Natural stone is robust – but not every stone tolerates every cleaning product. Choose the wrong cleaner and you risk dull patches, stains or a sticky film. The good news: two simple questions are enough to find the right product.
Question 1: Is my stone acid-sensitive?
Calcareous stones such as marble, limestone, travertine, Jura stone as well as terrazzo and cement tiles react to acid. Even vinegar, lemon juice or an ordinary limescale remover can etch the surface – leaving dull marks that can only be removed by grinding.
Siliceous stones such as granite, gneiss, quartzite and most slates are acid-resistant. Here you can also use stronger products against limescale.
Tip: Not sure? A drop of diluted vinegar essence in an inconspicuous spot will tell you: if it fizzes, the stone is calcareous.
Question 2: How is the surface finished?
| Surface | How to recognise it | Our recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Polished | Mirror-like, glossy | UR 15 Floor Care for Polished Stone – cleans streak-free without building up layers |
| Honed, sawn, porous | Matt, silky, absorbent | UR 14 Floor Care for Porous Stone – leaves care agents behind, makes the stone less prone to staining |
| Worn, dull | Traffic lanes, grey haze | UR 11 Floor Care for Worn Stone – cleans, cares and shines in one step, slip-resistant |
| Cotto, terracotta, waxed | Warm clay colour, open-pored | UR 10 Floor Care for Cotto and Stone – based on natural soap |
| Cement tiles | Patterned, matt | UR 19 Cement Tile Care – silky care film |
| Porcelain stoneware | Even, very dense | UR 17 Porcelain Stoneware Cleaner – dries quickly, residue-free |
When the floor needs more: deep cleaning
After years with the wrong cleaner, there is often a grey, sticky film on the stone – residues of self-shine emulsions, grease and dirt. Routine cleaning no longer helps. Our GR 75 Special Deep Cleaner removes these layers from marble, granite, porcelain stoneware and cotto. For stubborn polymer layers or adhesive residues, boost it with GV 65 Deep Cleaning Booster. For porcelain stoneware there is the specialised FF 74 Deep Cleaner for Porcelain Stoneware.
The right tool
The best product only works with the right tool. For smooth and polished floors we recommend the RG 913 Microfibre System, for textured and porous surfaces the RG 923 Multi-Fibre System. For quick in-between cleaning, the RG 975 Stoneclear star with UR 18 Floor Care for Hard Floors is ideal – no bucket needed.
Conclusion: identify the stone, check the surface, choose the right floor care – and your natural stone will stay beautiful for decades. Not sure what stone you have? Send us a photo at info@stoneclear.ch – we will be happy to advise you.
