Some surfaces, like marble, stone, and granite, can’t be cleaned the same way as everything else. Or, more precisely, they can be, but it might be hard on them to use the same cleaners that you use for tile cleaning. The good news is that these are pretty simple to clean and you can use your own DIY mixture for everyday cleaning needs.
Check out these 4 tips for your marble and stone cleaning needs.
Dish Soap
One of the best cleaners for cleaning this type of surface is just a little bit of dish soap. People use Dawn for way more than just dishes. You can turn to Dawn, or any other dish soap, to clean marble and stone.
All you need is a mixture of dish soap and water and a good cleaning rag. If you have a spray bottle that you can mix your soap and water in, that is ideal. However, you could also use a bowl of warm water with a few drops of soap if that’s easier for you.
Avoid Acidic Cleaners
This is one cleaning area where you need to be careful about the cleaner you choose. Things like bleach, vinegar, or even Windex can be too harsh on your marble and granite surfaces.
The acid in cleaners like this starts to eat away at the materials and over time will really wear down your surface. Avoid anything acidic, including lemon and rust remover solutions.
While marble is generally sturdy, acid is nothing to play around with on it. Stone is very much the same. The makeup of stone will also break down from acidic items, so protect your surfaces.
Keep It Gentle
While on regular tiles or normal countertops you might use a scrubbing sponge and maybe even gritty cleaners to help make them shine, you can’t do that with marble and stone cleaning.
Those gritty cleaners and abrasive sponges are very hard on the materials in marble and stone. Here, the issue is not that it will wear them down, but more that it is likely to scratch them.
Granite, stone, and marble are very expensive to put in. You want to take the best care of them possible, so use gentle cleaning materials to avoid scratching the surfaces.
Tackle Stains Quickly
If you can prevent stains, that is the best thing – but when stains or spills happen, just handle them quickly. If you spill alcohol or anything acidic (like lemonade), you will want to get those cleaned right away.
Grab a paper towel or a soft rag and wipe up as much as you can. Avoid spreading the spill if possible. Immediately clean the area using warm, soapy water to prevent staining.
Professional Cleaning Services
If your marble and stone need a little extra TLC, The King of Kleen is here to help. We can come in when you need a deep clean to supplement your regular cleaning practices. Just give us a call.