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The Best Ways to Care for Natural Stone in Different Climates
Natural stone like granite and marble are beautiful materials that are particularly popular in kitchen countertops and bathroom floors, among other places. But they can be vulnerable to different types of damage, depending on where you live. Here’s what you need to know about the best ways to care for natural stone in different climates and conditions in order to keep it looking its best for as long as possible.
Seasons Matter
The best ways to care for natural stone will vary depending on your climate. For example, if you live in a place that gets snow or extreme cold, your rock care needs might be much different than someone who lives somewhere with year-round temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Read on for more information about caring for natural stone throughout all four seasons.
Spring
Spring is a great time of year to clean and seal your natural stone. Depending on where you live, it might be rainy, or it might be sunny. If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain, you’ll need to clean your stones thoroughly before applying a sealer to protect against discoloration and staining.
Summer
As summer heats up, so does everything else. This is why it’s important to take extra precautions when caring for your natural stone. If you live somewhere that gets very hot, you might need to water your stones regularly or spray them with a pressure washer. Sealing can help protect against discoloration and erosion. However, there’s nothing wrong with cleaning your natural stone throughout the year if you want a little extra protection.
Autumn
As summer turns into fall, it’s important to continue caring for your natural stone. If you live somewhere that gets cold during winter, it’s a good idea to apply a sealer before temperatures drop. This will protect against snow damage and staining from rain and other precipitation.
Winter
If you live somewhere that gets a lot of snow, you’ll need to remove it from your natural stone as soon as possible. The best way to do so is by using a de-icing spray and/or by cleaning off your stones with water before applying a protective sealer. Remember that sealers are only effective if they’re applied correctly and on time, so check out these tips and tricks before getting started!
Weather Matters
The material you choose has a lot to do with how much maintenance it requires. For example, marble countertops and slate floors can stand up to high-traffic areas but require regular care (to clean and polish). Granite is far more durable than marble, so it’s best for kitchens and baths; if scratched or cracked, though, it must be re-polished. Quartz is known as a scratch-resistant material that looks like marble but doesn’t have its price tag.
If you don’t want to replace your countertops, it’s also important to care for them properly. After doing any work on your countertops, such as changing out faucets or installing a new sink, clean them with soap and water and rinse thoroughly before letting them dry completely. Rinse out sinks and remove sponges and abrasive cleaners from drains. Clean up food spills right away because they can damage your countertop if left alone.
Cleaning Products Matter
The cleaning products you use can greatly impact your natural stone. A neutral, pH-balanced cleaner is safe for all types of stone, but not all cleaners will do. Many cleaners are too harsh and may leave streaks or blemishes behind. Read labels carefully, and make sure to choose a brand that is specifically designed for use on your type of stone. Also, avoid using any products with bleach or ammonia.
Natural stone comes in many different colors, and each color presents its own challenges. For example, pink stones like granite tend to stain easily, while black stones like slate need extra attention because they’re more porous than other types of stone. By learning what makes your particular stone unique, you can achieve better results when cleaning it.
Maintenance Tips
Taking care of natural stone is a constant balancing act. It is more porous than some other surfaces, like tile or linoleum, so it will stain more easily and require more frequent cleaning. On the one hand, all that porosity means that you can use tap water on your stone floor with little worry of staining; simply wipe up spills immediately.
However, it also means that dirt and grime will get trapped inside, which can lead to unsightly buildup. A stone floor that’s cleaned regularly will not only look better, but it will be more comfortable and easier on your feet when you walk across it. So, make sure you follow these steps each time you clean your floors
Conclusion
To care for your natural stone, it’s important to understand how different types of natural stone weather over time. Marble, limestone, and sandstone all weather differently due to their unique composition; therefore, they require slightly different methods of care. These steps will keep your stones looking their best no matter your climate.
