HOW TO TAKE CARE OF MY STONE

At Source for Stone, we want to ensure that your stone veneer continues to look its best even after the installation is complete. Taking care of your stone veneer is essential for maintaining its beauty and longevity. Here are some steps to follow for proper maintenance:

STEP 1: LIGHT DUSTING

Regularly dust your stone veneer with a soft cloth or a feather duster to remove any loose dirt or debris. This simple step helps keep the surface clean and prevents the accumulation of dust.

STEP 2: DEEP CLEANING

If necessary, you can deep clean your stone veneer using a soft bristled brush and a gentle cleaning solution. Mix 5 parts of water with 1 part of household vinegar or dish soap to create a mild cleaning solution. Avoid using chemicals or harsh cleaners, as they can damage the stone veneer. Gently scrub the surface with the soft brush and the cleaning solution, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

STEP 3: SEALING

Looking to protect your natural stone veneer with a sealer or enhancer? While it’s not necessary to do, it can be done and there are multiple factors to consider before getting started. The first thing to determine is whether you should be using a stone sealer or a stone enhancer to achieve your desired results. Stone sealers are designed to protect your stone from staining, while stone enhancers and designed to bring out the natural colours within the stone. Learn more about sealing natural stone here.

STEP 4: EFFLORESCENCE

If you have installed your stone veneer on the exterior of your property, it is crucial to understand efflorescence. Efflorescence is a white substance caused by naturally occurring salts found in gravel, soil, cement, water, and sand. These salts can travel in water and leave behind crystalline deposits on the surface of your natural stone.

To clean efflorescence, follow these steps:

  1. Allow the wall system to dry thoroughly before starting the cleaning process.
  2. Scrub the affected area gently with a soft brush and clean water. Avoid using a wire brush or a power washer, as they can cause damage.
  3. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.
  4. For more stubborn efflorescence problems, you can use a solution of 5 parts of water with 1 part household vinegar or dish soap. Scrub the area thoroughly with this solution, then rinse again with clean water.

By following these maintenance steps, you can keep your stone veneer looking beautiful for years to come. At Source for Stone, we value the long-lasting quality of our products and want to ensure your satisfaction with our stone veneer.