MAINTENANCE & AFTER CARE

Preserving the Beauty of Natural Stone: Essential Guidelines for Maintenance and After Care

Maintenance and aftercare are often the most neglected aspects of natural stone ownership. Despite the significant investment in acquiring and installing beautiful stone surfaces, clients are frequently left without proper guidance on how to care for them post-installation. Even the most meticulous tilers and stonemasons, skilled in material handling and installation, may lack the expertise to provide a comprehensive maintenance guide for their clients.

Builders, too, often hand over completed projects without essential guidelines for maintaining these sensitive natural or engineered stone surfaces. In many cases, these surfaces are not even sealed at handover, leading to confusion and frustration as clients struggle to understand why their surfaces are becoming stained. This situation often forces clients to seek solutions on their own, which can lead to engagements with companies or individuals who lack the necessary expertise. The result can be costly mistakes—surfaces that are poorly sealed, treated with inappropriate products, or even damaged by improper techniques.

This page has been developed to educate everyone involved in the handling of stone tiles and slabs about the importance of proper maintenance. Whether your stone surfaces are made of marble, limestone, travertine, onyx, basalt, granite, sandstone, or any other popular material used in the building industry, adhering to the right maintenance practices is key to preserving their beauty.

If you’ve recently installed new stone surfaces, here are the essential points to observe to keep them looking pristine:

Appropriate Entrance/Exit Floor Matting: Use proper matting at entrances and exits to reduce the amount of dirt and grit that can be tracked onto stone surfaces.

Daily/Regular Dry Cleaning: Regularly sweep, dust mop, or dry vacuum stone surfaces to prevent dirt and debris from scratching or dulling the finish.
Damp Mopping with Approved Products: Use a suitable stone cleaning product and the right equipment for regular damp mopping to maintain cleanliness without damaging the surface.
Keep Wet Areas Dry: After each use, dry wet areas promptly to prevent water stains or damage.
Avoid Acidic Substances: Keep acidic substances away from stone surfaces, especially those made of marble, limestone, or travertine, which are particularly sensitive to acid. Avoid using acidic or bleach-containing cleaning products that can cause etch marks or other damage.
Periodic Re-Sealing: Re-seal stone surfaces periodically according to the recommendations of your stone care professional or consultant to maintain their protective barrier.

By following these best practices religiously, you can preserve your stone surfaces for decades, keeping them pristine and beautiful at all times. For tailored advice or to consult with us on a customised maintenance plan, call us today at 03-9429 1223. We’re here to help you safeguard these timeless treasures.