The Pitfalls of Improper Stone Floor and Counter Cleaners in Canada (and how to avoid them)

Stone floors and countertops are revered for their timeless elegance and durability, making them a popular choice in many homes and businesses. However, maintaining the lustre of these surfaces requires proper care and attention. One crucial aspect often overlooked is the choice of cleaning products. Using the wrong type of cleaners can lead to a myriad of issues, ranging from subtle damage to irreversible harm. In this blog post, we will explore the potential pitfalls of using improper cleaners on stone floors and counters, and how to avoid them.

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Common Problems and Causes:

1. Etching and Dulling:

One of the primary concerns when using the wrong cleaners on stone surfaces is the potential for etching and dulling. Many commercial cleaners contain acidic or abrasive ingredients that can react with the minerals in natural stones like marble, limestone, and cementicious travertine. This chemical reaction leads to etching, causing small scratches and a loss of the stone's natural shine over time sometimes looking like "flat spots" or "water spots" and the ever dreaded cup rings.

Solution: Choose pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for natural stone surfaces like Stain-Proof Daily Countertop Cleaner and Daily Floor Cleaner's. These products effectively clean without causing harm to the stone's composition.

2. Staining and Discoloration:

Certain cleaners may contain harsh chemicals or dyes that can seep into the porous structure of the stone, causing staining and discoloration. This is especially true for lighter coloured stones like granite, marble, limestone and some quartzite, which are more susceptible to appearing stained. The worst offenders are cleaners which are "all surface" and specifically name hardwood as a suggested surface, these types of cleaners often have an oily substance to increase the shine on coated hardwood and laminate floors but this can cause a darkening and residue which holds dirt in the pores of natural stone and polished concrete; always avoid "shiny" cleaners on stone like "Mr. Clean" and "Murphys oil"

Solution: Opt for stone-safe, non-acidic cleaners that are formulated to lift dirt and stains without compromising the stone's integrity. If an acidic cleaner is needed make sure to use a stone specific acid cleaner like EffBomb from StoneSealer Canada and always follow the label.

3. Weakening of Sealants:

Many stone surfaces are sealed to protect against moisture, stains, and other potential damage. Using the wrong cleaners can break down these sealants over time, leaving the stone vulnerable to various forms of harm.

Solution: Use cleaners specifically labelled as safe for sealed stone surfaces to ensure the longevity of protective sealants. All Stain-Proof Cleaners and EffBomb from StoneSealer Canada are specifically formulated to work alongside Stain-Proof Premium Impregnating Sealers as well as all other high quality impregnating stone and concrete sealers from other manufacturers like Prosoco, MB Stone Care, More Sealers, StoneTech Stone Sealers from Latticrete, and more.

4. Surface Scratching:

Abrasive cleaners, especially those containing particles like silica, can scratch the surface of stone floors and counters. Over time, these scratches accumulate, diminishing the overall aesthetics of the stone. Watch out for cleaners which call themselves "scrubs" or "rubbing cleaners."

Solution: Choose non-abrasive cleaners and use soft, microfiber cloths, mops, or sponges to avoid scratching the surface. Always read and follow the label of your preferred cleaner from StoneSealer Canada.

5. Loss of Natural Oils in Stone:

Certain cleaners strip away the natural oils present in some stones, leading to a loss of sheen and vibrancy. This is particularly relevant for soapstone and slate, which depend on their natural oils for a glossy appearance.

Solution: Select cleaners that are specifically formulated to work with all types of stone, and protect these stones with a more oily composition with the right sealer, like Stain-Proof Colour Enhancing Sealer which is perfect for stones like Soapstone and Slate.

Our Final Thoughts:

Maintaining the elegance and longevity of stone floors and countertops involves thoughtful care, starting with the selection of the right cleaning products. By avoiding the pitfalls of using improper cleaners—such as etching, staining, weakening of sealants, surface scratching, and filling pores with oils—you can preserve the beauty of your stone surfaces for years to come. Invest in quality, stone-safe cleaning products, like those produced by Stain-Proof and made available by StoneSealer Canada, and your stone floors and counters will continue to be a testament to the enduring beauty of natural materials.