Marble & Stone Care Guide: Essential Tips

Day-to-Day Care

• Daily Cleaning - simply removing water works wonders! After each use, wipe down your surface with a soft, damp microfibre cloth to remove water drops, soap residue, dust and cosmetics. This simple step prevents mildew buildup and removes dust and residue from soaps or cosmetics.
• Blot Spills Promptly – natural stone is porous and can absorb liquids, leading to stains. Immediately clean up spills, particularly from personal care products like toothpaste, soap and hair products.
• Use a pH-Neutral Cleaner – avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, or products that contain bleach, lemon, vinegar or other acids, as these damage the stone's surface. Instead, opt for a pH-neutral cleaner or a mild soap solution with warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
• Use Trays for Toiletries – avoid storing items like toothbrushes, razors or cosmetics directly on the stone, as they can stain over time. Use a stylish tray or mat to protect your surfaces from residue, moisture and potential stains.

Periodic Maintenance

• Sealing – all marble and stone products created by Riluxa are professionally sealed. For regular home use, apply a high-quality stone sealant once a year to help resist stains and moisture absorption. For high traffic areas, like public places, seal more frequently, once water no longer beads on the surface. Popular brands like Akemi, Tenax and Quimicross offer excellent stone sealants; however, we always advise to consult with a professional to ensure the best choice for your stone.
• Should I Polish? – Occasional polishing is optional to maintain a high-gloss finish, but it is typically not required for bathrooms. Avoid overuse, and matte finishes or travertine should not be polished.

• Deep Clean Gently – every few weeks, use a damp cloth and mild soap solution to remove any residue that regular wiping may miss.

Caring for Common Issues

• Soap Scum & Mineral Deposits – soap scum and water deposits can accumulate in bathrooms. Clean using a stone-safe cleaner or mix warm water with mild dish soap. For stubborn buildup, a soft brush works well – just avoid anything abrasive that might scratch the stone. Hard water can also affect your stone, a good quality water softening system will reduce limescale and mineral deposits.
• Tackling Stains – for stains, it's important to act quickly and use a solution specifically formulated for both the type of stone and the type of stain.
• • For light-coloured stones (such as Carrara and travertine): use a stone-safe cleaner or poultice for that is specifically formulated for light stones and the type of stain, whether organic or oil-based. 
  • Dark-coloured stones are generally more resistant to staining but can still show oil-based stains. Treat these with a stone-safe cleaner or a poultice designed for dark stones and avoid using harsh chemicals that could dull or damage the stone’s finish.
  • If a stain proves stubborn or you're unsure about the best way to handle it, we always recommend consulting a stone care professional who can offer tailored advice.
• Drain Cleaning – never use chemical drain cleaners on your marble or stone sink, shower or bathtub. These typically contain caustic soda or strong bleach, which damages stone and often your pipes too. Instead, use mechanical methods for unclogging, either through the drain valve or via the bottle trap.
• Etching? Buff with Care – common bathroom products (like citrus-based cleaners) can cause light etching. A polishing powder may help on polished marble but always consider your stone’s finish. Over-polishing can create an unwanted sheen. For honed finishes and porous stones like travertine, buffing with care may be possible, but polishing should be avoided. Professional refinishing is often needed for these surfaces. For deeper etching, expert treatment is recommended.
• Need Help with Scratches? – minor scratches on polished marble may be carefully buffed out with marble polishing powder and a soft cloth. However, it’s important to note that this could potentially result in an uneven finish. Scratches on honed finishes or travertine, as well as deeper marks, should be professionally refinished to ensure a consistent surface.