More and more people are interested in natural stone in their interiors. Its popularity is mainly due to its beautiful, noble look. Let’s find out what to use to clean decorative stone in order to restore its former shine.
The right cleaner for natural stone
Anyone who wonders how to remove stains from natural stone should first realise that using the first product of its kind can be dangerous for the surface. It is important to choose the right natural stone cleaner, whose composition and action will not pose a threat to its outer layer.
Another important issue is the type of finishing material. The owners of granite floors or walls have the easiest task. This raw material is characterised by durability and strength and therefore it tolerates traditional cleaning agents well. In case of this material there is no need to buy dedicated liquids. Traditional cleaning chemicals will not damage granite, however, they will not provide the ideal effect of refreshing, which is why it is worth choosing a professional preparation.
Other materials, such as marble or sandstone, may become damaged, faded, cracked or covered with pores due to the application of universal specifics. Therefore, it is necessary to buy a cleaner for a specific type of natural stone.
How to clean natural stone? We suggest step by step
It is not enough to know what to clean decorative stone with and to buy the right product. Skilful cleaning is equally important. Only the application of the recommended technique will effectively remove stains from stone and at the same time will not damage its surface. So, how to clean natural stone safely and effectively to restore its former glory?
Step 1 – apply the agent
First, dilute the cleaning agent with water, maintaining the manufacturer’s recommended proportions. Then apply the solution to the entire surface. You can use a mop, brush or sponge for this purpose. The amount of the applied preparation should be adjusted to the degree of dirt. In case of stubborn stains, it should be a thick layer. The most important thing is to spread the substance evenly on the whole decorative stone.
Step 2 – wait 10 minutes
Natural stone cleaning requires that you wait about ten minutes after applying the solution to the floor for it to take effect. This is to allow the dirt particles to soften. However, be careful not to let the solution dry out. Sometimes it is necessary to proceed after a shorter break.
Step 3 – Thorough cleaning
At this stage comes the actual cleaning. The entire decorative stone should be scrubbed thoroughly and intensively. Again, just use a normal brush, mop or cloth. Ideally, you should have a cleaning machine at your disposal because this will give you the best result. However, it is not necessary.
Step 4 – rinsing and drying
Finally, simply remove the solution with the dissolved contaminants using water, then wipe off the wet areas and allow the surface to dry completely. When this happens, you will see that the stone has become clean and has regained its natural beauty.