Why Does Vinegar Stain Marble & What Cleaning Products are Safe to Use on Natural Stone in Providence, NV?

One of the many benefits of using materials like marble for countertops, flooring, and shower walls is the durability of natural stone. Durability doesn’t mean indestructible, however. Being that it can be damaged in other ways, nothing short of a hammer is going to break the marble. Unfortunately, over time, there are mistakes made when cleaning marble surfaces that impact its appearance. Though damage can be restored, prevention is better for homeowners. We at Silver State Floor Restoration would like to elaborate on the mistakes made when caring for marble tile.

Why Does Vinegar Stain Marble?

People must use appropriate cleaning products when cleaning marble surfaces. With the marble, different chemicals can cause adverse reactions. You can burn the stone when you allow acidic solutions to interact with the marble. It is critical to use products designed with natural stone. You shouldn’t use vinegar to clean natural stone, though it’s tempting to assume all-natural cleaners would be safe. Because of the acidic content, many natural stones such as marble, travertine, or limestone react adversely with vinegar. For maintaining the integrity and beauty of your stone, a cleaning solution with a balanced pH is best.

How Often Should Marble Floors & Countertops Be Sealed?

Being less stain-resistant than others, some natural stone surfaces makes it is easier to stain when spills are allowed to sit for too long, since marble is porous. By increasing water and liquid resistance, you can prevent stains on a marble floor that are regularly sealed. Professionals, such as Silver State Floor Restoration, specializes in cleaning, sealing, honing and polishing marble floors and other surfaces. In order to give a homeowner, the look they want to achieve, there are many different finish options. To penetrate and darken the stone, sealed marble is easier to maintain because it doesn’t allow dirt particles.

Doormats & Rugs Help Protect Natural Stone Floors

More damaging to natural stone that it is for other flooring surfaces is the dirt, sand, and debris. Leading to etches and scratches over time, the gritty particles become an abrasive on marble floors. Using doormats inside and outside your home significantly reduces the amount of debris that gets inside while it won’t stop every piece of dirt and debris. A dry, clean dust mop to clean your floors regularly to prevent the damage caused by dirt. A dry mop can catch dirt and sand without scratching the surface of the stone, unlike a vacuum. When mopping, remember to avoid acidic cleaners.

Avoid Etching on Marble

To help prevent etches, scratches, and stains on marble surfaces, the above advice is essential. Because these issues can’t be wiped away, prevention is important. It is believed people can remove etches or stains with a hard scrubbing pad. Unfortunately, using abrasive tools makes the problem worse. You’re basically scraping off the stone surface that was originally polished when you use an abrasive scrubbing tool on marble floors. Homeowners should use a soft cloth, warm water, and soap for routine cleaning.