Guide to cleaning, protection and maintenance of natural stone, naturpiedra
As specialists in natural stone, we offer you products developed for the cleaning, treatment and specific maintenance of natural stone. Among the products of the most prestigious brands in the sector, tested with our materials, we offer you the MN range of the German firm Lithofin, guaranteed products that provide a solution to the most demanding cleaning and aggressions that any type of natural stone cladding can suffer, or better still, conveniently preventing them, depending on the use we intend to give it; and finally preserve it in the best possible way with proper maintenance.
Stone is one of the most widely used natural materials in construction since ancient times, due to its beauty, hardness and resistance. But also, because it does not require excessive care and maintenance, being perfectly preserved over time and with a harmonious and elegant ageing.
It hardly needs more than water and neutral soap for cleaning and maintenance. But if we want an exhaustive cleaning or to keep the material more careful, or a treatment that avoids problems such as stains, oxides, humidity or fungus; we must use specific products and treatments.
Each type of stone material has specific characteristics, and for each problem that may arise, there are solutions that we detail in the CLEANING GUIDE that we put at your disposal, with detailed treatments that are easy to apply.
However, if you have any doubts, you can contact us so that we can advise you on the best treatment and product to use. All the products presented can be purchased in our shops in Villanueva del Pardillo (Madrid) and Bernardos (Segovia), or through our online shop, receiving them directly at home.
Stone, being a resistant and natural material, ages slowly and elegantly, maintaining its properties and innate beauty; without requiring more care than any other type of construction material, but appropriate for each type of stone and use. Regular cleaning with water and neutral soap, avoiding acid and aggressive products such as pure bleach, is usually enough to keep it clean and cared for.
However, if we want to keep our stone in the best conditions, make it take a plus in its lustre, protect it against the most stubborn stains and facilitate its daily cleaning; we should count on the products specially produced for natural stone, which we offer you from the wide experience of Naturpiedra. We always recommend this type of specific products, tested with our materials, to achieve the best and most lasting results, avoiding miraculous tricks.
These products, designed by and for natural stone, are easy to apply, offer adequate and long-lasting protection, and are suitable for each use or effect we wish to achieve. We can use products to protect spaces with a higher risk of stains, such as kitchens against grease or organic stains, as well as suitable for contact with our foodstuffs (worktops, stoneware, flooring and tiling). Protect against humidity and hygiene products in the bathroom, as well as maintaining a non-slip surface, for example in shower trays. Avoid dampness, saltpetre, rust, fungus, etc., on façades and floors exposed to the elements. Enhance the colours of natural stone with the wet effect tone, with or without shine, as well as recovering the lustre of a floor that has been punished by daily use, avoiding any type of stain and facilitating cleaning.
Let us advise you on the most suitable material for your needs, as well as the best way to treat and maintain it, with the best and most suitable products that we put at your disposal, so that you can always enjoy the quality and distinction of natural stone in your home.
We give you some simple advice on how to carry out the important initial cleaning after work, protect it properly according to our needs and maintain it in the best conditions, depending on the type of natural stone you have or want to have in your home. In each case, we indicate the appropriate product to use, which we make available to you at our points of sale and on our website, providing you with easy access to them:
Slate and Phyllite
Slate, and more specifically Jbernardos Grey Phyllite, is a dense, hard and robust material. With simple treatments it is easy to maintain, with proper treatment, we guarantee an optimal appearance over the years.
INITIAL CLEANING
For initial cleaning we choose Lithofin MN Cement and rust layer remover, diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10, scrubbing vigorously with a brush, leaving it to act and rinsing with plenty of clean water at the end. This product can also be used as a cleaner for aggressive stains or rust.
PROTECTION
For protection against stains, we can use Lithofin MN Anti-stain (natural effect) or MN Anti-stain Plus (tone reviving). Applied neat, on a clean, dry surface, spread a thin layer evenly and remove excess, leaving it to dry and protected from rain for a day.
The appearance of the material can also be improved by waterproofing and tone enhancement with Lithofin MN Colour Accentuator.
MAINTENANCE
By regularly using Lithofin MN daily cleaner, cleaning the surface with approx. 20 ml per 10 litres of water, the previously protected slate or phyllite surface will be maintained in the best possible condition and lustre. Traditionally, slate waxes are also used to give protection and shine to these floors, for which we offer you the specific SUPER 25 waxes in colourless or black tinted format.
Limestone and Travertine
Limestone and travertine are materials that vary in density, porosity and hardness, depending on the type, origin and finish chosen. It is always advisable to apply suitable protective treatments to ensure the optimum conditions and longevity of these stones.
INITIAL CLEANING
For an initial cleaning we will choose Lithofin MN Basic Cleaner, diluted with water in a 1:10 ratio, scrubbing vigorously with a brush, leaving it on and rinsing with plenty of clean water at the end. It is very important on limestones to let the surface dry completely before proceeding with the protective treatments.
PROTECTION
For protection against stains, we can use Lithofin MN Anti-stain W (natural effect), an ecological product in aqueous base or Lithofin MN Anti-stain, in solvent base. Apply a thin layer on a clean, dry surface, spread it evenly and remove any excess, leave it to dry and protect it from rain for a day.
MAINTENANCE
Regular use of Lithofin MN Daily Cleaner, cleaning the surface with approx. 20 ml per 10 litres of water, will keep the previously protected limestone surface in the best condition. In case of occasional heavy soiling, clean again with Lithofin MN Basic Cleaner.
Quartzite and Sandstone
Sandstone and quartzite are often used outdoors, as they are robust and slip-resistant products. However, they are susceptible to staining, so it is advisable to treat them.
INITIAL CLEANING
For initial cleaning choose Lithofin MN Cement and Rust Remover, diluted 1:10 with water, scrubbing vigorously with a brush, leaving it on and rinsing with plenty of clean water at the end.
PROTECTION
For protection against stains, we can use Lithofin MN Anti-stain W (natural effect), an ecological water-based product. Apply it pure, on the clean and dry surface, spread a thin layer evenly and remove the excess, leaving it to dry and protected from rain for a day. If we wish to improve the protection and brighten the tone, we can apply Lithofin MN Colour Accentuator.
MAINTENANCE
Use Lithofin MN Basic Cleaner, in a 1:3 ratio of water, when deemed necessary. Except for very specific stains in which case we should consult the appropriate product to apply.
GRANITE
One of the most common stone materials in construction, appreciated for its hardness. We can find this material in a flamed or bush-hammered finish on exteriors and polished or honed on interiors. It can also be compared to similar, less widespread materials such as gneiss, gabbro or certain types of quartzite.
INITIAL CLEANING
For an initial cleaning we will choose Lithofin MN Cement and Rust Coat Remover, diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10, scrubbing vigorously with a brush, leaving it on and rinsing with plenty of clean water at the end. If we observe in the previous test of the product, any alteration in the surface, we will use a less aggressive product such as Lithofin MN Basic Cleaner.
PROTECTION
As protection against stains, we can use Lithofin MN Anti-stain W (natural effect), an ecological water-based product. Apply it pure, on the clean and dry surface, spread a thin layer evenly and remove the excess, leaving it to dry and protected from rain for a day. If we wish to improve the protection and brighten the tone, we can apply Lithofin MN Colour Accentuator, unless the finish is polished.
MAINTENANCE
On exteriors and flamed or bush-hammered finishes, use Lithofin MN Basic Cleaner, in a 1:3 ratio of water, when deemed necessary. In interiors, polished or honed, we can regularly use Lithofin MN Daily Cleaner, cleaning the surface with approx. 20 ml per 10 lts of water.
MARBLE
Perhaps the most widespread and well-known type of ornamental stone, its use dates back to ancient times, when any prestigious building had to have this stone. The most common finish is polished, requiring appropriate treatment to preserve it properly.
INITIAL CLEANING
For an initial cleaning we will choose Lithofin MN Basic Cleaner, diluted with water in a 1:10 ratio, scrubbing vigorously with a brush, leaving it on and rinsing with plenty of clean water at the end. It is very important not to use any type of acid cleaner on any marble.
PROTECTION
As protection against stains, we can use Lithofin MN Anti-stain (natural effect). Apply it pure, on the clean and dry surface, spread a thin layer uniformly and remove the excess, leaving it to dry and protected from rain for a day.
MAINTENANCE
Regularly use Lithofin MN daily cleaner, cleaning the surface with approx. 20 ml per 10 litres of water. This will keep the satin shine of the polished marble protected, as well as clean with a suitable acid-free soap.
GENERAL TIPS
After a final cleaning or persistent stains, rinse the surface with plenty of water.
To apply protective treatments, the surface must be completely clean and dry, avoiding rain and dust or dirt in the environment, and leave to dry for a day without stepping on or touching the surface. These treatments make the stone easy to clean and facilitate daily maintenance.
Always test the products to be applied on an inconspicuous area of the surface to be treated.
Always use the protectants on completely dry surfaces, otherwise they will not be able to penetrate or will create damp patches. Apply the products evenly and wipe off the excess completely.
It is advisable, depending on the type of material and use, to repeat protective treatments every few years.
