Stone and Tile Care Guide | Austin Texas
Stone and Tile Care Tips
Proper stone and tile care will ensure a lifetime of beauty
We make it a point to educate our customers on proper stone and tile care. To keep your stone, tile & grout surfaces looking their best, follow some simple but important care instructions. Download our Stone and Tile Care Guide for all of our care tips and information.
We strongly recommend you use only quality products designated safe for natural stone. Don’t hesitate to ask us for recommendations.
Here are some other quick pointers to keep in mind.
- Acidic liquids (wine, orange juice, tomato paste, a whole lot of other foods and just about all the cleaning products you buy straight off the grocery store shelf) will eat into marble, travertine, limestone, onyx, alabaster and some slates, leaving etch marks.
- To minimize or prevent this and other kinds of damage to your natural stone surfaces download our free Stone and Tile Care Guide.
- Clean up spills as quickly as possible. Do not rub a spill, simply blot it up.
- Use coasters under glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.
- Use place mats under dishes, glasses and silverware, which could scratch the surface.
- Play it safe. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes. Do not set them directly on your natural stone.
- Avoid using cleaners that do not specifically state they are safe for natural stone, not only on the stone, but also on items nearby. For example, overspray from cleaning mirrors, or drips or splashes from toilet bowl cleaners can easily damage the stone beneath or around them if they are not specifically stone safe.
Quick Care Tips for Stone and Tile Surfaces
Protect Your Stone Surfaces
- Avoid Acidic Substances: Spills from wine, orange juice, tomato paste, and many other foods, as well as most cleaning products found in grocery stores, can etch natural stone like marble, travertine, limestone, and onyx.
- Blot, Don’t Rub: Clean spills immediately by blotting them to avoid spreading the liquid.
Everyday Preventive Measures
- Use Coasters: Place coasters under glasses, especially those containing alcohol or citrus juices, to prevent etching.
- Add Place Mats: Use mats or placemats under dishes and silverware to avoid scratching delicate surfaces.
- Protect Against Heat: Always use trivets or heat mats under hot dishes to avoid thermal damage to stone.
Safe Cleaning Practices
- Choose Stone-Safe Cleaners: Only use cleaning products labeled safe for natural stone. Products that aren’t stone-safe, including overspray from mirror cleaners or splashes from toilet bowl cleaners, can cause significant damage.
- Ask for Recommendations: Not sure what’s safe? Contact us for product suggestions tailored to your specific surfaces.
Why Proper Stone and Tile Care Matters
Maintaining your stone and tile surfaces not only preserves their beauty but also extends their longevity. Improper care can lead to permanent damage, costly repairs, or replacements.
What’s in Our Care Guide?
- Detailed cleaning instructions for marble, travertine, terrazzo, limestone, and tile.
- Product recommendations for safe cleaning and sealing.
- Common mistakes to avoid when caring for stone and tile surfaces.
- Seasonal maintenance tips to keep your surfaces in top condition.
