How to care for natural stone in the interior
Natural stone is an excellent material for Interior Decoration, which adds elegance, style and atmosphere to the room. Stone can be used for floors, walls, fireplaces, stairs, countertops, panels and other decorative elements. It is suitable for a variety of styles, from classic to modern, from romance to minimalism.
However, in order for a natural stone to serve for a long time and retain its beauty, you need to follow certain rules of care for it. In this article, we will tell you how to properly clean, wash, polish and protect stone from damage and dirt.
How to clean natural stone
Natural stone needs regular cleaning of dust, dirt, stains and other contaminants that can spoil its appearance and degrade its quality. To do this, use a soft cloth, vacuum cleaner, or natural bristle brush. Do not use metal sponges, hard brushes, abrasive powders, or other products that can scratch or damage the stone surface.
To remove stains from wine, coffee, tea, juice, oil, grease, and other substances, use special stone cleaners that can be purchased at building materials stores or online. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and follow the recommended exposure time. Do not use common detergents, vinegar, citric acid, ammonia, or other acids that can cause corrosion, fading, or delamination of the stone.
How to wash natural stone
Natural stone needs not only dry, but also wet cleaning, especially in places where it is exposed to water, such as in the bathroom, kitchen, pool or sauna.
Use warm water and a soft sponge or brush to wash the stone. Do not use abrasive agents that may scratch or damage the stone surface. If there are stains or plaque on the stone, you can add a little pH-neutral detergent or a special stone cleaner to the water. After washing, be sure to rinse the stone with clean water and wipe it dry. So you will preserve the beauty and durability of your stone in the interior. 😊
How to polish natural stone
Natural stone can have different types of surface: smooth, matte, rough, textured, etc. Depending on the type of surface, the Stone may require different levels of polishing. Polishing the stone helps to emphasize its natural beauty, provide shine and smoothness, and protect it from dirt and moisture.
Stone polishing can be mechanical or chemical. Mechanical polishing is performed using special machines that rotate at high speed and apply abrasive materials of various grain sizes to the stone surface. This method allows you to achieve a high degree of gloss and smoothness, but requires professional skills and equipment.
Chemical polishing is performed using special substances that react with the surface of the stone and form a thin protective layer on it. This method allows you to improve the color and shine of the stone, as well as protect it from corrosion and fading. Chemical polishing can be performed at home, but it requires safety and proper choice of substances.
One of the most common methods of chemical polishing of stone is crystallization. Crystallization consists in the fact that a special agent containing potassium fluoride or calcium fluoride is applied to the surface of the stone. Under the influence of heat and friction, these substances react with the stone and form a solid crystalline layer on it, which gives the stone shine and protection. Crystallization is suitable for marble, travertine, limestone and other stones containing calcium carbonate.
How to protect natural stone
Natural stone, despite its strength and durability, needs protection from various factors that can negatively affect its condition. Such factors can be:
Moisture. Moisture can enter the pores of the stone and cause cracking, blisters, mold, mildew, flaking, etc. To prevent this, you need to use hydrophobizers - special products that create a water-repellent layer on the surface of the stone. Hydrophobizers can be water-based or organic, have different degrees of permeability and duration of action. Hydrophobizers do not change the color and texture of the stone, but allow it to "breathe".
Pollution. Contamination can be organic or inorganic, mechanical or chemical. Organic pollutants are dust, dirt, grease, juice, wine, coffee, tea, blood, cosmetics, etc. Inorganic contaminants are rust, copper, sulfur, salt, cement, Mastic, etc. Mechanical contamination is scratches, chips, cracks, prints, traces of furniture, and so on. Chemical contaminants are acids, alkalis, solvents, detergents, paints, varnishes, etc. To prevent contamination of the stone, you need to use impregnants - special means that create a protective layer on the surface of the stone that prevents the penetration of dirt into the depth of the stone. Impregnants can be water-based or organic, have different degrees of permeability and duration of action. Impregnants can change the color and texture of the stone, giving it more shine or dullness.
Basic Rules for natural stone care
Natural stone requires special care, which depends on its type, quality, location and operating conditions. However, there are some general rules that should be followed for any type of stone:
Protection-natural stone needs protection from stains, scratches, cracks and moisture that can damage its surface and structure. To do this, you need to use special impregnants, waxes, lacquers or films that create a protective layer on the stone that repels dirt, water and grease. Protective agents should be applied to a clean and dry stone surface using a cloth, sponge or brush, following the manufacturer's instructions. Protective equipment should be updated regularly, depending on the intensity of use of the stone.
Cleaning-natural stone needs to be cleaned of dust, sand, clay, food, beverage and cosmetics residues that can contaminate its surface and reduce its aesthetic value. To do this, use a soft cloth, sponge or brush that will not scratch the stone, as well as neutral or slightly acidic detergents that will not damage its color and texture. Cleaning should be carried out regularly, depending on the degree of contamination of the stone, as well as wash off the remaining detergent with water and wipe the stone dry.
Restoration-natural stone needs restoration from scratches, cracks, chips, loss of gloss and evenness, which can occur as a result of mechanical impact, temperature changes or chemical reaction. To do this, you need to use special abrasive, polishing or filling agents that will help restore the original appearance and quality of the stone. Restoration should be carried out if necessary, depending on the condition of the stone, and also contact professional craftsmen if the damage is significant or complex.
Conclusion
Natural stone is an excellent material for Interior Decoration, which requires special care to preserve its beauty and functionality. To take care of natural stone, you should follow the Basic Rules and tips that depend on its type, quality, location and operating conditions. We hope that our article helped you learn how to take care of natural stone in the interior.
