Caring for Natural Rock & Stone Materials in Your House

A home contains certain fittings and fixtures that have been constructed using natural rocks and stones like granite, marble, sandstone, limestone, slate, etc. In this post, we will cover the three most popular stones found in homes in India – where to use them and how to take care of them.

Natural Rock Artifact

More about Natural Rock & Stone Materials Used in Homes

If you have the following materials in your home or plan to use it somewhere, it is imperative to understand how to use these materials. Taking care of these materials is more important that purchasing them. Here’s some information about the three most commonly used materials:

• 1.      Marble

Where to Use It: Floors, Sit Outs, Washroom Sinks and Countertops, etc.

How to Care for It: Marble does not require a lot of care. However, cleaning agents used normally will corrode it at an exponential rate. Hence, care should be taken to use materials specifically designed to clean marble. The following steps can be employed when cleaning marble:

a.      Cleaning agents specifically targeted for marble are available in the market. Use these materials with water to clean your marble.

b.      If the marble is very old and has accumulated a lot of dirt, consider getting professional help. Buffing machines will help clean the marble of grime.

• 2.      Granite

Where to Use It: Kitchen Countertops, Table tops

How to Care for It: Granite is easy to clean and has a very smooth surface. Hence, it can be used for both kitchen and bathroom countertops. This luxurious stone can also be used within the house for a classy touch. Here are some tips for effective cleaning of this material:

a.      Use a mild acid-free soap and non-abrasive brush to clean granite.

b.      Dry the granite with a microfiber cloth to avoid getting water stains.

• 3.      Sandstone

Where to Use It: Outdoor Floors like patio, terraces, gardens, etc., Exterior Walls

How to Care for It: Maintenance of this material is easy. Here are some steps to accomplish this easily:

a.      Mix warm/water with acid-free cleaning products.

b.      Scrub the floor with this solution for a squeaky-clean sandstone floor.

c.       If you are unsure about the cleaning agent, seek professional advice on the matter.

Making the right purchase should be dependent on your budget, requirements, and the environmental conditions in your home. However, the most overlooked standpoint is that of maintenance. Taking care of expensive materials can be cumbersome and costly. However, as illustrated above, this can be done inexpensively if a little caution is taken regularly. When cared for, these materials give high returns on investment. They look beautiful, are extremely durable, and last a long time. The long life and aesthetic appeal are reasons enough to invest in these materials.