Eco-friendly Cleaning Practices for Natural Stone

Eco-friendly Cleaning Practices for Natural Stone

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Natural Stone in the Home

When you chose natural stone for your home, you knew it would perform beautifully, but did you consider how to keep the integrity of the stone intact and optimize the role it plays in your home? Natural stone is a sustainable material that is durable, improves with age, and does not off-gas. Even the most beautiful and well-installed natural stone will be subject to general wear and tear from people, pets, and objects. Maintaining the stone should be a top priority.


There are many different materials and finishes within this kitchen. Each must be considered in order to keep the entire room functioning well over time. Photo courtesy of Pacific Stoneworks.


 

How to Choose the Right Cleaning Products


The level of quality and care given to the design of this bathroom should be of the same level to maintain it.


It is important to use the right product and process for the type of stone and specific issue you are addressing. Different stones have different characteristics and will respond differently to cleaning and maintenance.

Ask the following questions before getting started:

  • What type of stone is it? Marble, granite, slate, limestone, travertine, etc.?
  • Is the stone porous or nonporous?
  • Is the stone resistant to scratching, etching, and staining?
  • What kind of finish does the stone have? Is it polished, honed, flamed, or something else?
  • Where is the stone installed? Is it on a countertop, floor, backsplash, fireplace, or somewhere else?

Also ask which of these issues are being addressed:

  • Dirt and debris build up
  • High-traffic areas
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Chemical spills
  • Stains or etches from an acidic or oily substance
  • Damage such as a scratch, break, or change in appearance

Whenever possible, ask these questions before the stone is even installed. That way you can plan appropriately and understand what maintenance practice will work best for your stone. For example, if you are considering a stone that is prone to stains and you cook and entertain a lot, you can either select a different stone or choose appropriate finishing options. If you have pets and small children, the durability of the stone will be a major consideration. Choosing a stone that does not damage easily will reduce maintenance issues.

 

Eco-friendly Maintenance Practices

Regular preventative maintenance keeps dust and dirt from building up on the surface of the stone as well as on the surrounding materials. It also prevents the stone from deteriorating and the finish from dulling. Some of the simplest maintenance practices are also the most eco-friendly.

First, keep dirt and debris from entering into the home from the outside. Install floor mats at entrances to reduce the dirt that could enter the space. Create a transition area to contain dirty clothes, shoes, and pets. This will reduce the likelihood of dirt, debris and chemicals that are present on these items from coming into contact with the stone elements and the rest of the indoor environment.


Before and after maintenance. This extreme condition could have been prevented by regular maintenance. Waiting this long adds time, resources, and often a process that is labor intensive and expensive.


Second, address the daily habits that can impact any surface material. Use coasters to prevent etching from acidic drinks. Do not set hot pans directly on the stone surface. Dust or mop regularly with a soft microfiber cloth to prevent dirt and grit from getting ground into surfaces, which can wear away the finish. Do not use mops or brooms with a rough or abrasive surface to prevent scratching. Remove excess water from shower stalls, sinks, and vanities to prevent mold, soap scum, and mildew.

Next, use natural and simple cleaning solutions as your first choice whenever possible. A pH neutral cleaner will not damage the stone surface. Small nicks, scratches, and water spots can be buffed out very gently with a 00 steel wool pad. Remove spills as soon as they happen with a mild dish soap or vegetable soap and hot water. Small nicks, scratches, and water spots can be buffed out gently with a 00 steel wool pad. Consult with your stone professional to understand the best practices for your stone.

Sealers can also play an important role in keeping the stone looking and performing well. Sealers are often applied at the fabrication stage, but can also be applied after installation.

Always make sure to check labels and make sure the products you use are safe for use on natural stone. Acidic cleaners like vinegar and lemon juice will etch the surface of calcitic stones like marble and limestone. Ammonia can also dull the finish on certain stones and has also been linked to breathing difficulties. Ammonia and bleach should never be combined—this combination creates an immediate toxic gas.

These simple eco-friendly maintenance practices go a long way in sustaining the stone. However, it is possible to go beyond this with products that have credentials that will give you peace of mind, not only for your home, but also for the planet.

 

Certified Maintenance Products


Testing cleaning products on various stones in a lab.


Environmentally friendly cleaning products have been tested to ensure they are safe and healthy for indoor environments and are certified for low and no chemical emissions. They also reduce the impact of chemicals that often end up in waste streams and water systems. These products have the following characteristics:

  • Water based
  • Contain no harsh chemicals
  • Produce no toxic fumes
  • Contain no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
  • Biodegradable
  • Packaging is minimal and recyclable

Select a cleaning product with a certification label from a trusted and respected green product certification labeling organization. This will ensure that the ingredients in the products meet strict requirements and standards for indoor air and water quality and contain no harsh chemicals.

Cleaning products with these types of labels are becoming more widely available worldwide. So whether you live in coastal California or are staying in your vacation home in the hilltowns of Italy, you can find a sustainable cleaning product for stone. Remember to use these types of products throughout the home so that you are addressing the stone, the system, and the indoor environment as a whole. For the optimal result, plan for and implement maintenance regularly and consistently.

 

Additional Resources

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Bathroom Stone Care: Preventing Mold, Mildew, and Water Damage

By Kaylee Toole • June 9, 2025
Natural stone brings elegance and luxury to bathroom spaces, but it also comes with unique maintenance challenges. Bathrooms are high-moisture environments where water exposure, humidity, and poor ventilation can lead to mold, mildew, and water damage if stone surfaces are not adequately cared for. Whether you have marble, travertine, limestone, or granite in your bathroom, the key to preserving its beauty is routine care and moisture control. 1. Choose the Right Stone and Finish Before we dive into care tips, it's essential to understand that not all natural stones are created equal in terms of moisture resistance. Granite and quartzite are denser and more resistant to water damage. Softer stones, such as marble, limestone, and travertine, are more porous and absorb moisture more readily. Polished finishes offer more protection against water and staining than honed or tumbled finishes. If you're remodeling, choosing a less porous stone or a sealed polished finish can reduce maintenance needs. 2. Seal Your Stone Surfaces Regularly Natural stone is porous, meaning it can absorb water, soap residue, and body oils. This absorption can lead to staining, etching, or mold growth over time. A high-quality penetrating sealer provides a protective barrier that repels moisture and contaminants, offering enhanced protection against environmental damage. How often you should seal your bathroom stone depends on the type of stone and the amount of use the bathroom receives. Generally, sealing once or twice a year is recommended for high-moisture areas, such as showers and floors. How to Test Your Sealant: Sprinkle a few drops of water on the stone. If the water beads on the surface, the seal is still effective. If it soaks in and darkens the stone, it’s time to reseal. 3. Improve Ventilation and Airflow Poor ventilation is one of the most significant contributors to mold and mildew growth in bathrooms. Without proper airflow, moisture lingers in the air and on surfaces, creating the perfect environment for mold spores. Tips to improve ventilation: Use an exhaust fan during and after showers Leave the bathroom door open when not in use Wipe down shower walls and countertops after use Use a dehumidifier if the bathroom lacks adequate airflow 4. Clean Regularly with Stone-Safe Products Cleaning natural stone surfaces with the right products helps remove residue before it can penetrate the stone or encourage the growth of mold. Avoid using bleach, vinegar, or acidic bathroom cleaners, as they can damage the surface and degrade the sealer. Instead, use: A pH-neutral stone cleaner A soft microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge A squeegee for glass and polished stone surfaces in the shower Clean shower walls and floors at least once a week. Wipe down vanities and countertops daily. 5. Address Grout and Caulk Lines Grout and caulk lines are often overlooked but are among the most vulnerable parts of a bathroom. They can crack, separate, or absorb moisture over time, providing a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Even sealed stone is at risk if the grout is compromised. Inspect grout and caulk regularly. Reseal grout annually, and replace cracked or deteriorated caulk as soon as possible. Mold that forms in grout lines should be treated quickly with a stone-safe mold remover. 6. Avoid Leaving Standing Water Leaving water to sit on your stone surfaces can lead to water spots, discoloration, or eventual deterioration of the sealant. This is especially important in stone showers and on bathroom vanities. After using the shower or washing your hands, make it a habit to: Wipe down countertops and sinks Squeegee water from the shower walls and floors Dry off any wet areas to prevent water from soaking into the stone 7. Watch for Signs of Water Damage Early signs of water damage include: Darkened stone or water rings Efflorescence (white powdery residue) Dull or etched spots on polished surfaces Musty odors or visible mildew If you notice any of these signs, take action immediately. You may need to reseal, deep clean, or, in some cases, consult a professional for restoration. Conclusion Natural stone can be a stunning and durable choice for bathrooms, but it needs special attention in wet and humid environments. Regular sealing, proper cleaning, moisture control, and maintenance of grout and caulk are crucial in preventing mold, mildew, and water damage. With a few consistent habits and the proper care routine, your bathroom’s stone surfaces can maintain their beauty and strength for years to come. If your stone is showing signs of wear or damage, consider consulting a professional for a deep cleaning, polishing, and sealing treatment to restore its original condition.

How to Safely Disinfect Natural Stone Without Causing Damage

May 12, 2025
The COVID-19 era brought increased awareness around hygiene and disinfection in our homes and businesses. While keeping surfaces clean and germ-free is essential, it's equally important to ensure that your cleaning methods don’t damage the surfaces themselves, especially when it comes to natural stone like marble, granite, limestone, and travertine. Natural stone is beautiful and durable, but also porous and sensitive to certain chemicals. Using the wrong disinfectants can lead to etching , staining , and dulling of the stone’s finish. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to safely disinfect natural stone surfaces without compromising their integrity. Why Traditional Disinfectants Can Be Harmful to Stone Many common disinfectants contain acidic ingredients like vinegar , lemon juice , or bleach , which can: Etch the stone, leaving dull spots or cloudy patches. Break down sealants , reducing the stone’s resistance to moisture and staining. Discolor the surface, especially on light-colored stones like marble and limestone. Even alcohol-based products can cause long-term issues if used too frequently or left on the surface without wiping. Safe Disinfection Methods for Natural Stone 1. Use a pH-Neutral Stone Cleaner with Antibacterial Properties Some stone-safe cleaners are formulated to disinfect without causing harm. Look for labels that specify: pH-neutral Safe for natural stone Antibacterial or antimicrobial action These products are ideal for daily or weekly cleaning and gentle enough for regular use. Pro Tip: Brands like StoneTech , Granite Gold , or Weiman offer stone-safe disinfectants designed for marble, granite, and more. 2. Use 70% Isopropyl Alcohol – With Caution When stronger disinfecting is needed (such as after exposure to illness), isopropyl alcohol can be used, but carefully. How to use it: Mix 70% isopropyl alcohol with distilled water in a 1:1 ratio. Lightly mist the solution onto the surface. Let it sit for 30 seconds to disinfect. Wipe dry with a soft microfiber cloth. Follow with a pH-neutral stone cleaner to remove any residue and restore shine. Avoid prolonged exposure , and never use alcohol on unsealed stone, as it can dry out or damage the surface. 3. Use Disposable Disinfectant Wipes , Sparingly During peak COVID times, many people turned to disinfectant wipes. While convenient, most contain quaternary ammonium compounds or alcohol, which can harm natural stone over time. If using disinfectant wipes: Test on a small, inconspicuous area first. Wipe the area with water and a soft cloth immediately after use. Don’t use regularly, save for occasional high-risk scenarios. Disinfecting Products to Avoid To prevent damage, do not use the following on natural stone surfaces: Vinegar or lemon juice Bleach or hydrogen peroxide Ammonia or window cleaners Generic antibacterial wipes (e.g., Clorox, Lysol) without rinsing Abrasive scrubbing pads These can etch, dull, discolor, or weaken the protective seal on your stone. Daily Cleaning vs. Disinfection It's important to distinguish between cleaning and disinfecting : Cleaning removes dirt, oils, and debris from the surface. Disinfecting kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. For natural stone, daily cleaning with a pH-neutral cleaner is enough in most households. Reserve disinfecting for situations that truly call for it, such as illness in the home, handling raw meat, or post-exposure to public surfaces. Don’t Forget to Reseal Disinfecting, even with safe products, can gradually wear down your stone’s protective seal. To maintain water and stain resistance: Check your seal every 6–12 months. Reapply a stone-safe sealer if water no longer beads on the surface. This will keep your stone protected and make cleaning (and disinfecting) easier in the long run. Final Thoughts Disinfecting your home shouldn’t come at the cost of damaging your beautiful natural stone surfaces. By choosing the right products and following a few simple precautions, you can keep your stone clean, sanitized, and stunning for years to come. Need help restoring dull or etched stone? Marble Stone Polish offers professional stone cleaning, polishing, and sealing to bring your surfaces back to life, safely and effectively. Contact us today for a free consultation!