Care guide for limestone and marble

Limestone and marble are beautiful natural materials that last for generations. Over time the stone develops a character of its own and a natural patina that makes every surface unique.

Looking after natural stone is simpler than many people think. With just a few easy routines you can preserve the beauty of the stone and enjoy it for a long time to come.

Here we have gathered our best advice on how to clean, protect and care for your stone.

Three simple things to remember

• Clean gently. Use mild cleaning products made for natural stone.
• Wipe up spills when you can. Above all spills of acidic foods such as lemon, wine and vinegar.
• Check the impregnation now and then. Good basic protection makes the stone easier to keep clean.

Natural stone is a living material

Limestone and marble were formed by nature over millions of years. Every stone has an expression of its own, with natural variations in colour and structure.

Just like wood and other natural materials, the stone changes over time. Small marks and variations become part of the patina that gives the stone its personal character.

Limestone and marble are naturally porous materials that can absorb liquid. We therefore recommend impregnating the stone to reduce the risk of stains.

It is also worth knowing that limestone and marble are sensitive to acid. Lemon, vinegar and acidic cleaning products can leave dull marks on the surface. So do always choose products that are made for natural stone.

Simple everyday cleaning

Day-to-day care need not be complicated.

Sweep or vacuum away grit and sand, which could otherwise scratch the surface. Then mop with a well-wrung mop and a mild cleaner made for natural stone.

We recommend Verna Daily Clean, which cleans gently without breaking down the impregnation. Mix it at a dilution of 1:200, roughly one capful in a bucket of water. The stone does not need rinsing afterwards.

How often you need to clean depends on how much the surface is used. In a hallway, mopping about once a week may be about right, while other rooms can be cleaned less often.

When the stone needs a more thorough clean

For more ingrained dirt, grease or deposits you can use Verna Deep Clean as directed on the product.

It is a stronger cleaner, used when needed – for example before a new impregnation. For ordinary weekly cleaning, Verna Daily Clean is enough.

Impregnation – an easy way to protect the stone

Impregnation makes limestone and marble more resistant to water, grease and stains.

We recommend Verna Protect, a transparent impregnation that penetrates into the pores of the stone and protects it without changing its natural appearance. One litre covers roughly 10 m² of limestone or 20 m² of marble.

The impregnation makes everyday care easier by giving you more time to wipe up spills.

How do I know when it is time to impregnate again?

You can check that easily with a water test.

Pour a little water onto a clean, dry stone surface. If the water beads, the protection is still working well. If it is quickly absorbed and darkens the stone, it may be time to renew the impregnation.

We recommend doing the check about once a year, particularly in bathrooms and other rooms that are often exposed to water.

How to renew the impregnation

First clean the stone thoroughly with Verna Deep Clean and let it dry completely. Then apply Verna Protect as directed on the product and wipe off any excess.

You do not need to impregnate to a fixed schedule – it is enough to renew the protection when the stone needs it.

Natural stone in bathrooms and showers

Limestone and marble give a bathroom a warm, timeless feel.

In the shower the stone is exposed to more water and more cleaning than in other parts of the home. A few simple habits will keep it looking good.

Do rinse the shower floor with clean water after showering to remove any soap and shampoo residue.

If limescale deposits build up, use a cleaner made for natural stone. Ordinary acidic descalers are best avoided, as they can affect the surface of the stone.

Do check the impregnation with the water test about once a year and renew the protection when needed.

If the stone develops dark patches

If certain tiles stay dark even after the surface has had time to dry, it may be due to moisture in or under the stone.

This need not be a problem with the stone itself; it may be connected to the installation. Do get in touch if you are unsure, and we will help you judge what might need looking into.

Stains and marks – what should I do?

Natural stone is a material to live with. Just like other natural materials, the surface can pick up traces of everyday life.

Many stains can be cleaned away, and smaller marks can in time become a natural part of the stone's patina.

If you spill something, it is good to wipe it up as soon as you notice it.

Common stains and how to deal with them

Type of stain	Recommended action
Grease, oil and make-up	Clean with Verna Deep Clean as directed.
Wine, coffee and tea	Wipe up and clean with Verna Daily Clean.
Limescale deposits	Use a suitable cleaner for natural stone, not an acidic descaler.
More stubborn stains	Do get in touch for advice on the right treatment.

If the stone develops a dull mark

Limestone and marble react to acid, which can sometimes leave dull patches.

This is a change in the surface of the stone, and it therefore cannot be washed away with ordinary cleaning products.

Smaller marks may become less noticeable over time. Where needed, the surface can in some cases be restored by professional treatment.

A few things worth keeping in mind

To preserve the natural beauty of the stone, we recommend that you:

• Avoid acidic cleaning products, vinegar and ordinary descaling products.
• Choose cleaning products made for natural stone rather than ordinary soft soap.
• Avoid steam cleaning and abrasive cleaning tools.
• Use saucers under plant pots and mats under items on worktops.
• Make sure the stone is completely dry before you impregnate it.

The most important thing is to clean gently and use products that suit the material.

When the stone has just been laid

Once limestone or marble has been installed, it is important that the stone is given the right conditions from the start. The first clean and the base impregnation are normally carried out by your tiler before the surface is put to use.

After grouting, the stone needs to dry properly before it is impregnated. As a guideline we recommend at least 15 days, but the actual drying time depends on the construction and the materials.

Once the stone is completely dry, it is cleaned of any grout and adhesive residue using a suitable method and then impregnated with Verna Protect as directed on the product.

We have produced separate recommendations with more detailed information on installation, drying times and base treatment: Recommendations for installation in bathrooms and Recommendations for installation in hallways and kitchens. Do download the one that applies to your project and give it to your tiler.

We are happy to help

Natural stone is a wonderful material, meant to be used and enjoyed for a long time. Every stone is unique and may behave a little differently depending on the type of stone, the surface finish and where it is laid.

If you are unsure how to clean a stain, which product to use, or whether the stone needs impregnating again, we are happy to help.

Do send a photo and a short description to support@ostersjosten.se, and we will look at it together.

We want you to feel confident with your natural stone and to be able to enjoy it for many years to come.