Tips on how to clean and care for natural stone to keep it beautiful forever!

Stone is a valuable decorative material. Marble, granite, sandstone, or synthetic stone all possess unique characteristics and beauty. However, this beauty can only be sustained with proper care. Neglecting or using incorrect methods can cause stone to dull, stain, or crack prematurely. Therefore, this article will guide you through the detailed process of caring for stone surfaces, from choosing the right methods for marble care to using appropriate tools and cleaning agents, ensuring your home or building remains beautiful and durable for a long time

Why is caring for your face stone important?

Each type of stone has different properties. Some are strong and impact-resistant but susceptible to stains, while others are beautiful and luxurious but highly porous. Therefore, caring for stone surfaces isn't just about general wiping; it requires understanding the stone's characteristics to choose the appropriate method. For example, marble is luxurious but susceptible to acids and stains; granite is very strong but still requires polishing; sandstone has a natural texture but is prone to algae growth; and synthetic stone is easier to maintain but still needs protection from extreme heat

How to care for different types of rocks

Marble Care

"Marble care" is a term that many people worry about because marble is fragile and susceptible to absorption, stains, and certain chemicals. Here are some tips on how to care for marble to extend its lifespan and maintain its beauty:

Things to avoid and things to use

• Avoid using acidic substances at all costs: acidic substances such as vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, or acidic cleaning solutions, as they will corrode the surface, causing stains and loss of shine
• What to use: Use a mild cleaning solution or soap, as these have a low acidity content and will not damage the stone surface

Cleaning supplies

• Use a microfiber cloth, clean towel, or chamois to wipe clean instead of harsh scrubbing. Using a soft cloth will help protect the surface from minor scratches

Recommended products for marble care

For those requiring specialized cleaning and stain-resistant products, Siamtak offers products specifically designed for stone

• Tenax Bravo Stone Surface Cleaner : This concentrated cleaning solution effectively removes a wide variety of dirt and grease stains, both natural and synthetic, such as wax, paint, tar, synthetic oil, ink, oily residue, animal and plant fats, and stubborn soap scum.
• TENAX Proseal 1L Waterproofing and Stain Protection Coating for Marble and Granite. TENAX Proseal is a waterproofing and stain-resistant coating.
• TENAX Ager stone surface sealant enhances the color, giving stone a richer, shinier look and providing basic protection against stains. It is suitable for all stone surfaces.
  
  

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Additional tips

• Apply a sealant every 6 months to prevent penetration and maintain the shine 
• If wine, coffee, or tea stains occur, blot them immediately with a damp cloth. Even with a sealant, if stains are left for more than 24 hours, they can seep into the stone

Granite Care

Granite is a durable material suitable for high-traffic areas such as kitchen countertops, bathroom floors, and hallways. Regular cleaning with water or mild soapy water is recommended. Applying a sealant 1-2 times a year is advised to prevent oil stains. Avoid impacts with sharp objects; even though the stone is hard, it can still be scratched

Additional precautions

For black granite, avoid using acidic cleaning agents as they will damage the surface. Also, do not use any sealants on black granite as they will cause stains

Sandstone Care

Sandstone gives a natural feel and is popular for paving walkways, gardens, and decorative walls, but it requires special care. Regularly sweep away dust and dirt, rinse with clean water, and avoid harsh cleaning agents. Apply a waterproof and anti-algae sealant periodically to extend its lifespan and maintain its color 

Additional precautions

Although sandstone is commonly used for both exterior and interior decoration, it has limitations. Its softness compared to other types of stone makes it easily absorb dirt and stains, and its relatively low strength means it is prone to breakage

Engineered Stone Care

Synthetic stone is a mixture of natural stone powder and resin, making it durable and stain-resistant, but it still requires care. Wipe with a cloth dampened with mild soapy water and avoid placing very hot pots directly on the surface. Minor scratches can be polished with specialized stone polish. Synthetic stone is further categorized into different types, including:

• Synthetic Quartz (Quartz Surface)

Synthetic quartz is distinguished by its superior strength and scratch resistance compared to many natural stones. It's ideal for use as kitchen countertops, tables, or other surfaces that are subjected to heavy daily use

• Daily cleaning: Wipe away stains with a soft cloth dampened with mild soapy water or a pH-neutral cleaner, then follow with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water marks
• Things to avoid: Do not use bleach, strong acids, or strong alkalis, as these may damage the resin bonded to the stone. Also, do not place very hot pots directly on the stone, as this may cause cracking
• Additional tip: To maintain its shine, wipe it with a quartz polish every 2–3 months to keep the surface looking fresh

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• Artificial marble

Artificial marble is designed to mimic the patterns of natural marble but is more resistant to stains and spills. It's ideal for use in bathrooms, countertops, or areas requiring a luxurious feel

• Daily cleaning: Use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with clean water or mild soapy water to wipe the face, then pat dry with a clean cloth to prevent water marks
• Stain management: For coffee, tea, or soap stains, wipe them off immediately. For stubborn stains, use a mild cleaner suitable for artificial marble
• Things to avoid: Do not use toilet cleaner, hydrochloric acid, or wire brushes, as these will damage the surface and cause discoloration
• Additional tip: To maintain a glossy finish, use a polish specifically designed for artificial marble every 3–6 months. This will help keep it looking like new

• Crystal Composite

Composite crystal stone has a glossy, glass-like surface, giving it a luxurious and modern feel. It's ideal for interior decoration, countertops, and dining tables, but it requires special care as its surface is susceptible to stains

• Daily cleaning: Wipe away stains immediately with a cloth dampened with warm water, especially those from dark-colored foods such as coffee, sauces, or soup
• Managing Stubborn Stains: If stains won't wipe off, use an ammonia-based cleaner. Avoid strong acids or alkaline chemicals as they may damage the stone surface
• Maintenance: Polishing is recommended at least once a month. Apply a water-based polish to the entire surface, let it dry, then wipe with a dry cloth until it shines. This will help maintain its beautiful gloss for longer
• Things to avoid: Do not use scouring pads or wire brushes, as this will scratch the surface and cause it to lose its shine

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• Terrazzo polished stone

Terrazzo is a highly durable stone, commonly used for floors or countertops requiring durability and beautiful patterns. However, proper care will help maintain its appearance for longer

• Daily care: Sweep or vacuum first, then wipe the surface with a mop dampened with clean water or a pH-neutral cleaning solution
• Stain management: If oil or dark stains occur, wipe them off immediately. Do not leave them for too long as they may seep into the stone
• Long-term maintenance: A sealant should be applied every 1–2 years to prevent stain penetration and maintain shine. If the surface begins to dull, it can be repolished and restored
• Things to avoid: Do not use strong acidic cleaning agents such as vinegar or toilet cleaner, as they may corrode the surface and cause discoloration

Tips for keeping your stones looking like new

Wipe up spills of water or food immediately. Perform daily cleaning by dusting and gently wiping. Protect against scratches by placing protective pads under furniture. Inspect regularly; call a professional if you find stubborn stains or cracks. Do not try to cut corners by using cheap bathroom cleaners, as this can damage the stone surface

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Tools and equipment used in rock surface care

• Microfiber cloth – reduces scratches from wiping
• Chamois cloth - a soft fabric that creates a glossy finish on stone surfaces
• Stone cleaner specifically formulated – gentle and will not damage the stone
• Stone polisher – Used to restore the shine to dull stone
• Sealer/Coating – Prevents stains from penetrating and increases durability
• Furniture underlays – reduce pressure and prevent scratches

How do different types of stone care products differ? Which one is best suited for which application?

TENAX Bravo Concentrated Cleaning Solution

• feature

This is a specialized cleaning solution; it does not leave coatings or strip paint. It is used to remove stubborn stains such as oil, grease, wax, paint, tar, and other dirt

• Suitability for use 

Used for cleaning tough and stubborn stains on marble, granite, and terrazzo 

TENAX Proseal is a waterproof and stain-resistant coating

• feature 

This coating protects against water and oil penetration without darkening the stone's color (no wet look), making it ideal for stones that need to retain their original color

• Suitability for use 

Suitable for all types of stone (marble, granite, and other natural stone) that have undergone various surface treatments (e.g., flame-treated, sandblasted, rough-polished) and require color-fast stain protection

TENAX Easywet Stone Color Enhancer (Wet Look)

• feature 

Enhances stone colors dramatically, creating a "wet look" effect. Dries quickly and is easy to use

• Suitability for use 

Ideal for marble and granite that require enhancing the intensity and prominence of their colors and patterns

TENAX Ager stone surface coating helps enhance color and provide protection

• feature 

It has similar properties to Easywet, enhancing the color of the stone, giving it a rich, glossy look, and providing a protective coating to the stone surface, as well as basic stain resistance

• Suitability for use 

Suitable for marble, granite, and natural stone that requires both color enhancement and surface protection. Can be used for both interior and exterior applications

TENAX Cera Fluida Wax/Polish

• feature 

This is a wax used to enhance the shine of stone surfaces. It can increase the level of gloss and can be used to cover up minor, shallow scratches

• Suitability for use 

Suitable for polishing and restoring the shine of marble and granite surfaces with shallow scratches

Caring for marble and all types of stone surfaces is important and should not be overlooked. Stone is a material that adds value to homes and buildings. A small investment in cleaning, care, and maintenance will extend its lifespan, keeping the stone looking beautiful and luxurious for years to come.

If you are looking for products to maintain the durability and beauty of your stone, you can get advice and more information from stone experts at @LINE Siamtak and Facebook Siamtak or call 029841680.

Discover home decorating ideas and how different types of stone can enhance your home through Instagram @Siamtak Siamtak Natural decorative stones offer endless possibilities.

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