by being sealed with an appropriate penetrating sealing product. With all natural stone products, we recommend the use of a stone maintenance program using an impregnating sealer and neutral cleaner. Harsh chemicals, especially acidic or alkaline products can cause damage to polished stones. Care should be taken in the selection of sealers, as some sealers may enhance the color of the stone. Intertile carries a full line of natural stone care and maintenance products. The Marble Institute of America has published a care and cleaning brochure that may be helpful. Please consult with an Intertile representative for the proper sealers and cleaners for your application. After sealing, your new stone will practically take care of itself. (We suggest not using a topcoat as it can give stone a waxy or artificial look.)

Dust mop interior floors. Like all high-gloss materials, stone installed as flooring should be kept free of dust, sand and tracked-in soil. This sediment can damage the polished finish of even the hardest stone. A good "first line of defense" is the strategic placement of walk-off mats at any outside entrances. If the floor is sediment-free, mopping and rinsing with clean, warm water will be sufficient to keep your floor looking beautiful.

Prevent soap scum build-up in showers and baths by using a squeegee.

Granite
As one of the hardest of the natural stones, granite is especially appropriate for use as flooring or countertops. An igneous rock, granite is impervious to damage from household kitchen acids such as vinegar, citrus drinks and sodas. Granite also handles heat extremely well; taking a hot pan from the stove and placing it on a granite countertop is perfectly all right.

Do remember, however, that some granite can be stained by some liquids or darkened by oils if not properly sealed with a penetrating stone sealer. Once sealed, granite shouldn’t require any special care other than regular cleaning with warm, soapy water.

Marble / Limestone / Travertine
Marble, limestone and travertine are calcareous (calcium-based) stones that are perfect for foyer and bathroom flooring, walls, bathroom counters and fireplaces. Because they are more porous stones, some care should be taken when used in the kitchen as flooring or countertops.

After installation, seal with a penetrating stone sealer. Sealing will minimize any absorption of liquids that might stain the material. Polished marble, limestone and travertine can still, however, be damaged by acidic substances (such as vinegar, citrus drinks, mustard and catsup). These acids can dull a polished surface or roughen a honed finish if not wiped up promptly.

If necessary, clean with a stone cleaner, neutral Ph cleaner or mild dishwashing liquid. Never use abrasive cleansers, "soft scrub" products or harsh or acidic chemicals on any stone as these can scratch or dull the polished finish. A good rule of thumb is never to use anything on your stone that you wouldn’t use on your hands.

There are excellent stone-specific cleaning products available, including pH-neutral cleaners that are specifically formulated to be gentle to stone surfaces. Avoid cleaning products not specifically designed for marble, limestone or travertine.

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