How to Clean Natural Stone

Jul 12, 2025

Natural stone (such as marble, granite, travertine, etc.) is widely used in floors, countertops, bathrooms and other spaces due to its beauty and durability. Proper cleaning methods can extend its service life and maintain its decorative effect. This guide will detail daily maintenance, deep cleaning, stain removal techniques, and sealing to help you make professional choices when using and maintaining stone.

Ⅰ. Daily cleaning (daily maintenance)

1. Use neutral detergents

Do not use acidic or alkaline cleaning products such as vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, and ammonia, which will destroy the surface structure of the stone and cause corrosion or discoloration. Use pH neutral detergents, neutral detergents for stone, or a small amount of warm water and mild detergent to clean the surface.

For example, prepare a cleaning solution with a pH of about 7 and wipe it with a soft cloth; avoid using acidic preparations containing bleach, vinegar, lemon, and ammonia to avoid etching the stone surface.

2. Use soft tools

You can use a soft cloth, mop or microfiber cloth for daily cleaning. The wheel strips of the vacuum cleaner must be smooth to avoid scratching the stone.

3. Deal with stains immediately

If oil stains, juice, wine or skin care products are spilled, they must be immediately dried with a paper towel, then wiped with a neutral detergent, and finally wiped thoroughly with a dry cloth to avoid leaving water marks.

4. Keep dry and waterproof

Especially in humid environments such as bathrooms and kitchens, it is recommended to use a wiper to remove the water curtain after cleaning to keep the stone surface dry.

Ⅱ. Regular deep cleaning

1. Choose a neutral heavy cleaner for stone

For dirty areas, it is recommended to use a pH-neutral stone deep cleaner and oil removal formula, spray or apply first, then use a soft brush to move and clean, and finally rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.

2. Change the cleaning water frequency

Replace the cleaning solution every 9-10 square meters to prevent repeated contamination.

Ⅲ. Stubborn stain removal method

1.Use poultice

For oil stains, water stains, rust spots, etc., you can choose stone poultice. Apply it to the stained area, wait for adsorption, remove it after it dries and wash it with clean water.

2.Home formula stain removal method

Oil stains: Mix baking soda and water to make a paste, apply it and cover it with plastic wrap, let it stand for a day, then remove and rinse.

Organic stains (such as coffee, red wine): can be removed with hydrogen peroxide or baking soda paste.

Rust: It is recommended to use a stone-specific rust remover, and ask professionals to handle it if necessary.

Avoid abrasive preparations: Strong abrasives (such as grinding powder, steel wool, etc.) will scratch the stone and should be avoided as much as possible. Do not use non-stone-specific products such as kitchen heavy oil cleaners and ceramic descaling agents.

Ⅳ. Sealing and protection

1. Regular sealing treatment

Natural stones all have microporous structures. It is recommended to seal them every 6-12 months, especially in areas that frequently come into contact with water, such as kitchen countertops, bathrooms or floor tiles. Sealers (also known as “impregnants”) can reduce the absorption of water and dirt by stones.

Be sure to ensure that the surface is clean and dry before use. It is recommended to choose high-quality, breathable and anti-pollution sealing products.

Especially for newly installed marble, granite and limestone, it is recommended to seal them every 1-2 years.

*Measurement method: drip water on the surface. If the water droplets are quickly absorbed, it means that the holes should be re-sealed.

2. Choose the right product

Use a sealer that meets food safety standards and meets the requirements of the same stone. Generally, it can be divided into “matte type (breathable type)” and “color enhancement type”. The choice should be based on actual visual needs and stone type.

Ⅴ.Summary of “Dos & Don’ts” for stone cleaning

✅Do	❌ Don’t
Use pH neutral detergent and warm water	Use acid and alkaline detergents such as vinegar, lemon, and bleach
Clean with a soft cloth or mop	Use hard tools such as rough brushes and steel wool
Blot and clean liquid contamination promptly	Let the water dry naturally after application, forming water stains and marks
Seale holes regularly to protect the stone	Omit sealing or use improper products
Rinse and dry thoroughly after deep cleaning	Leave residual detergent after cleaning and do not rinse, causing film marks

✅ Summary

The key to natural stone cleaning is: use mild pH neutral detergent + soft tools + timely water rinse + regular sealing. Avoid acidic and alkaline chemicals and abrasive tools to prevent etching, scratching or surface passivation.

The value of natural stone comes not only from its natural beauty, but also from careful care day after day.

Scientific cleaning methods can extend the service life and keep the stone as new as ever.

HC WorldSton has more than 30 years of industry experience, providing high-quality natural stone and application solutions to global customers. Its products are widely used in bathrooms, kitchens, floors and high-end space decoration.

Want to buy high-quality natural stone?

HC WorldStone provides marble, granite, and travertine products in various specifications (Oriental White Marble, Emperador Dark marble, Carbon Grey granite, etc.), suitable for high-end decoration projects such as bathrooms, kitchens, floors, and walls. We also provide you with material selection suggestions and cleaning instructions.

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