Use and maintenance of stone

TIPS

Treatments make stone easier to maintain and clean, thus prolonging its life. Maintenance is easy and, if it's done regularly and effectively, increases the beauty of our stone in time. In fact, our customers often say that the appearance of the stone improves with ages!

Below are some simple tips on how to clean the stone:

EXTERIOR Stone FLOORS:

We recommend a frequent wash with rainwater. If the floor is very dirty, Marseille soap and water should be used. The use of detergents or mordants such as soda and acids not designed for use on stone should be avoided.

Waterproofing, simplified maintenance of COURTIL STONE floors:
Instructions:
1- Dissolve the Marseille soap in a little hot water
2- for initial maintenance, apply water until the stone is saturated
3- for subsequent maintenance, rainwater is sufficient (the lime in the rainwater forms a natural coating that protects the stone).

COVERING:

We recommend it be cleaned with rainwater, treated with a silicone-based product and then wiped with a soft cloth.

SOME TRICKS TO AVOID STAINS:
Dry the stain immediately to prevent impregnation.
- Stains caused by wine, ink or dyes:
Prepare a soft paste of gypsum and pure bleach. Spread this paste into the stain and leave it to harden. After about half an hour, remove all the hardened gypsum and rinse with plenty of water. Repeat the operation as many times as necessary.
- Oil or grease stains:
Prepare a paste of gypsum and rainwater. Spread the mixture obtained in the form of a crater on the stain and leave to harden. After about half an hour, pour a little common solvent into the crater on the stain. Leave to rest for three hours, then remove everything with a wooden spatula and rinse with plenty of water.

For food stains, spray a standard clothes stain remover (e.g. VIAVA’) directly into the stain and leave to act for a few hours.

GRANITE/MARBLE FLOORS AND KITCHEN/BATHROOM WORKTOPS

Bathroom and kitchen worktops are often, on request, protected with effective anti-stain treatments using proper designed products at our factory prior to delivery to the customer.

The floors are treated normally after laying WITH A DRY BASE, by applying a water repellent product that penetrates to depth letting the stone breathe freely. We recommend a trial be conducted initially to check for any contraindications for using the product on the type of stone to be treated.

For ordinary maintenance we recommend the use of Marseille soap or neutral products diluted in water and, occasionally, specific waxes for marble and granite. The use of lime-based or abrasive detergents, bleach and ammonia is prohibited.


INDICATIVE SUMMARY OF THE PHASES SUBSEQUENT TO THE LAYING OF THE FLOORS-COVERINGS

PHASE 1) DETERGENTS: with a high concentration of water

PHASE 2) TREATMENTS: to be chosen from the various options

MAINTENANCE: detergent creams designed for cleaning and maintenance