Natural stone is the first choice for new construction and remodeling alike among those who want their floors, walls, and countertops to be unique and long lasting. The use of natural stone has been a popular home investment for many years thanks to its durability and beauty.
Still, even the best materials in the world get dirty and natural stone cleaning and restoration can be made to look like new again by a qualified restoration specialist. This is true even of natural stone surfaces that have endured years of traffic wear and chemical damage.
Tough, Beautiful, and Fragile Stone
Consider the ever-popular marble. It can withstand the sands of time, but it won’t remain attractive if certain elements are allowed to come into contact with its surface. Wear from traffic and damage caused by certain chemicals can result in scratches that require a very specific process of removal by a skilled and experienced specialist.
Natural stone floors take a beating near exterior doors. Dirt and grit that enter from the outside grind into surfaces and show wear within a short time if proper safeguards aren’t taken. Grit on the soles of shoes takes a minimum of eight steps to rub off on the floor. Throw rugs with non-slip bottoms are needed at all exterior doors.
Vacuum cleaners are no friend to natural stone floors, especially if the wheels do not turn easily. Dragging a vacuum around the room can leave scratches in the finish, which will be very noticeable in reflected light. It is much safer to use a dust mop whenever possible to avoid damaging contact produced by some vacuuming equipment.
The Process of Natural Stone Cleaning and Restoration
How a specialist goes about restoring natural stone has much to do with how extensive the damage is. Grinding with smooth abrasive pads is usually the method used for deep scratches, while honing will work where there are only minor scratches and minimal traffic damage.
Once scratches are removed, surfaces like terrazzo, granite, marble, epoxy flooring, and travertine are then polished to a luxurious shine. The polishing process is very exacting which is why best results are achieved by having a hard surface specialist do the work.
Other flooring techniques can make the cleaning much easier, such as epoxy floors, particularly well known for their ease of cleaning.
Tips for Cleaning Stone Surfaces
Natural stone cleaning and restoration is a necessary part of maintaining these surfaces properly. Once the natural stone surface has been restored, routine maintenance is essential. Ph neutral stone cleaners are recommended rather than general use products so that that the seal and the surface will last longer.
It takes some expertise and specialized equipment and materials for natural stone cleaning and restoration, which is why a natural stone specialist is your best bet. Natural stone is an expensive investment, so taking proper care of it is important.
Attempting to clean and restore natural stone can do as much as, if not more, damage than wear and tear and chemical damage if the restoration isn’t done properly. It is best to consult a professional to avoid any irreparable damage to your valuable investment.
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