Natural stone surfaces, such as marble, granite, and limestone, add elegance and charm to our homes and buildings. However, when it comes to cleaning and maintaining these surfaces, it is essential to understand the impact of using acidic cleaners. Acidic cleaners, although effective at removing certain stains and grime, can cause irreversible damage to natural stone. Silver State Floor Restoration delves further into this below.
Can I Use Acid on Natural Stone?
Natural stone is very porous and very delicate. Which means if water or any other moisture gets penetrated down into the pores it can lead to stains, mold and mildew growth, it can then spread rapidly. If you use an acidic cleaner on natural stone to clean it, it will tarnish the outer edge and destroy the natural stone. This reaction leads to the erosion and dissolution of the stone’s surface, resulting in etching, dullness, and loss of shine. The acidic nature of these cleaners breaks down the protective layer of the stone, making it more susceptible to stains, scratches, and further damage.
What Does Acid Do to Natural Stone?
When acidic cleaners come into contact with natural stone surfaces, they can cause etching, which manifests as small, dull spots or marks on the stone’s surface. Etching occurs due to the chemical reaction that dissolves the minerals in the stone. Over time, repeated use of acidic cleaners can lead to widespread and noticeable dullness, compromising the natural beauty of the stone. The etched areas may also become more prone to staining and discoloration, further detracting from the stone’s appearance.
Will Vinegar Damage Natural Stone? What Should You Not Use?
Vinegar – Although vinegar is commonly used as a natural cleaning, it is acidic and can cause damage to natural stone surfaces. The vinegar can etch and dull the stone over time, leading to irreversible damage.
Lemon Juice -Lemon juice contains citric acid and can have a similar etching effect on natural stone. It’s best to avoid using pure lemon juice or lemon-based cleaning solutions on these surfaces.
Tomato Juice– Tomato juice is acidic due to its citric and malic acid content. While it is often used for removing stains from various surfaces, it can potentially cause damage to natural stone.
Using anything that is citrus like pineapple, lemons, or oranges or acidic on your natural stone can ruin your stone.
How Can We Protect Natural Stone?
The best thing you can do for the natural stone is to seal it. You still want to try to avoid using acidic cleaners, or putting acidic food or drinks on your natural stone. Sealing it can help eliminate the moisture and liquid from getting down inside those pores and help protect the natural stone.
Natural Stone Cleaning, Sealing & Polishing in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
Maintaining the beauty and integrity of natural stone surfaces requires avoiding the use of acidic cleaners. The chemical reaction, etching, dulling, and surface degradation caused by these cleaners can result in irreparable damage. If you are overdue for natural stone services, then give Silver State Floor Restoration a call.
