Are you a construction professional navigating the complexities of stone maintenance? From London’s award-winning Exchange Square to 22 Bishopsgate, at FILA, we’re experienced in helping contractors specify the correct aftercare products for flawless installations.
Recognising the significance of natural stone upkeep in architectural design, we’ve curated this article to explore aftercare practices comprehensively. Here, we also spotlight three expertly crafted products from our Innovation Centre to maintain the longevity and allure of your stone surfaces.
Understanding Natural Stone: Properties and Characteristics
The first step in proper stone care is understanding your stone’s geological classification and composition. This information is crucial in identifying the appropriate cleaning products and determining the best care practices for your stone installations.
Natural stone is classified into three primary geological categories based on its formation processes: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Additionally, stones in each category can be either calcareous or siliceous.
Calcareous Stone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate, a chemical compound commonly found in natural stone, shells, and pearls. Because calcium carbonate is sensitive to acidic solutions, mild, non-acidic cleaners are recommended.
Siliceous Stone, as the term implies, is composed primarily of silicates, such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. Siliceous stone is generally resistant to most acids found in kitchen settings. However, acidic cleaners are still not recommended, as these stones may contain trace levels of acid-sensitive minerals.
Natural stone comes in a variety of types, each with its own individual properties and characteristics:
- Marble boasts exquisite veining and a luxurious finish
- Granite offers unparalleled resilience
- Limestone exudes warmth and texture
- Travertine adds rustic charm to any setting
Understanding the distinct properties of each type of natural stone is crucial for selecting appropriate cleaning products and techniques tailored to its specific needs. By grasping your natural stone material’s geological classification and unique characteristics, you can ensure its timelessness and maintain its aesthetic appeal effectively.
The Significance of Regular Surface Maintenance
Preservation of Aesthetic Appeal
Natural stone, such as marble, granite, and limestone, boasts distinctive patterns, colours, and textures, contributing to its aesthetic allure. Regular attention, including cleaning, sealing, and polishing, helps retain the stone’s original beauty and enhances its visual appeal over time.
Prevention of Damage
Stone is susceptible to various forms of damage, including stains, etching, and scratches, especially in high-traffic areas or outdoor environments. Regular cleaning routines help prevent these forms of damage, prolonging the stone’s lifespan and minimising the need for costly repairs or restoration.
Prevention of Mould and Mildew Growth
Natural stone can become breeding grounds for mould, mildew, and other microbial growth in moist or humid environments. Routine servicing also helps inhibit the proliferation of these harmful microorganisms, promoting a healthier indoor environment and reducing the risk of respiratory issues for occupants.
Property Value
Stone surfaces enhance residential and commercial properties’ overall value and appeal. Regular maintenance demonstrates care and attention to detail, signalling to potential buyers or tenants that the property has been well cared for and is worth investing in.
The Role of Proper Restoration Products
Specialised products designed for natural stone are essential for effective maintenance and preservation. Unlike generic cleaners that can harm this fragile material, FILA Solutions provides tailored solutions to preserve its appearance and endurance.
CLEANER PRO, PS87 PRO, and CLEAN&SHINE stand out, offering architects and designers the assurance and confidence they need to address the intricate demands of natural stone surfaces with precision and efficacy. With FILA Solutions, maintaining natural stone’s pristine charm and durableness is not just a task but a seamless and rewarding experience.
FILA’s Best Cleaners for Stone Aftercare
#1 CLEANER PRO – Ph-Neutral Cleaner
Materials:
CLEANER PRO can be used on all types of natural stone, including terrazzo, marble, granite, and other materials.
What it does:
CLEANER PRO is formulated explicitly for ordinary maintenance, a highly concentrated cleaner for all surfaces, even delicate ones. It’s also ideal for washing newly laid natural stone floors, especially those with a polished finish that requires gentle treatment against strong detergents.
Benefits:
- pH-neutral cleaner when diluted 1:200 (25 mL in 5 litres of water)
- Does not leave residues or streaks
- Highly concentrated, it can be used at various dilutions
- Suitable for manual cleaning or professional cleaning machines
- Does not damage metal trims or accessories
- Free of ammonia, sodium hydroxide, EDTA, phosphates
- Contains ingredients that are biodegradable up to 98%
How to use CLEANER PRO:
Dilute CLEANER PRO according to your needs, ranging from 1:30 to 1:200, specifically for natural stone surfaces. Apply the solution using a mop or scrubber dryer. For tougher stains, opt for more concentrated solutions. Remember to rinse the surface thoroughly after cleaning.
#2 PS87 PRO – Degreasing Floor Cleaner
Materials:
PS87 PRO suits various unpolished natural stones such as marble, granite, limestone, and travertine.
What it does:
When diluted, FILA’s PS87 PRO cleans and removes grease from dirty natural stone surfaces. This degreasing floor cleaner is also suitable for the initial washing of unpolished acid-sensitive materials.
Benefits:
- Formulated with biodegradable ingredients
- Free of EDTA, ammonia, and caustic soda
- Made with sustainable materials
- Extremely easy to use
- Does not ruin metal profiles
How to use PS87 PRO:
Dilute PS87 PRO as needed (1:10-1:20 for regular cleaning, 1:5 for intensive cleaning), specifically for stone surfaces. Apply the solution, allow it to sit, then scrub and rinse the surface thoroughly. Note that this method is not recommended for new polished marble, new polished stone, wood, or methacrylate bathtubs.
#3 CLEAN&SHINE – All Surface Cleaner
Materials:
CLEAN&SHINE is suitable for various materials, including marble, granite, quartz, and agglomerates.
What it does:
This versatile all-surface cleaner removes dirt and grime from all surfaces, including delicate materials like marble, granite, and quartz agglomerates. Its gentle yet powerful formula ensures a sparkling clean without causing any damage.
Benefits:
- Contains biodegradable ingredients
- Delicate detergent for all surfaces
- Does not need rinsing
- Quick drying and non-smearing
- HACCP-compliant
- Delicate formula with degreasing action
- Does not contain alcohol or ammonia
- Pet safe
How to use CLEAN&SHINE:
Spray the surface while keeping the bottle vertically positioned approximately 20-30 cm away. Wipe clean using a soft, dry cloth.
The 8 Golden Rules for Stone Aftercare
To maintain the charm and robustness of natural stone surfaces, here are some helpful maintenance tips you can follow:
1. Implement Regular Cleaning Routines – use appropriate products, such as those offered by FILA Solutions, to keep surfaces spotless and well-maintained.
2. Apply Sealants – regularly apply suitable sealants to protect natural stone from staining and deterioration.
3. Address Spills Promptly – clean up spills immediately to prevent staining or etching.
4. Use Soft Cleaning Tools – employ soft cloths or mops to avoid scratching the stone’s surface.
5. Opt for Eco Solutions – choose eco-friendly products to minimise environmental impact while achieving exceptional cleaning results.
6. Regular Inspections – conduct periodic checks for any signs of wear or damage, addressing issues promptly to prevent further deterioration.
7. Educate Users – inform everyone using the space about the proper cleaning procedures for natural stone surfaces.
8. Utilise FILA Solutions’ Free Technical Consultation – take advantage of our expert advice for project-specific restoration strategies.
Transform Your Natural Stone Upkeep with FILA Solutions
Partner with FILA Solutions to enhance your natural stone maintenance practices and preserve the timeless allure of these exquisite surfaces. Our range of aftercare products allows architects and designers to address the unique requirements of stone surfaces confidently. Whether routine cleaning, wax removal, or degreasing, we offer tailored solutions to ensure the aesthetics of stone installations in any architectural setting.
To discuss a project, please contact our team. Alternatively, check out our brand ambassador, Ken Hudson, for the latest news about FILA’s aftercare products.
