{"id":13514,"date":"2020-09-23T13:26:27","date_gmt":"2020-09-23T11:26:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/?p=13514"},"modified":"2021-07-30T19:05:37","modified_gmt":"2021-07-30T17:05:37","slug":"protecting-and-caring-for-natural-stone-surfaces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/protecting-and-caring-for-natural-stone-surfaces\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting and Caring for Natural Stone Surfaces"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There are many excellent reasons for using natural stone as a surface covering in home walls, floors and countertops: it&#8217;s elegant, durable and eco-sustainable. Natural stone is also a coveted design element in modern architecture because it creates continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, making it feel like your home literally extends into the natural environment.<\/p>\n<p>Read the rest of the article to find out everything you need to know about protecting and caring for natural stone surfaces to keep them in top shape.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>To keep natural stone surfaces pristine, sealing them is an essential part of the construction or renovation process. <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13675 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-150x150.png\" alt=\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.filasolutions.com\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-360x360.png 360w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Why seal natural stone?<\/p>\n<p>Natural stone inherently contains small micropores that absorb oil and water. Over time, these crevices get filled with organic matter that stain the stone and \u00a0become a nesting ground for germs and bacteria. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s critical to seal the stone in order to protect it from water and stains, and also make everyday maintenance easy!<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re actually living in a home during a renovation project, using a water.-based sealer is your best bet: <strong>Water-based sealers do not emit harmful fumes, have a faster curing time than solvent-based sealers and are perfect for spaces with limited\u00a0ventilation.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To find out more about the different types of water based sealers (natural look, matte enhanced look and glossy enhanced look) , read <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/water-based-sealers-how-to-choose-the-right-one-for-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">this blog post<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-13521\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/3.jpeg\" alt=\"caring for natural stone countertops\" width=\"600\" height=\"397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/3.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/3-300x199.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/3-1024x678.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/3-768x508.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>FILA&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.filasolutions.com\/usa\/products\/full-range\/sealers\/stain-sealers-with-natural-effect\/filamp90-eco-plus?linea=professional\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>MP90 ECO PLUS High Performance Penetrating Sealer <\/b><\/a>seals and protects all natural stone, polished porcelain, engineered quartz and grout against stains. The product is food safe, so it&#8217;s ideal for kitchen countertops. <b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.filasolutions.com\/usa\/products\/full-range\/sealers\/stain-sealers-with-natural-effect\/filamp90-eco-plus?linea=professional\">MP90 ECO PLUS<\/a>\u00a0<\/b>sets up in just 4 hours.<\/p>\n<p>Watch <strong>MP90 ECO PLUS<\/strong> in action:<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"MP90 ECO PLUS High Performance Penetrating Sealer\" width=\"525\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pELRnvOU-Hc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Caring for natural stone: wall and floor maintenance<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-13657 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Untitled-design-46-1024x689.jpeg\" alt=\"cleaning and caring for natural stone floors\" width=\"525\" height=\"353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Untitled-design-46-1024x689.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Untitled-design-46-300x202.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Untitled-design-46-768x517.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Untitled-design-46.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>Caring for natural stone walls and floors is simple&#8230;<\/h4>\n<p>and using concentrated cleaners is an excellent money-saving option \u2013 one small bottle goes a long way! Just make sure that the cleaner you choose is appropriate for the material installed in your home.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13675 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-150x150.png\" alt=\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.filasolutions.com\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-360x360.png 360w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Always use a neutral cleaner for the daily maintenance of natural stone surfaces: <strong>They\u00a0do not\u00a0leave a residue and will not harm even the most delicate materials!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>FILA&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.filasolutions.com\/usa\/products\/full-range\/cleaning-products\/cleaners\/stoneclean?linea=professional\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong>STONE<\/strong>CLEAN<strong> Natural Stone Neutral Cleaner<\/strong><\/a> is formulated for natural stone wall and floors coverings. Dilute it 1:200 (one capful per gallon of water) and wash the floor with a microfiber mop. With this dilution, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.filasolutions.com\/usa\/products\/full-range\/cleaning-products\/cleaners\/stoneclean?linea=professional\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong>STONE<\/strong>CLEAN<\/a> does not need rinsing, does not leave a residue and, if needed, can be used in the tank of a floor cleaning machine.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-13663 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Screen-Shot-2020-09-24-at-10.23.07-AM-1024x649.png\" alt=\"cleaning natural stone floors\" width=\"525\" height=\"333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Screen-Shot-2020-09-24-at-10.23.07-AM-1024x649.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Screen-Shot-2020-09-24-at-10.23.07-AM-300x190.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Screen-Shot-2020-09-24-at-10.23.07-AM-768x487.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Screen-Shot-2020-09-24-at-10.23.07-AM.png 1258w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13675 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-150x150.png\" alt=\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.filasolutions.com\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-360x360.png 360w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FILA-TIP.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.filasolutions.com\/usa\/products\/full-range\/cleaning-products\/cleaners\/stoneclean?linea=professional\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong>STONE<\/strong>CLEAN<\/a> can also be used as a heavy duty cleaner to remove stubborn dirt and as cleaner to eliminate grout residue after installation. Just dilute it 1:30 (1\/2 cup per gallon of water), scrub with the appropriate pad and rinse.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-13515 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/4-1024x677.jpeg\" alt=\"natural stone cleaning\" width=\"525\" height=\"347\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/4-1024x677.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/4-300x198.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/4-768x508.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/4.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Find out more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.filasolutions.com\/usa\/products\/full-range\/cleaning-products\/cleaners\/stoneclean?linea=professional\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong>STONE<\/strong>CLEAN<\/a>!<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Caring for natural stone: c<\/strong><strong>ountertop maintenance<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-13584 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Untitled-design-42-1024x676.jpeg\" alt=\"caring for natural stone countertops\" width=\"525\" height=\"347\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Untitled-design-42-1024x676.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Untitled-design-42-300x198.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Untitled-design-42-768x507.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Untitled-design-42.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>Once those stone countertops are installed and sealed&#8230;<\/h4>\n<p>cleaning will be a daily task! Spray cleaners are perfect because they&#8217;re so easy to use.<\/p>\n<p>FILA suggests keeping countertops in top shape with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.filasolutions.com\/usa\/products\/full-range\/cleaning-products\/ready-to-use\/filarefresh?linea=professional\">REFRESH &amp; RESEAL Neutral Cleaner and Resealer!<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.filasolutions.com\/usa\/products\/full-range\/cleaning-products\/ready-to-use\/filarefresh?linea=professional\">REFRESH &amp; RESEAL<\/a><\/strong> renews the existing sealer protection while it cleans. Using it regularly will actually extend the surface&#8217;s protective sealing. Leave it under the sink \u2013 it\u2019s your go-to cleaner for stone kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, tables and windowsills: just spray and wipe! \u00a0And like all FILA cleaners, REFRESH &amp; RESEAL is biodegradable!<\/p>\n<p>Find out more about <strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.filasolutions.com\/usa\/products\/full-range\/cleaning-products\/ready-to-use\/filarefresh?linea=professional\">REFRESH &amp; RESEAL<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-13533\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/5.jpeg\" alt=\"protecting natural stone countertops\" width=\"600\" height=\"397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/5.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/5-300x198.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/5-1024x677.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/5-768x508.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Now that you know how to care and protect natural stone surfaces, become a tile surface expert with <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/must-have-tile-cleaners-for-pros\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">this blog post<\/a>. You&#8217;ll learn all the the products that tile pros can&#8217;t live without!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are many excellent reasons for using natural stone as a surface covering in home walls, floors and countertops: it&#8217;s elegant, durable and eco-sustainable. Natural stone is also a coveted design element in modern architecture because it creates continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, making it feel like your home literally extends into the natural [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":661,"featured_media":13561,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1613],"tags":[],"surface":[1979],"room":[1987,1991,1988,1989,1990],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13514"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/661"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13514"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13514\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13561"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13514"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13514"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13514"},{"taxonomy":"surface","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/surface?post=13514"},{"taxonomy":"room","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/room?post=13514"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}