While dulling and light scratches from everyday foot traffic can be easily restored, deep scratches from dragging heavy items can be tougher to resolve. These scratches often look white in color and can be felt with a fingernail.

A process called grinding would have to be used to try and grind down underneath the scratch to get to fresh stone. This harsh process uses the hardest abrasives and really roughs the surface. We then use finer abrasives to bring the stone back to the original finish. For really deep scratches or gauges, tile replacement is the best option.

We recommend using felt pads under all chair legs or other furniture that will be moved around often. Take extra care moving furniture and heavy ceramic planters. Avoid rollerblading, “Heelies”, Big Wheels in the house.

A Word about scratching...

SEALING ~ Starting with a clean slate

    Baker’s Travertine Power Clean uses a high grade penetrating sealer. The main purpose of a penetrating (or impregnating) sealer is to help fill up the pores of the stone to reduce moisture from soaking in. Over time, water penetration can damage you stone. Once properly finished, your stone will be better protected from everyday dust and spills and make regular cleaning easier and more effective.

    **It is important to note that penetrating sealers are not bulletproof. The stone will be vulnerable to acidic spills resulting in a dull, or etched, spot. The sealer will keep any etching on the surface, so it can be easily buffed out on your next cleaning.

REGULAR CLEANING ~

    SWEEP MOST OFTEN:
    Regular sweeping will keep the loose dirt, sand and dust off your floor and minimize scratches and wear patterns from everyday traffic on your stone floor. Well placed mats or rugs can trap a lot of debris in traffic areas.

    A soft, clean dust mop works great and gets all the hard to reach places. A vacuum may be used, just be sure the rollers are smooth and clean to avoid scratching.

LESS WATER, THE BETTER:

    For damp cleaning, use warm water and a clean soft non-abrasive cloth. Make the cloth just barely damp and spot clean as needed. Avoid using a puddle of water or cleaner to wash the floor. The wash water gets dirty quickly and will soak into your grout lines and any pits in your stone. The moisture will evaporate leaving behind dirt build up and accelerating erosion of the stone. For a more thorough cleaning, we recommend a neutral stone cleaner. The key words to look for are “non-acidic”, “ph-balanced”, or “neutral” on the label. Neutral cleaners will not dull or etch your stone.

    WindexTM (without vinegar or lemon) is a readily available spot cleaner.

    A steam machine or steam mop is also an effective cleaning method for stone.

CLEANERS & AGENTS TO AVOID ~

    DO NOT use any general purpose cleaners that contain lemon, vinegar, acids or any abrasive gels or powders.

    DO NOT use scouring pads or brushes. Only use a soft clean cloth.

    These products will harm the stone surface and degrade the sealer. Stick with a neutral stone cleaner or plain water.

COUNTERTOPS ~

    In the kitchen, many common foods and drinks contain acids that can etch or dull the stone. For example, lemon juice, orange juice, tomatoes and coffee all contain acids. The sealer will allow a little extra time for clean up, but not much. The chemical reaction between acids and the stone is almost immediate. On properly sealed surfaces, the etching will be superficial and easily buffed out. Good use of coasters, cutting boards and trivets for heat will help minimize damage from accidents.

    In the bath, common toiletries such as perfumes, toothpaste and mouthwash contain alcohol that can cause damage to a sealed stone. Use care in using these products. In wet areas, using a squeegee will help minimize soap scum and hard water deposits on your stone.

    Highly polished stone floors are a bit more slippery when wet. Make sure to place rugs in front of showers and tubs for safety and to minimize hard water deposits.
HELPFUL HINTS:
  • Sweep and dust often.
  • Only use water or neutral cleaners made specifically for stone that are non-acidic and ph balanced.
  • Avoid natural stone cleaners that leave behind residue or any type of coating to add sheen.
  • Do not use general purpose cleaners or anything containing vinegar, bleach, acid or abrasives of any kind. Avoid even “soft” cleansers. These will damage the stone and degrade the sealer.
  • Use a soft clean cloth that is well-wrung out. Do not use brushes or scouring pads.
  • Do not use string mops or a lot of water or neutral cleaning solution.
  • Place rugs or mats in doorways and heavy traffic areas.
  • Use coasters and cutting boards on countertops. Use trivets for hot items.
  • Blot up spills immediately to minimize etching on the stone.
  • Take care with foods , drinks, and cosmetics that contain alcohol or acids. These can dull or etch the stone even on a sealed surface.
  • WindexTM can be used as a spot cleaner. (Regular kind without vinegar or lemon)
  • Super Fine steel wool can be used to buff out minor dull spots (etches) on travertine or marble. Results will vary.
To View Examples of Our Work, Click Here.