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All natural stone is porous, it is a bit like a hard sponge, which like a sponge will take in water, oil and other fluids, some stones such as sandstone which is extremely porous will rapidly absorb liquids, while other stones which are denser and so less porous are slower to take in a stain and may take like granite up to an hour to absorb any liquid. But all stones will absorb, so all stone needs protecting by using a stone sealer, this is true of both interior and exterior stonework. This natural characteristic of stone to absorb, can cause many problems of which staining is the most obvious.
Staining is the most frequent damage, it happens when oils or other liquids are absorbed deeply into the stone through its network of capillaries, where it can be extremely difficult to remove.
Salt staining is what happens when salts dissolved in water are drawn into the stone, or water entering the stone combines with natural mineral salts within the stone. This can cause a problem termed efflorescence, which is the formation of white salt deposits on the surface of stone. The salts can also cause a problem known as Spalling, this is when the salt crystallises in the capillaries of the stone and can rupture the structure of the stone causing a pitted surface.
Acid erosion many stone such as marble, limestone and travertine react with acidic liquids on contact. The acid breaks down the surface of the stone leaving dull areas and sometimes even deep pits over time. Even mild household acids, including fizzy drinks, wine, vinegar, orange juice, milk, and especially some household cleaning products damage these types of stone. The milder the acid, the longer it takes to damage the surface of the stone, and conversely stronger acids like those found in many cleaning products can damage the stone in seconds. This is why we recommend our Stonecare4u stone cleaning products which pH-balanced formula is designed to be used on stone and will clean and offer all the benefits of your favourite household cleaning products but not damage the stone.
Framing this happens when water or grout moves into the edges of the stone creating an unattractive darkening effect around the edge of the tile. To avoid this problem, we recommend that you seal any stone tiles prior to laying them. this then prevents the water /grout penetrating the stone.
Frost damage - Spalling this is the result of water which has penetrated the surface of the stone then freezing, the expansion of the water turning to ice then ruptures the stone causing the stone surface to flake, chip and pit.
If you have sealed your surface correctly it should not need re-sealing for at least 5 years.
To re-seal a surface, special sealant removers like our Stonecare4u Power Stripper Plus will completely remove any existing sealant and allow you to apply the new sealant to a clean and prepared surface.
Once prepared you can seal using a stone sealer, like our Stonecare4u Eco Stone Sealers, available in bothMatt and Satin Finish.
Stonecare4u Eco Stone sealers will help protect the stone from spills and ensure that your stone floor remains in great condition. In addition to caring for your stone floor, our Eco stone sealers help to protect the environment. They are water based and biodegradable so by using Stonecare4u Eco Stone Sealers to care for your stone you are also caring for the environment all in one great product.
Blot the spill with a paper towel, absorb as much as possible from the stone surface don't wipe, this may spread the stain.
Mop the area with plain water and Stonecare4u Stone Floor Cleaner and rinse several times. Repeat several times if necessary.