Stone is Durable, Not Indestructible
Natural stone can last 1,000 years (look at the Pyramids), but the polished finish can be ruined in a day with the wrong cleaner. Here is the Ruvello care protocol.
1. Daily Cleaning (The pH Rule)
The Enemy: Acid. Vinegar, lemon, ammonia, and generic bathroom cleaners are acidic or highly alkaline. They strip sealers and etch marble.
The Hero: pH-Neutral Stone Cleaner or simple Dish Soap + Warm Water.
The Tool: Microfiber cloth. Never use green scouring pads (Scotch-Brite); they contain aluminum oxide abrasive that scratches polish.
2. Sealing (The Invisible Shield)
Sealers don't make stone "stain-proof"; they make it "stain-resistant." They buy you time to wipe up a spill.
The Straw Test: Place a drop of water on your counter. Does it bead up like a bubble? Good. Does it flatten and darken the stone within 5 minutes? You need to reseal.
Frequency: Marble/Sandstone (Every 6-12 months). Light Granite (Every 1-2 years). Dark Granite (Every 3-5 years).
3. Stain Removal (The Poultice)
If a stain penetrates, surface cleaning fails. You need to draw it out.
Oil Stains (Dark spot): Use a Baking Soda + Acetone paste.
Organic Stains (Coffee/Wine): Use a Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide paste.
Method: Spread paste thick. Cover with plastic. Tape down. Wait 24 hours. The powder sucks the stain out as it dries.
4. Etch Removal (Restoring Shine)
If you have a dull spot on your marble from lemon juice, you can fix it.
DIY: Use "Marble Polishing Powder" (Tin Oxide). Rub it into the spot with a damp cloth for 5 minutes. It repolishes the surface chemically.
Pro: Deep scratches require diamond grinding by a restoration specialist.
5. Prevention Checklist
- Use coasters under glasses (especially with alcohol/citrus).
- Use trivets under hot pans (prevents thermal shock in quartz, prevents wax melting on sealed granite).
- Use doormats to stop grit/sand from scratching your floors.
