Grout discoloration, a common issue in showers, mars the pristine look of your bathroom over time. Factors like moisture, soap residue, hard water, and wear contribute to this problem. Causes: Moisture: Leads to mold, mildew, and weakened grout. Soap and Shampoo Residue: Accumulates on grout lines. Hard Water: Mineral deposits cloud grout. Age and Wear: Regular usage wears down grout. Solutions: Routine Cleaning: Use warm water and mild pH neutral cleaner. Scrub gently and rinse thoroughly. Grout Sealing: Have your grout sealed every 1-2 years. Deep Cleaning: Use specialized cleaner or ba ..read more

Is your light marble mysteriously turning dark? Read this article to learn why and what you can do to help protect it from certain damage that causes darkening. Marble turning dark can be caused by multiple factors, and understanding these reasons is especially important for effective maintenance and preservation. Marble is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of calcite or dolomite crystals, and its natural beauty can be affected by both external and internal factors. One common reason for marble darkening is surface staining. Spills of acidic substances, such as coffee, wine, or citrus jui ..read more

You invest a lot of time and money in your surfaces. Countertops, floors, tabletops, and other stone surfaces can enhance a home or business quite a bit. To keep your stone surfaces looking beautiful, there are certain things you can do to help them stay in pristine condition. Prevention is Key: Start by setting some ground rules for your guests. Encourage the use of coasters for beverages and ask them to avoid placing hot pots or pans directly onto stone countertops. Remind everyone to be mindful of sharp objects that could scratch or chip the surface. Clean Regularly: Regular cleaning is cr ..read more

We received a question recently asking for tips for maintaining a travertine shower. Q: Hello! I am wondering if you could give tips on the best daily/weekly maintenance of a newly sealed travertine shower?  The best way to keep soap scum, and oils from building up? A: Great question! To keep soap scum and oils from building up, and keep your travertine shower looking great, here are 7 tips and suggestions: 1. Regular Cleaning: Wipe down your shower surfaces after each use with a squeegee or a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and soap residue from drying on the travertine. Keep a s ..read more

Have you ever gazed upon your marble, adorned with its array of exquisite colors—some vivid and striking, while others exude a more refined and graceful allure—and pondered the origins of these beautiful hues? After learning how these colors are formed, you’ll never look at your marble quite the same. Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms from limestone through the process of metamorphism. (Alteration of rock by heat, pressure, or other natural occurrences). During this transformation, a range of factors influence the coloration of marble, giving rise to the stunning array of colors and patt ..read more

Not all stone countertops need to be sealed but most will benefit from the added protection —”an ounce of prevention,” so to speak. Here’s an easy test to know if yours needs to be sealed—or re-sealed. It’s called the “Water Test,” and it is so simple: Clean the surface of your countertop with a stone-safe cleaner, making sure to remove oils and grease. Let the surface dry completely. Pick out a few different areas to test. Preferably, areas that get a lot of use or are prone to spills and stains. These areas will be the most likely to have worn-down protection. Pour a little bit of wate ..read more

Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Natural Stone Care: Preserving the Beauty of Your Investment Natural stone surfaces, whether in the form of countertops, floors, or decorative accents, add timeless elegance and charm to any space. However, to maintain their beauty and durability, it’s crucial to follow a set of do’s and don’ts when it comes to natural stone care. In this article, we will explore the essential guidelines to ensure your natural stone surfaces remain stunning for years to come. Do’s for Natural Stone Care: Regular Cleaning: Clean your natural stone surfaces regularly using a pH-bal ..read more

There are many ways to clean natural stone, some are wrong, and some are right, which is why it is always recommended to leave heavy cleaning to an experienced stone care professional. However, spills and other things can happen that need to be cleaned up right away. An often-asked question is: “Can I have my natural stone steam cleaned?” Steam cleaning is a very effective way to remove soil and contaminants without harsh chemicals. However, on marble, granite, and other natural stone, steam cleaning can be harmful. These are some of the problems steam cleanings can cause on natural stone Spa ..read more

The Safety of Chlorine Bleach on Stone Surfaces: Unveiling the Facts When it comes to cleaning stone surfaces, it is crucial to be well-informed about the products and techniques you use. One common question that arises is whether chlorine bleach is safe to use on stone surfaces. Chlorine bleach is a powerful disinfectant and stain remover, but its compatibility with various materials, including stone, is a subject of concern. Let’s explore the impact of chlorine bleach on stone surfaces, weighing its pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. Understanding Stone Surfaces Stone surfa ..read more

A fireplace is a beautiful addition to any home. It provides warmth and comfort during frosty winter months and adds a cozy ambiance to any room. When building a fireplace, choosing the right materials is crucial to ensure its durability and safety. One major decision to make is selecting the right stone for the firebox. Let’s explore which stones are suitable for a firebox in a fireplace. Firstly, it is important to understand the function of the firebox in a fireplace. The firebox is the chamber where the fire is contained, and it needs to be able to withstand high temperatures without crack ..read more