Complete Guide to Natural Stone Care & Maintenance

You've invested in beautiful natural stone for your home—now how do you protect that investment for decades to come? Whether it's a stunning Italian Statuario marble countertop, a durable Black Galaxy granite floor, or an elegant Taj Mahal quartzite island, proper maintenance is essential.

After 60 years of supplying and installing natural stone, we at S.N. Mour Marbles have seen what works—and what doesn't. Here's our definitive guide to caring for your natural stone.

Understanding Your Stone Type

Before diving into maintenance, it's crucial to understand that not all natural stones are the same. Each type has unique properties that affect how you should care for it.

Stone Hardness & Porosity

Stone Type	Hardness (Mohs)	Porosity	Acid Sensitivity	Maintenance Level
Granite	6-7	Low	Low	Easy
Quartzite	7	Low	Low	Easy
Marble	3-4	Medium-High	High	Moderate
Limestone	3-4	High	Very High	High
Travertine	3-4	Very High	Very High	High
Onyx	3	High	Very High	High
Sandstone	6-7	Very High	Low	Moderate

Key takeaway: Granite and quartzite are the most forgiving. Marble, limestone, and onyx require more careful maintenance.

The Golden Rules of Stone Care

Before we get into specifics, memorize these universal rules:

1. Always use pH-neutral cleaners (pH 7)
2. Never use vinegar, lemon, or acidic cleaners
3. Wipe spills immediately—don't let them sit
4. Use coasters and trivets
5. Seal your stone regularly
6. Use cutting boards—never cut directly on stone

Daily & Weekly Cleaning

Daily Cleaning Routine

For everyday cleaning, simplicity is key:

What you need:

• Warm water
• pH-neutral stone cleaner (or mild dish soap diluted heavily)
• Soft microfiber cloth
• Dry towel

Steps:

1. Remove loose debris with a dry cloth
2. Spray cleaner lightly across the surface
3. Wipe in circular motions with a damp microfiber cloth
4. Dry immediately with a clean towel to prevent water spots

Weekly Deep Cleaning

Once a week, do a more thorough clean:

1. Clear the surface completely
2. Use a dedicated stone cleaner (not just diluted soap)
3. Let the cleaner sit for 2-3 minutes
4. Wipe with a damp cloth in overlapping strokes
5. Buff dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth
6. Inspect for any stains or etching that need attention

Sealing Your Natural Stone

Sealing is the most important maintenance task you can do. A good sealer fills the microscopic pores in stone, preventing liquids from penetrating and causing stains.

Does Your Stone Need Sealing?

Perform the water droplet test:

1. Place a few drops of water on the stone surface
2. Wait 10-15 minutes
3. Check the results:
   • Water beads up and stays on surface: Stone is well-sealed
   • Water absorbs, leaving a dark spot: Stone needs sealing

Sealing Frequency by Stone Type

Stone Type	Sealing Frequency
Polished Granite	Every 1-3 years
Honed Granite	Every 1-2 years
Polished Marble	Every 6-12 months
Honed Marble	Every 3-6 months
Quartzite	Every 1-2 years
Limestone/Travertine	Every 6-12 months
Onyx	Every 3-6 months

How to Seal Your Stone

What you need:

• Impregnating stone sealer (not topical)
• Clean microfiber cloths
• Gloves

Steps:

1. Clean the surface thoroughly and let it dry completely (24 hours)
2. Test in an inconspicuous area first
3. Apply sealer liberally with a clean cloth
4. Let it penetrate for 15-20 minutes (follow product instructions)
5. Buff off excess with a clean, dry cloth
6. Apply a second coat if recommended
7. Wait 24-48 hours before regular use

Pro tip: We recommend impregnating (penetrating) sealers over topical sealers. They soak into the stone rather than sitting on top, providing better protection without changing the appearance.

Stain Removal Guide

Even with the best care, stains happen. Here's how to tackle common culprits:

Oil-Based Stains (Cooking oil, grease, cosmetics)

Signs: Darkening of the stone that doesn't dry out

Solution:

1. Create a poultice with baking soda + acetone (for light stones) or baking soda + water (for dark stones)
2. Apply paste to stain, 1/4 inch thick
3. Cover with plastic wrap, tape edges
4. Let sit 24-48 hours
5. Remove, rinse, and repeat if necessary

Organic Stains (Coffee, tea, wine, fruit)

Signs: Pinkish-brown stain that may lighten in sunlight

Solution:

1. Mix 12% hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia
2. Apply to stain and let sit (in sunlight if possible)
3. Rinse and repeat

For dark stones: Use acetone instead of hydrogen peroxide

Water Stains & Hard Water Deposits

Signs: White, hazy rings or spots

Solution:

1. For light deposits: Buff with dry #0000 steel wool (ONLY on polished surfaces)
2. For heavy deposits: Use a stone-safe hard water remover
3. Re-seal after treatment

Rust Stains

Signs: Orange-brown discoloration

Solution:

1. Use a commercial rust remover specifically for stone
2. Apply poultice as directed
3. This is the hardest stain to remove—may require professional help

Ink Stains

Solution:

• On light stones: Hydrogen peroxide or bleach (careful!)
• On dark stones: Lacquer thinner or acetone

Dealing with Etching

Etching is different from staining. It's physical damage to the stone surface caused by acidic substances.

Common causes:

• Lemon/lime juice
• Vinegar
• Wine
• Tomato sauce
• Some cleaning products

Signs: Dull spots or rough areas on polished stone

Minor Etch Repair (DIY)

1. Purchase a marble polishing powder
2. Apply a small amount with water
3. Buff with a soft cloth in circular motions
4. Rinse and dry

Severe Etching

Deep etching requires professional honing and polishing. We recommend hiring a stone restoration specialist for large affected areas.

Prevention is key: Always use coasters under glasses and wipe up acidic spills within seconds.

Stone-Specific Care Tips

Marble Care

Marble is calcium-based and highly reactive to acids. It's also softer and scratches more easily.

Do:

• Dust daily with a dry cloth
• Use cutting boards and trivets always
• Seal every 6-12 months
• Use coasters under all glasses

Don't:

• Use vinegar or citrus-based cleaners
• Let citrus fruits sit on surface
• Cut directly on marble
• Use abrasive scrubbers

Browse our Marble Collection →

Granite Care

Granite is the workhorse of natural stone—hard, durable, and relatively easy to maintain.

Do:

• Clean with mild soap and water
• Seal every 1-3 years (less often than marble)
• Use as a functional workspace

Don't:

• Use harsh chemicals (they're unnecessary)
• Sit hot pans directly on surface (thermal shock can cause cracks)
• Use excessive soap (leaves residue)

Browse our Granite Collection →

Quartzite Care

Often confused with quartz (engineered stone), natural quartzite is actually harder than granite.

Do:

• Enjoy its durability!
• Clean with standard stone cleaners
• Seal every 1-2 years

Don't:

• Assume it never needs sealing
• Confuse care instructions with engineered quartz

Browse our Quartzite Collection →

Onyx, Travertine & Limestone Care

These are the most delicate stones, requiring the most attention.

Do:

• Seal frequently (every 3-6 months)
• Use only pH-neutral cleaners
• Treat like fine furniture

Don't:

• Use for heavy-use kitchen counters
• Expose to any acidic substances
• Skip regular sealing

Browse our Onyx Collection →

Products to Avoid

Never use these on natural stone:

❌ Vinegar (highly acidic)
❌ Lemon juice or citrus cleaners
❌ Bleach (except for specific stain removal)
❌ Ammonia-based cleaners (except for specific stain removal)
❌ Bathroom/tile cleaners
❌ Grout cleaners
❌ Abrasive powders (Comet, Ajax)
❌ Scrubbing pads or steel wool (on honed surfaces)

Recommended Products

We recommend these types of products (available at stone supply stores):

Cleaners:

• pH-neutral stone cleaners (Granite Gold, StoneTech, Method Stone)
• Diluted dish soap for daily use

Sealers:

• Impregnating sealers (StoneTech BulletProof, Miracle 511, Dry-Treat)

Specialty:

• Stone polish for enhancing shine
• Poultice powder for stain removal
• Marble polishing powder for minor etch repair

When to Call a Professional

Some situations require professional stone restoration:

• Deep scratches or chips
• Severe etching across large areas
• Stains that won't respond to DIY treatment
• Lippage (uneven tile edges)
• Loss of shine over time
• Re-honing or re-polishing needed

Professional restoration typically costs ₹20-50 per square foot but can make old stone look new again.

Quick Reference: The 5-Minute Daily Routine

1. Morning: Wipe counters with dry microfiber cloth
2. After cooking: Clean with pH-neutral spray + damp cloth
3. Before bed: Dry wipe to remove any moisture
4. Weekly: Deep clean with stone cleaner
5. Every 6-12 months: Reseal based on stone type

Your Stone Care Questions Answered

Q: Can I use Windex on granite?
A: We don't recommend it. While granite can tolerate more than marble, ammonia-based cleaners can degrade sealers over time. Stick with pH-neutral stone cleaners.

Q: How do I know if my stone is sealed?
A: Do the water droplet test described above. If water absorbs quickly, it's time to reseal.

Q: Is it normal for marble to develop a patina?
A: Yes! Marble in high-use areas naturally develops character over time. Many homeowners appreciate this "lived-in" look. If you prefer pristine marble, more frequent maintenance is needed.

Q: Can I use a steam cleaner on natural stone?
A: We don't recommend it. High heat can damage sealers and potentially stress the stone.

Q: How long will my stone last with proper care?
A: Natural stone can last centuries with proper care. The pyramids are still standing! With regular sealing and gentle cleaning, your kitchen counter will outlast you.

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Need Expert Advice?

Every stone is unique, and sometimes you need personalized guidance. Our team at S.N. Mour Marbles has been caring for natural stone since 1965.

Contact Our Stone Care Experts →

Or browse our collections to see maintenance notes for specific stones:

• Marble Collection
• Granite Collection
• Quartzite Collection
• All Products

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S.N. Mour Marbles has been supplying premium natural stone since 1965. We provide not just beautiful stone, but the knowledge to keep it beautiful forever.