STAIN REMOVAL

What should you do if your natural stone stains?

1. Identify the stain before trying to remove it.
2. Act quickly! The longer it sits, the harder it is to get out.
3. Use a soft WHITE cloth or paper towel.
4. Blot don't rub.
5. Don't EVER use more chemicals than you need.

You can avoid stains on your Natural Stone by blotting up any spills immediately, thoroughly rinsing with a mild soap and water solution, and then drying the area.

In real life, this doesn't always happen. Maybe you didn't notice your best friend spilled her red wine on your beautiful stone bar until you got up the next morning. Or, your husband serves you breakfast in bed and the butter melts all over the countertop before you have a chance to get to it.

Whatever the reason, most surface stains can be removed by you with the help of an appropriate cleaning product or household chemical. Deeply embedded, stubborn, and/or metal stains usually require the help of a Stone Care Specialist.

Your first step in Natural Stone and Granite stain removal is to identify the stain. Not sure what caused the stain? Ask yourself a few questions:

STAIN REMOVAL SOLUTIONS

MOISTURE (not a stain)
Cause: Moisture is absorbed by the stone from condensation from a glass. The effect is darker look.
Solution: Let it evaporate on its own, then seal the stone.

SOAP SCUM
Cause: Soap Build Up
Solution: 1 Gallon of water to 1/2 Cup of ammonia
CAUTION: Frequent or overuse of ammonia can dull the surface.
Safer Solution: Stone friendly Film Remover.

OUTDOOR ALGAE OR MOSS
Solution: Use a mild bleach solution and then flush with clear water.

OIL BASED STAINS
Cause: Grease, Tar, Cooking Oil, Cosmetics
Color: Darkens the stone.
Solution: Gently clean the area with ONE of the following:

ORGANIC STAINS
Cause: Coffee, Tea, Fruit, Tobacco, Paper, Food, Urine, Leaves, Bark, Bird Droppings
Color: Pinkish-brown
Solution:


METAL STAINS
Cause: Iron, Rust, Copper, Bronze
Color: Iron or rust stains- Usually orange to brown and follow the shape of the staining object. (bolts, screws, flower pots, cans, metal furniture)

Color: Copper or bronze stains- Usually green or muddy brown and are from the action of moisture on nearby or embedded bronze, copper, or brass items.
Solution: Poultice. Call your stone care professional.


BIOLOGICAL STAINS
Cause: Algae, Mildew, Lichens, Moss, Fungi
Solution: A gallon of water and mix with ONE of the following:

CAUTION: Do not mix bleach & ammonia - creates toxic gas.

INK STAINS
Cause: Magic Marker, Pen, Ink
Solution:

PAINT
Solution:

CAUTION: Paint Stripper can etch the surface of your stone AND repolishing may be necessary. If you are uncomfortable with the possibility of etching your stone's surface, call your stone care professional.

What you should do first?

1. Identify the stain before trying to remove it.
2. Act quickly! The longer it sits, the harder it is to get out.
3. Use a soft WHITE cloth or paper towel.
4. Blot don't rub.
5. Don't EVER use more chemicals than you need.

You can avoid stains on your Natural Stone by blotting up any spills immediately, thoroughly rinsing with a mild soap and water solution, and then drying the area.

In real life, this doesn't always happen. Maybe you didn't notice your best friend spilled her red wine on your beautiful stone bar until you got up the next morning. Or, your husband serves you breakfast in bed and the butter melts all over the countertop before you have a chance to get to it.

Whatever the reason, most surface stains can be removed by you with the help of an appropriate cleaning product or household chemical. Deeply embedded, stubborn, and/or metal stains usually require the help of a Stone Care Specialist.

Your first step in Natural Stone and Granite stain removal is to identify the stain. Not sure what caused the stain? Ask yourself a few questions:

Stain Removal Solutions:

MOISTURE(not a stain)
Cause: Moisture is absorbed by the stone from condensation from a glass. The effect is darker look.
Solution: Let it evaporate on its own, then seal the stone.

SOAP SCUM
Cause: Soap Build Up
Solution: 1 Gallon of water to 1/2 Cup of ammonia
CAUTION: Frequent or overuse of ammonia can dull the surface.
Safer Solution: Stone friendly Film Remover.

OUTDOOR ALGAE OR MOSS
Solution: Use a mild bleach solution and then flush with clear water.

OIL BASED STAINS
Cause: Grease, Tar, Cooking Oil, Cosmetics
Color: Darkens the stone.
Solution: Gently clean the area with ONE of the following:


NOTE: Use only wood or plastic scrapers for removing sludge or curdled paint. Latex and acrylic paints usually won't cause staining. Oil based paints, linseed oil, putty, caulks, and sealants may cause oily stains. For Natural Stone and Granite Stain Removal of oil based stains, refer to above on oil based stains.

WATER SPOTS AND RINGS
Cause: Surface accumulation of hard water.
Solution: Buff with dry 0000 steel wool. Or use products, specially formulated for removal of hard water deposits on stone.

FIRE & SMOKE DAMAGE
Cause: Smoke or fire stained fireplaces and older stones
Solution: A thorough cleaning to restore the original appearance.

These steps are usually effective for Natural Stone & Granite Stain removal. If you do not feel comfortable or your stain appears too difficult to treat yourself, you should call your Stone Care specialist for guidance.

Marble & Granite Supply of Illinois, INC
1225 Hartrey Ave Evanston, IL 60202
Telephone: 847-866-8682
Fax: 847-866-8206
Email Address: sales@marble-granites.com
Website: www.Marble-Granites.com