STONE BENCHTOP CARE

How YOU can clean and protect your marble and stone benchtops

Whilst professional cleaning of your stone kitchen benchtops, bathroom vanities, bartops and furniture is recommended every 12 months, there are many things YOU can do to keep your precious stone looking fresh, clean and stain free for longer.

Tips for protecting your stone benchtops:

• Clean the stone surface with a recommended product such as S-P Cleaner and a soft damp cloth after every use, to avoid the build up of bacteria and substances that may scratch or etch the surface.
• Use only a white scourer such as a Scrub A Dub for removal of stubborn food.
• NEVER use green scourers or steel wool to remove stains on any stone surface as these will scratch.
• Remove spills immediately to minimise damage. Acidic substances such as juice, coffee, tea, vinegar and wine will etch marble, limestone and travertine benchtops on contact.
• Rinse the stone surface after cleaning with fresh water to remove all excess dirt and detergent and dry with a soft cloth.
• Use cutting boards on stone kitchen benchtops, coasters on bartops and tables, and mats under products on vanities.
• Use heat-proof mats always when placing hot pots and pans on stone kitchen benchtops. Never place them directly onto the stone.
• Use mats under cosmetics, perfumes and toiletries on stone bathroom vanities, to prevent etching and ring marks on marble.
• Use coasters on stone coffee tables, bar tables and counter tops to prevent etching and staining from wine and alcohol.
• Avoid using supermarket cleaners containing harsh abrasive creams, bleaches, caustic chemicals, acidic orange and lemon citrus cleaners and vinegar, and scourers as scratches are highly visible on glossy stone surfaces.

How The Marble Man can restore your stone benchtops:

• We can professionally deep clean your stone benchtops to remove stains and a built up dirt and grime.
• We can add a bacterial treatment to your stone benchtops to keep them fresh and hygienic.
• We can professionally polish your stone benchtops to remove scratches, swirl marks, dull spots, etching and stains.
• We can professionally repair chips and cracks in your stone benchtops.
• We can professionally seal your stone benchtops with a penetrating sealer after polishing to help protect them from staining,
• We can cover your stone benchtops with a protective film called Tuffskin which will protect them from from etching, scratching and staining.
• We can provide advice on the safest, most effective products to use to maintain your stone benchtops.

STONE FLOOR CARE

How YOU can clean and protect your marble and stone floor tiles

There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your stone floor tiles stay clean and undamaged for longer.  Regular maintenance with recommended products will extend the need for professional stone tile resurfacing.

Tips for protecting your stone floor tiles:

• Sweep floors on a daily basis to prevent dirt from scratching the surface under foot and accumulating in the grout.
• Use a soft bristled broom. This is the most effective and gentle method for cleaning smooth stone floor tiles.
• Vacuum rough textured surfaces, as this is more effective than sweeping.  The suction will pull the dirt fromwithin the textured surface.  Ensure that the vacuum cleaner wheels do not have grit on them and that the felt on the head is not worn so these do not scratch the floor.
• Mop on a regular basis after sweeping or vacuuming.
• NEVER use green scourers or steel wool to remove stains on any stone surface as these will scratch.
• Use a microfibre mop with a soft pad. This can be used wet or dry.  It usually comes with a large swivel head which makes sweeping quick and easy.  It picks up the dirt and dust as it moves and can be easily manoeuvred into corners. The microfibre pad can then be removed and rinsed thoroughly.
• Damp mopping with a microfibre mop will pick up any residual dirt after sweeping.
• Wet mopping or washing with a microfibre mop, warm water and a recommended product such as S-P Cleaner, will give a more thorough clean.
• Change mopping water every second squeeze so that dirt and grit is not continually transferred back to the floor.
• Rinse the floor after mopping to ensure the dirty water is completely removed from the surface.
• Wipe the floor dry with a cloth or towel as this will remove any product residue, water and streaks.

How The Marble Man can restore your stone floor tiles:

• We can professionally deep clean your stone floors to remove stains and built up dirt and grime.
• We can add a bacterial treatment to your stone floor tiles to keep them fresh and hygienic.
• We can professionally polish your stone floors to remove scratches, swirl marks, dull spots, etching and stains in high traffic areas.
• We can professionally repair chips and cracks in stone floor tiles or edges on stairs.
• We can professionally seal your stone floors with a penetrating sealer to help protect them from staining,
• We can provide advice on the safest, most effective products to use to maintain your stone floors.

STONE SHOWER CARE

How YOU can clean and protect your marble and stone showers

Stone showers can be difficult to clean if not maintained regularly.  Soap scum can build up on walls and floors and mould can grow on silicone. With regular cleaning you can keep your stone shower tiles looking sparkling and hygienic.

Tips for protecting your stone showers:

• Remove soap scum by using a recommended product such as Stone Deep Clean. This is a professional cleaning product, gentle on stone but effective enough to cut through soap scum build up and kill bacteria. 
• Use only a white scourer such as a Scrub A Dub to clean stone shower tiles and glass.
• NEVER use green scourers or steel wool to remove stains on any stone surface or on glass as these will scratch.
• Do not use acidic or abrasive supermarket products such as Ajax, Jif, Exit Mould, Domestos, Shower Power etc as these will dull the surface of the stone over time, especially marble and limestone.
• Remove mould on silicone sooner than later to prevent overgrowth. The longer the mould is attached to the silicone, the harder it is to remove.
• Take care when using mould removing products, such as bleach. if it contacts the stone it can dull the tiles over time.  If in doubt leave this to a professional.
• Do not allow products that contain bleach to accumulate on the floor of the shower, as they will dull the surface.
• IMPORTANT: DO NOT mix bleach with ammonia based products, as it will cause a toxic chemical reaction.
• Rinse the entire shower with fresh water after cleaning to remove excess product.
• Dry the area as thoroughly as possible after cleaning, with a dry sponge, towel or squeegee, to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
• Ensure adequate ventilation when using any cleaning products in a confined space such as a shower.
• Professional sealing is recommended after installation of a new shower, or after repolishing, to protect the tiles from moisture accumulating behind the tiles.

How The Marble Man can restore your stone showers:

• We can professionally deep clean your stone showers to remove built up soap scum and mould.
• We can add a bacterial treatment to your stone shower tiles and silicone to keep them clean and hygienic.
• We can professionally polish your stone shower tiles to remove scratches, etching and stains.
• We can repair chips and cracks in your stone shower tiles and replace discoloured or mouldy silicone.
• We can professionally seal your stone shower tiles with a penetrating sealer to help protect them from staining.
• We can provide advice on the safest, most effective products to use to maintain your stone showers.

OUTDOOR STONE CARE

How YOU can clean and protect your outdoor stone areas

Stone tiles in outdoor areas can become dirty and stained from dirt, leaves, pool chemicals and pollution. It is important to clean these areas regularly so that the stone tiles do not develop permanent stains and damage.

Tips for protecting your outdoor stone tiles:

• Sweep the outdoor area at least once per week with a medium bristled brush to prevent dirt from sticking to the surface and settling in the grout.
• Vacuum textured outdoor stones to lift dirt from the grooves and in the grout, that sweeping can not shift.
• Hose outdoor stone tiles monthly or more often using clean water and a mild, neutral stone detergent such as Stone Deep Clean.
• Remove stubborn organic growth such as algae, moss or lichen as soon as possible as it can permanently stain outdoor stone tiles, especially sandstone which holds moisture
• Clean under pots regularly to avoid permanent ring marks developing on outdoor stone tiles.
• Wash away beverage spills immediately to avoid staining, as some outdoor stones such as sandstone are extremely porous.
• Use a white Scrub A Dub pad with water and the recommended cleaner to deep clean the stone and remove stubborn stains.
• NEVER use green scourers or steel wool to remove stains on any stone surface.
• Do not use a wire brush on sandstone to remove moss or algae as this will damage the stone.
• Carry out a heavy duty clean at least once yearly. Outdoor stone tiles can become difficult to restore if left too long without regular maintenance.
• Seek professional help from The Marble Man sooner than later, if mould and stains do not disappear after using Stone Deep Clean
• Use a mild chlorine solution made up of chlorine mixed with water to kill bacteria, mould and algae, however care must be taken when using chemicals.  Seek professional advice if you wish to do this.

How The Marble Man can restore your stone showers:

• We can professionally deep clean your outdoor stone tiles to remove built up dirt, grime and stains from organic matter.
• We can add a bacterial treatment to your outdoor stone tiles to keep them clean and hygienic.
• We can professionally hone your outdoor stone tiles to remove weathering and stains.
• We can repair chips, cracks and weathered grout on your outdoor stone tiles.
• We can professionally seal your outdoor stone tiles with a penetrating sealer, to help protect them from water stains and mould, especially around pools.
• We can provide advice on the safest, most effective products to use to maintain your outdoor stone tiles.