As we approach the holidays in the tri-state area—New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut—it’s the perfect time to post a reminder about how to properly care for your natural stone surfaces, ensuring they remain beautiful throughout the celebrations and beyond. At Stoneshine, we know that maintaining the beauty of your stone, whether it’s a polished marble countertop or a timeless tile floor, is an essential part of preserving your home’s beauty and function. Here’s how you can keep your stone surfaces in top shape during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Routine Preventive Measures
Preventive care is the cornerstone of preserving your natural stone surfaces. These simple, mindful habits will keep your soapstone, marble, granite and natural stone looking its best:
- Coasters Are a Must: Always use coasters under drinking glasses, especially those containing alcohol, citrus juices, or beverages that are acidic. These liquids can leave marks and etchings on your stone.
- Avoid Direct Heat: Never place hot cookware or serving dishes directly onto your stone countertops or tables. Be sure to use trivets or protective mats to avoid damage from heat.
- Protect Against Scratches: Place mats under china, silverware, or any objects that could scratch or dull your stone surface. A little extra protection goes a long way.
Treating Spills
During the holidays, spills are inevitable, but how you handle them can make all the difference. Some common liquids—like wine, orange juice, and salad dressing—can do long-term damage to certain stone types if not cleaned promptly. Here’s what to do:
- Act Quickly: Clean up spills as soon as they happen. The quicker you act, the less likely a spill will cause damage.
- Blot, Don’t Rub: Avoid rubbing the spill into the stone. Gently blot it with a soft cloth to absorb the liquid.
- Be Cautious with Cleaners: Only use products that are specifically labeled safe for natural stone surfaces. Be especially mindful of glass cleaners and certain bathroom cleaners, which can etch and damage your stone.
If you want to give your stone extra protection from harsh spills, consider a high-quality coating. Stoneshine offers coatings designed to protect your stone surfaces, even against the toughest stains. Contact us for a consultation.
Stone Floors
Stone floors, especially polished varieties, need special care. Invest in cleaning products designed for natural stone and use the right tools to maintain their shine. We recommend MB Stone Care’s MB-1 Marble, Granite & More cleaner. When cleaning, it’s just as much about the tools you use as the products themselves.
- Mop Wisely: Avoid using sponge mops on polished stone floors, as they can leave streaks. Instead, opt for a closed-loop cotton string mop or a microfiber mop for superior results.
Kitchen Countertops
Your kitchen countertop is one of the most high-traffic areas in your home, and it requires regular, thoughtful care. For stone surfaces such as granite, marble, or soapstone, follow these guidelines:
- No Glass Cleaner: Avoid harsh glass cleaners, as they can damage both the stone and its protective seal.
- Soap-Free Cleaners: Use a soap-free cleaner, like MB Stone Care’s MB-5 Marble, Granite & More Spray Cleaner, to clean your countertops. Apply it full-strength for high-use areas such as cooking zones, and dilute it with water for lighter cleaning on areas like vanity tops.
Let Stoneshine Handle the Holiday Prep
For a little extra help this holiday season, Stoneshine can clean and polish your stone surfaces before the festivities begin, saving you time and effort. We also offer stone protection and sealing services, which will safeguard your stone from wine, oils, and spills, keeping your surfaces beautiful throughout the holidays. If the guests have come and gone and your marble counters or stone floors need restoration, we’re here to bring them back to their original glory.
Contact Stoneshine today to schedule your stone cleaning, polishing, and sealing—let us help you prepare for the holidays and restore your stone surfaces after the celebration ends!