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Maintenance
of marble and granite
Cleaning
tips
Natural
stone
Granite and marble are varieties of natural stone.
(The others are limestone, travertine, slate, quartzite,
sandstone, adoquin and onyx.)
Granite is an important structural and ornamental
stone, due to its high compressive strength and durability.
It is the hardest of structural stones. Its mineral-rich
colors, the hardness and density, make it and ideal choice
for flooring, counter tops, vanities. It is also applied
outside. A broad range of elegant patterns and colors makes
granite very versatile. It is also the most
“maintenance-free” of all stones. Granites
get their wonderful variety of colors and patterns from
minerals that are melted into the liquid mass as the stone
is formed.
Marble has been valued for thousands of years for its
rich palette of beautiful colors and it is perfect for
practically any part of the house. Generally calcite
and dolomite marbles are of pure white color - variations
are due to the mixture of foreign substances. Such
impurities form bands, streaks and clouds which make marble
so decorative. Black and grayish shades are due to graphite
having been mixed in, in red marbles manganese oxides or
hematite are generally present.
Tile and stone floor cleaning
Both tile and stone floors can last you a lifetime. The
natural toughness and the natural beauty of this stone make
this the selection of choice where the quality and
character of a floor are most important. Though very
hardy, the care and cleaning of tile and stone floors do
vary quite widely depending on the materials
used.
Because natural granite and marble tile are natural
products, they exhibit a very wide range of stain
resistance. Marble is much more porous than granite
and some kinds of marble can stain easily. Common
household foods such as vinegar, lemon juice, orange juice,
nail polish remover, and even water, especially when it has
a high mineral content, can cause very serious stains
and destroy the shiny surface with etching or pitting due to
acids.
Both marble and granite require the use of neutral pH
sealers for protection and shine. These sealers need to
be periodically reapplied (every six to twelve months
depending on the amount of foot traffic). Please,
discuss with us the best way to maintain the particular
stone you acquire from us.
Cleaning marble in particular
Marble is a very soft stone, much softer than granite. It is
also highly porous, so it is very easily etched by
acids (vinegar, tomato juice, orange juice, etc.). It is
also prone to develop water stains or spots, such as
marks left by drinking glasses, or water spots after
mopping. Always wipe off any spills immediately as
they happen.
Clean your marble stone surface with a soft cloth or mop
using pH neutral cleaning solution and wipe it dry
with a soft clean cloth to remove any water spots. Never
clean this floor with vinegar, as you will destroy the
finish. For stains, always seek professional help.
Marble-specific cleaning products are available for removing
stains.
If your marble floors are protected with floor finishing
sealant, the finish should be buffed or burnished in and
reapplied periodically to keep the surface optimally
protected and looking good. Revive your scratched and dull
marble floors with a neutral-pH marble restorer.
Please, talk to us personally and we will be happy to give
you all the information you need to maintain the products
you bought from us in the best and safest possible
manner.
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Interesting
links:
Marble
Institute of America
About
marble sculpture
Marble
Museum of Carrara, Italy
Vermont
Marble Museum, USA
The
Granite and Marble Search
Engine
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