Care And Maintenance Tips - Stone, Tile, Carpet

Tips & Articles

Caring for Soapstone

Caring for soapstone countertops involves simple maintenance. With proper care, these countertops can remain beautiful and functional for many years to come.

Should You Use a Stain Protectant on Your Carpet?

There are challenges when it comes to keeping carpet clean. You might be wondering if stain protectant is right for your carpet. Let's explore the pros & cons.

Natural Stone: Changing the Finish for a Whole New Look

Want to take a glossy, polished surface to a soft satin finish or elevate a matte surface to a dazzling high polish? It can be done!

Carpet Rippling aka Buckling

Carpet rippling after cleaning is a common but manageable issue. Understanding the causes & solutions ensures carpets stay smooth, looking good, & long-lasting.

From Dull to Dazzling: What Stone Restoration Can Do

Do you know what stone restoration is? It is a game-changer for anyone who wants to revive the beauty and longevity of their natural stone surfaces.

What Cleaners Should I NOT Use on My Natural Stone Surfaces?

You might hear what seems like sage advice but listening to common myths about the best way to clean natural stone could result in damage to your fine surfaces.

Granite Countertop Safety: Is My Granite Countertop Safe?

There’s been quite a bit of chatter over the years about the potential dangers of radon gas and bacteria on granite countertops. How concerned should you be?

Are Steam Cleaners Safe for Natural Stone Counters & Floors?

Steam cleaners, known for their ability to sanitize & deep clean without chemicals, are popular. But are they safe for natural stone? Let’s explore this...

Unveiling the Mystery of Granite Discoloration

Have you experienced your granite under appliances retaining its original color compared to the surrounding areas that have darkened over time? Here’s why...

From Earth to You

While you are looking at your stone, do you ever wonder where it comes from? Not just the country, but the steps necessary to go from earth to your home?

The War on Shower Mold

Battling stubborn shower mold? Check out these strategies for banishing mold from your stone and tile showers. Say hello to a cleaner, healthier bathroom!

Grout Discoloration in Showers: Causes & Fixes

Discolored and damaged grout in your shower makes it look awful. Good news! You don't have to live with it. Here is what causes the problems and what to do.

Why Is My Marble Turning Dark?

The darkening of marble can be attributed to many factors, including staining, environmental pollutants, natural aging, and inappropriate cleaning methods.

Protecting Your Stone Surfaces

By taking these precautions, you can use your surfaces for years to come, without compromising the beauty and longevity of your cherished stone surfaces.

Routine Maintenance for Travertine Showers – 7 Tips

We received a question recently asking for tips for maintaining a travertine shower. Here are 7 tips plus an important message about sealing shower floors.

From Earth to Elegance: What Makes Marble Colors?

Have you ever wondered how marble gets its gorgeous coloring? Once you understand how marble colors are formed, you’ll never look at marble quite the same.

STONE TOPS: TO SEAL OR NOT? A Simple How-to Test

Not all stone countertops need to be sealed but most will benefit from the protection. Here's an easy test to know if yours needs to be sealed—or re-sealed.

Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Natural Stone Care

To maintain the beauty and durability of your natural stone it's important to follow a set of simple do's and don'ts.

How Steam Cleaning Affects Natural Stone

On marble, granite, and other natural stone, steam cleaning can be harmful.

Is Bleach Safe for Natural Stone?

One common question that arises is whether chlorine bleach is safe to use on stone surfaces.

What Type of Stone is Suitable for a Firebox?

A fireplace is a beautiful addition to any home. It provides warmth and comfort during frosty winter months and adds a cozy ambiance to any room.

Got Stains in Your Stone? Make a Poultice to Remove Them

Natural stone is a popular material used in many applications such as flooring, countertops, and monuments. However, most natural stones are porous and if not protecte...

Quartzite vs Quartz

Quartzite and Quartz: These two words sound almost the same, but they are definitely not the same thing.

A Brief History of Stone Polishing

Stone polishing has been done since the beginning of civilization.Egyptian workers used sand and other rough materials to polish the surfaces of statues and monuments ...

Staining vs Etching on Natural Stone

One of the best reasons to use natural stone for your projects is that it is a renewable and restorable material.

How to Clean and Maintain a Stone Pool Deck

Do you have a stone pool deck and are wondering how to maintain it? Do you need to seal it? How do you deal with stains? This article will give you guidance from a pro...

The Versatility of Stone

Most of the time, when people think about natural stone, what comes to mind is "big projects." Natural stone is great for smaller projects outside as well as inside.

5 Common Stone Misconceptions

Every product, no matter what it is, has some sort of “misconception” or mistruth told about it. Stone is no different.

Granite vs Porcelain for Countertops

Porcelain has entered the countertop market in a big way. The question is: How does porcelain stack up against granite for countertops?

Sealers Can Help Protect Your Stone

Stone countertops, continually exposed to oily or other containing substances, are subject to staining. Read this article to learn about countertop protection and sea...

Cultured Marble vs Real Marble

Cultured marble and real marble sound the same but they are two completely different things. Each one is created differently. The only real similarity is that they bo...

Natural Stone – Fissures vs Cracks

Natural stone, granite, marble, quartzite, etc., is made by, well, nature. Man has nothing to do with it. But it can have natural, unique occurrences in it called fiss...

Why is Caulk So Important in Your Kitchen?

One of the biggest investments in a home is the kitchen. And yet, one of the smallest and easiest things to fix can be the cause of costly damage. You need to fix tho...

Staining vs Etching

Two very common discolorations that can happen to natural stone are staining and etching. They are two completely different things, and the restoration processes for e...

What gives granite its shine?

The mineral mica is found in granite. It is one of the things that gives granite a shimmery shine. Here are a few things you should know about mica.

Are Natural Stone Floors Slippery?

This article clears away misconceptions about the slipperiness of natural stone and provides suggestions regarding both new and existing installations.

Refinishing Stone

When homeowners want their stone restoration technician to change the appearance of their stone in some way, the task may or may not be possible to accomplish, and in ...

Ingestible Countertop Material?

Most people are familiar with the idea that marble is used for floors, countertops, and the like. In this article, you'll discover that marble has many other uses, som...

How to Remove Ring-Shaped Marks on Marble

People commonly ask, "What causes ring-shaped marks and white spots on marble?" "Is there a product I can use to get rid of this type of stain?" and "Is there a sealer...

How to Remove Shower Calcium Deposits

Do you have a white film or scaly buildup on your tile or stone shower? That's calcium deposits. Here are some DIY solutions you can try yourself to remove them before...

Are Steam Cleaners Safe For Natural Stone?

There are many wrong ways to clean natural stone, which is why we recommend leaving heavy cleaning to an experienced stone restoration professional. Steam cleaning sho...

Can Skin Soap Damage Natural Stone?

With an abundance of skin cleaning products on the market, from bars and scrubs to foams and gels, knowing which ones to avoid using around your natural stone can be t...

Glossary of Natural Stone Finishes

Choosing the right natural stone finish for your intended use is essential. Our glossary of finishes will help you understand natural stone finishes and what finish is...

3 Tips for Comparing Stone Restoration Bids

Choosing a stone restoration contractor by comparing bids based on price only can be a costly mistake. Here are three tips for comparing stone restoration bids.

Why Pool Decks Turn Green and Black

What is that green and black stuff that grows on pool decks? Read this article to learn what it is, how to remove it, and how to minimize the likelihood of future disc...

Stone Fabrication. Stone Restoration. What’s the Difference?

Are you considering natural stone as a material for your kitchen or bath new construction or renovation plans? You'll need to enlist the services of both a stone fabri...

Resolve Dirty Grout Problems Once and For All

If your grout looks dirty or seems to be a dirt magnet, there are real, lasting solutions available. Read this article to learn how to resolve dirty grout problems onc...

Countertops: Your Essential Guide

Thinking about purchasing new countertops? You're going to love the Surface BUZZ magazine Kitchen Countertop edition! When you begin your search for the right countert...

Limestone Selection and Care

For anyone considering having limestone installed, as well as anyone with an existing installation, read this article to learn where limestone works best, why limeston...

Removing Urine Stains and Odors on Natural Stone

Urine stains and odors can be difficult to remove from natural stone. Here are some step-by-step instructions for both urine stain and odor removal.

Is My Stone Really Stained?

We have received many calls regarding "staining," and in some cases the issue is not a stain at all. Here are some examples of stone problems that look like stains but...

Is My Countertop Quartzite or Marble?

Quartzite will not etch or scratch. If you have quartzite that is etched and scratched, it may actually be marble. This article explains the difference so that you can...

Top 10 Causes of Grout Turning Yellow

Home and business owners and property managers have a common complaint about grout turning yellow. Read this article to learn about possible causes and solutions.

Graffiti Removal

Removing graffiti on stone, tile, brick, or masonry? Put the pressure washer away. It can be problematic and/or ineffective. Read this article for guidance.

How To Prevent Etching When Disinfecting Stone

This article offers sound advice on how to disinfect your natural stone without accidentally causing etch damage and what to do if you already have etch damage.

How To Remove Pink Shower Film

Have you ever noticed a slimy pink film form in your shower? This article explains what it is, how to get rid of it, and how to keep it from coming back.

The Coronavirus and Your Stone Countertops

Can the coronavirus survive on my stone countertop? What do I use on my stone to properly kill the virus? Get coronavirus answers from stone expert, Fred Hueston.

Pressure Washing Caution

Before pressure washing stone or masonry surfaces, read this article to learn about potential problems that could result in serious damage.

Shower Pan Moisture Buildup

Is the stone around your shower drain darker than the surrounding stone? The cause may be clogged weep holes. The solution may be an easy DIY procedure.

Damaged Dimension Stone Panels

This article explains which dimension stone panel problems can be resolved by your stone restoration technician, and which problems require replacement.

Soft Water Can Damage Marble

You've likely heard of hard water damage on natural stone, but did you know that soft water can also damage it? Learn how to protect susceptible stone.

A Natural Stone Stain Remover

Natural stone, concrete, terrazzo, and certain tiles, as well as the grout lines in between tile, can become stained. Many stains can be removed using acetone.

Stone & Tile Restoration Helps Sell Homes

A simple way to improve buyer appeal and help your home sell quickly for the price you are asking is by having clean, elegant, welcoming floors and surfaces.

What You Should Know About Jerusalem Limestone

If you are selecting natural stone and considering Jerusalem limestone or if you already have Jerusalem limestone, this article may be of interest to you.

When Your “Granite” Is Actually Marble

Marble and other calcium-based natural stones are sometimes sold as granite. Here's how to avoid etch damage and stains associated with stone misidentification.

Crack or Fissure? What’s the Difference?

Sometimes these "cracks" in natural stone countertops are not cracks at all, but fissures, something that resembles a crack. Read more to learn the difference.

How To Remove “Water Rings” On Polished Marble

We are frequently asked, "How can I remove water rings on my polished marble?" This article explains what "water rings" are, and what you can do about them.

High Alkaline Substances Can Etch Natural Stone

Many natural stone owners are aware that acids like vinegar, lemon, etc. can cause etching, but did you know high alkaline substances can also cause etching?

How-To Video: Stone Stain Removal

See Fred Hueston, Chief Technical Director of Stone & Tile PROS, demonstrating how to mix and apply a poultice for removing a stain from natural stone.

Stone Impregnating Sealers in Wet Conditions

Should stone in wet conditions be sealed? In the following article, industry expert, Fred Hueston explains why stone in wet areas should not be sealed.

The Pros and Cons of Natural Stone Resining

Natural stone has inherent imperfections. Resin fills, reinforces, and strengthens the durability of natural stone, but can be problematic if not done properly.

Poultice Leaving a Bigger Stain?

Darkness from moisture in a poultice application can wick out beyond the original stained area. This is not a stain, and the problem is easy to resolve.

Countertop Care: Cloudiness and Haze

There are a number of reasons why countertop cloudiness or haze can develop. Here are the details about possible causes and solutions for the problem.

How Sealers Protect Your Stone

Stone countertops, continually exposed to oily or dye-containing substances, are subject to staining. Read this article to learn about countertop protection.

Is It Really Granite?

Some natural stones that are definitely not granite are being sold as if they were. Here are some ways you may be able to tell whether it really is granite.

Tips To Remove Stains From Bird Droppings

Learn how to clean up bird droppings on natural stone, remove the stains that may persist after cleaning, and avoid having to do the same thing again next week.

Getting Rid of Streaks on Natural Stone

Streaking is a cloudy, uneven pattern on the surface of natural stone floors. This article explains the causes of streaking and what you can do to get rid of it.

Common Tile Cleaning Mistakes

Read this article to learn about cleaning methods that can cause an unsightly appearance or even permanent damage to tile and grout.

Considerations for Mixed Stone Installations

Here's what you need to know if you currently have or are considering more than one type of stone for floors or other applications.

Stone Restoration Pro vs. Cleaning Company

Property owners and managers are often "up-sold" specialized services for natural stone by well-intentioned but unqualified janitorial and cleaning services.

Kitchen Backsplash Cleaning and Care

Methods for cleaning and care of kitchen backsplashes vary, depending on what type of backsplash you have. Read this article for our recommendations.

About Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles

Differences between porcelain and ceramic can impact the cost, appearance, and longevity of your installation. Read this article for important info you should know.

How To Remove A Terrazzo Stain

Before you think about having tile or carpet installed over the terrazzo because of a stain, consider these simple, cost-saving alternatives.

Practical Suggestions For Stone Care and Maintenance

We can always repair and restore your natural stone, but here are some practical suggestions for avoiding damage during care and maintenance procedures.

What To Do About Cement Stains on Sandstone

Cleaning concrete off of sandstone can be tricky. Common cleaners may even cause damage. Here is important information on what to do and what to watch out for.

How to Clean and Protect Limestone Floors

Limestone floors are relatively easy to maintain but can become dull and dirty with time and use. Here are some tips to keep your floors looking their best.

Taking the Mystery Out of Terrazzo

Understanding terrazzo, it's history, and care will help direct design and maintenance choices wherever it may be found, from historic to modern spaces.

Is Natural Stone Hard as a Rock?

The old idiom "hard as a rock..." has contributed to the formation of imprecise opinions about natural stone, which loses beauty without maintenance.

Environmentally-Friendly Natural Stone

Fred Hueston, Chief Technical Director for surpHaces and Founder of Stone Forensics weighs in on whether natural stone is an environmentally friendly choice...

The Unexpected Stone Stain Remover

If you have a stubborn stain that is unresponsive to traditional stain removal methods, such as poulticing, just head down to your local beauty supply store...

How to Remove Polyvinylether (PVE) Stain

Refrigerator, freezer, and AC system repairs may result in PVE (an oil used in refrigerant systems) stains. Here are a few suggestions for DIY stain removal.

White Residue on Stone

If you have white residue on your stone, here are a few tips and tricks for identifying the cause and possibly removing it.

Removing a Stain Left By a Potted Plant

Question: I have a water ring where a plant was sitting on my hearthstone, which I believe is limestone. Is there any way to remove it? I appreciate your help. Great q...

Carpet Spotting Guide

Accidents do happen, and when they do the best defense is to be prepared. Know how to handle spots before they become permanent stains. Following are the essential gui...

Could these foods be etching your stone?

If you've done any homework at all on how to properly care for your natural stone, one of the first things you probably learned was that certain types of stone are sus...

Why is my natural stone flaking?

Flaking (also called spalling) in natural stone is generally an indicator of sub-florescence, a condition in which mineral salts are carried into the stone by moisture...

Mysterious Odors? They Might Be Coming From Your Grout!

Ever walk into a home or property and smell a faint but offensive odor and can't quite figure out where it's coming from? If you have odors that you can't quite identify the source, it just might be coming from your grout lines. Think about it. Unsealed grout is porous. That means it is full…

5 Essential Care Tips for Maintaining Your Natural Stone Countertops

Working with natural stone for many years, we’ve become intimately familiar with it –how to care for it, protect it, and resolve problems when they occur. We are always available to answer questions when our customers ask. One of the most common questions we get is, “Now that I have it, how do I take…

How To Fix Your Scratched Soapstone

If you have soapstone in your business or home, you may have discovered it is more easily scratched than some other stone types. But did you also know these scratches ...

DIY Stone or Tile Installation? Important Clean Up Tips…

Installing a new stone or tile floor yourself? Here is important information from the pros on the first cleaning that you need to know before you start.

Treating Oil Stains On Driveways and in Garages

If you have a driveway or garage, the odds are good you have at least once in your life encountered oil stains and discovered that they don’t hose off very well. So, h...

Minimizing The Hazard of Floor Slipperiness

Slips and falls on slippery floors in homes as well as public spaces is a very real, every day hazard, but there are things you can do to minimize the risks.

Natural Stone Refinishing Options

Did you know natural stone can be refinished to a brand new or even completely different finish? Natural stone is versatile. Here are some ways to give your existing s...

How To Remove Mud Stains On Exterior Stone

One question we're often asked is how to remove mud stains from exterior travertine or other natural stone. Here are some tips for getting mud stains out.

Cleaning That Sooty Fireplace

As we begin to move out of the cold season, you may be looking at your fireplace with a bit of dismay. How do you clean off that stubborn sooty residue?

I’m sorry, I think you mythunderstood me

It’s kind of funny what people who should know better will say about common stone failures or issues. Over the past several years, we have heard many stories about the...

Often-Overlooked Cause of Stone Damage

Many people use stone-safe cleaning products but still mysteriously end up with chemical stone damage anyhow. How does this happen?

Preventative Care Tips

Here are some easy to follow precautionary tips from the PROS for preventing damage to your natural stone floors and countertops during holiday festivities.

The Sensitive Side of Granite

We usually think of etching as a problem unique to marble, but it isn't all that uncommon to see etching occur on granite as well.

Cleaning Your Travertine Shower

Because travertine is a porous natural stone, it does require regular maintenance to keep it looking clean and preventing mildew from forming.

The Case for Colored Grout

Grout is a major focal point of any tiled surface, so it's no wonder colored grout is becoming a design element all by itself.

Repairing Limestone Etching and Scratching

Straight from the pros, here's how to fix etching and scratches in your beautiful limestone surfaces.

Why Does White Marble Turn Yellow?

Has your marble begun to turn yellow? Here are reasons why and what to do about it.

Will the Sun Fade My Stone Countertops?

Taking simple precautions will go a long way in minimizing sunlight damage to your countertops. Here are tips for preventing damage and options if damage has occurred.

Caring for Your Natural Stone

Here's the safe way to clean your granite and other natural stones.

DIY Grout Cleaning Tips

Here are some DIY solutions that work well to clean your dirty and discolored grout.

Lifeless Travertine?

If the sight of your travertine floors or shower walls is giving you the blues, professional restoration services can brighten your day. Travertine can be cleaned, rep...

Countertop Rx

Have your countertops lost their luster? Here are the three most common reasons your countertops may have lost their shine — and what can be done to bring them back to...

Happy New Year!

Home improvement. Sounds expensive, doesn’t it? Well, home improvement doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and resources to help you get started.

Thanksgiving Tips for Natural Stone Care

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Are you entertaining guests? Follow these tips and your marble, granite, and other natural stone will be thankful.

So You’ve Got a Stain… or Do You?

Before you invest your valuable time and energy in a DIY attempt to remove discoloration from natural stone, here's some basic information help you determine whether t...

Do I Need To Seal My Grout?

To seal or not to seal... That is the perpetual question. So, let’s make it simple. To be safe, let me say that for the most part, all stone surfaces should be sealed ...

Beautiful Terrazzo

The great thing about terrazzo is even if it’s been buried under carpet or other flooring for years, or looks yellowed and ugly due to buildup and aging of topical coa...

Stone Restoration Can Save You Money… But It Can’t be Cheap

One of the most costly decisions you can make is choosing a contractor based on price only. A contractor who has not had the proper training or who has little or no ex...

How to Get a Poultice to Stick to a Wall

A Stone Advisory Magazine reader asks, “How can I get it to stick to the wall?” We can almost see the cartoonish frustration of one attempting to make liquid defy grav...

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR ROUTINE CARE OF YOUR KITCHEN COUNTERS AND VANITY TOPS

The first rule for proper care of your countertops, table tops, vanities, etc.: make sure they are properly sealed. To check, spill a little bit of water onto them and give it a few minutes, then wipe up the water. If there is a darker area where the water was, this is an indication that…

Sometimes the Jones’ Have to Keep Up Too

One fastidious customer shares her motivation for getting her grout cleaned then color sealed, and how it was 'life changing' and reputation salvaging for her.Naples G...

Hollow tiles or cracking tiles and grout? Read this before ripping it all out.

When you walk across your tile and grout floor, does it sound more like cheap laminate? Or when you drop a spoon, does it sound like it’s landing on an empty container...

Why Use a pH Neutral Cleaner for Granite Countertops

Perhaps you have been told that your granite countertops can be cleaned with glass cleaner or a solution of dish soap and water. According to Maurizio Bertoli, the “Go...

What You Need to Know About Caring for Soapstone

Do you have or are you considering soapstone for your countertops? Here are some tips for caring for soapstone and keeping it beautiful.

Testing Stone For Kitchen Countertop Usability -The Lemon Juice and Oil Test

It is time to select your granite for your kitchen countertops. What should you look for? Two things: Absorbency and acid sensitivity. You do NOT want a stone that is too absorbent, and you do NOT want a stone that is mixed with calcite (the main component of marble and limestone). The Lemon Juice and…