Whether you have marble, granite, limestone or slate it is not immune to wear and tear. It's only a matter of time before the stone begins to deteriorate and lose its natural finish. However the customer can follow a few simple guidelines in caring for the stone that will extend the time in between refinishing.

• Dust mop the stone on a regular basis removing lose dirt and dust.
• Use a non acidic neutral soap with warm water to clean the stone.
• Wipe up spills quickly.
• Check the stone every few months to see whether it is properly sealed.
• Use floor mats and carpets for entrances especially in the winter.

• Use vinegar, acidic or citrus cleaners, or any product with ammonia to clean the stone.
• Allow common household cleaners to come into contact with the stone. (ex. Windex, Vim etc.)
• Use inexpensive wipe on wipe off “quick waxes”
• Leave sharp objects such as keys, knives etc. on stone surfaces including granite
• Allow any kind of oil, wine or citrus juices to sit on the stone for an extended period of time.

Following these guidelines will help to keep your stone looking new and stain free. A simple neutral soap such as Palmolive mixed with warm water and applied with a cotton string mop is all that is needed to keep the stone's surface clean. A properly sealed floor or counter top will be able to resist harmful liquids long enough for you to clean them up. Eventually though, if left to sit, harmful spills will penetrate the surface and leave a stain, even on newly sealed stone. It's the sealer however that gives you a chance to clean up a spill before any damage is done.

Here is a test that you can do to see if your stone is properly sealed.

1. Pour a small amount of water on the stone
2. Let it sit for a minute
   

Does the water darken the stone? Is it puddling or beading on the surface?
Any puddling/darkening means the liquid has begun to penetrate the surface.

* Fact: Even when newly installed, granite, marble, limestone and travertine should all be properly sealed using a high grade silicone impregnator. Factory sealers just don't cut it!