General Care and Maintenance of Natural Stone

For general care and maintenance of Ceramic Tile please refer to the Stone Tech website.

New Installations: For newly installed natural stone, Mees Distributors, Inc. in conjunction with StoneTech Professional™, recommends the following care and maintenance program that includes pre-grouting sealing, sealing and ongoing maintenance.

Pre-Grouting Sealing: Pre-grouting sealing will help protect all natural stone from grout pigment staining during the installation and grouting process. Grouting with a contrasting color is not normally recommended due to the possible staining or picture-framing of the stone. If grout color must contrast with stone color, pre-grouting sealing will help protect the surface from grout pigment staining.
Any of the following StoneTech Professional sealers can be used as the “pre-grouting sealer.” Grout Release, Impregnator Pro, Stone Sealer and Heavy Duty Exterior Stone and Masonry Sealer.

Sealing: A breathable, impregnating sealer will help protect natural stone from sub-surface staining. Use either BulletProof™ Stone Sealer, Impregnator Pro Heavy Duty Stone, Tile and Grout Sealer, Grout Sealer, Exterior Stone and Masonry Sealer or Heavy Duty Exterior Stone and Masonry Sealer following product instructions. For a color-enhanced look, use the two-in-one sealer and enhancer, Enhancer Pro Heavy Duty Stone Enhancer.

Ongoing Maintenance: Dust mop floors frequently to remove sand or grit that can cause abrasion to the finished stone surface, polished, honed or textured. Cleaners containing acid, bleach or those that are highly alkaline should never be used for routing maintenance. Acids, even a light solution of vinegar and water, will etch and eventually damage most natural stone and degrade the sealer. Acids will also cause cementitious grout to deteriorate and strip the pigmentation from colored grout.

• Revitalizer Stone & Tile Cleaner and Protector or All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner should be used for routing cleaning. They contain no acids or bleach and are excellent neutral cleaners. With Revitalizer, you have the added benefit of adding a protective sealer every time you clean.
• For polished marble, granite or terrazzo, Stone Polish can be used as a spray-and-buff polish that adds luster to a sealed surface.
• Acidic liquids such as fruit juices, wine and most carbonated beverages should be removed immediately from all natural stone surfaces to avoid surface etching and staining. Use coasters and trivets to protect your natural stone.

Treatment for Existing Installations: To remove an existing wax buildup, or for periodic heavy duty maintenance, use KlenzAll Heavy Duty Stone & Tile Cleaner. If a sealer is present, use Heavy Duty Coating Stripper. For removal of deep-set oil or grease stains, apply Oil Stain Remover according to the product instructions. To quickly and easily repolish lightly worn or etched areas, use Euro Shine or Euro Polish. Always follow label instructions when using these products.

For more information on cleaning and maintenance products, please click here.