Is Your Cleaning Routine Ruining Your Natural Stone?

There’s something timeless about natural stone. The softness of travertine, the cool elegance of marble, the organic luxury of limestone, they bring depth, texture, and quiet beauty to a space. But as beautiful as these surfaces are, they’re also incredibly delicate. And when it comes to cleaning, most routines do more harm than good.

We see it often, dull patches on once polished benchtops, etched rings on bathroom vanities, discoloured tiles that never quite look clean again. These are signs that the wrong products, or the wrong habits, have crept into your routine.

Here’s what’s really happening (and how to stop it).

Natural Stone is Porous, Reactive and Sensitive

Unlike sealed surfaces like laminate or porcelain, natural stone absorbs. That means whatever touches it, cleaning sprays, water minerals, even oils from your skin, can soak in, react chemically, and leave behind marks that are hard to reverse.

But it’s not just about what you use, it’s how.

Common Mistakes That Cause Damage

Let’s walk through some of the biggest culprits we see in homes (and why they’re so harmful):

1. Acidic Cleaners (even the “eco” ones)

Many natural cleaners include lemon, vinegar or citric acid, but acids break down calcium based stones like marble, travertine and limestone. Even one use can cause etching, a dull, patchy appearance that can’t be wiped away.

2. Harsh Scrubbing Tools

Microcement and lime plaster are easily scratched. Using scourers, abrasive cloths, or even rough microfibre can compromise the surface and make it more porous over time.

3. Steam Cleaners or Too Much Water

Flooding natural stone with water, or using high heat steam, can break down sealants and allow moisture to seep in. Over time, this leads to discolouration, softening or efflorescence (a chalky white residue that rises to the surface).

4. Ignoring the Sealant Schedule

Natural finishes need to be professionally sealed, and re-sealed, at regular intervals. Skipping this means your surfaces are left exposed to every little splash, spill or spritz.

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What To Do Instead

If you want your natural stone, microcement, or lime plaster surfaces to last beautifully, not just look clean in the moment, here’s what we recommend:

✓ Use pH-neutral, stone safe cleaners only.

We choose products specifically formulated for delicate finishes. They clean gently, without disturbing the structure or sealant of your surface.

✓ Clean with soft, non-abrasive cloths.

We use plush microfibre that won’t scratch or lift. No scouring pads, just gentle, consistent care.

✓ Wipe, don’t soak.

We clean with intention, not saturation. Our tools are lightly damp, not dripping, to reduce water absorption and preserve the integrity of your surface.

✓ Know your materials.

If you’re not sure whether your benchtop is honed marble or polished granite, it’s worth checking. Every material has its own care requirements, and knowing them is the first step to treating them right.

Anyone can make a space look clean. But the kōva approach is about so much more than appearances. We clean to preserve, protect, and extend the life of your space... not slowly wear it down.

Your home is a reflection of what you’ve chosen with care. And we believe it deserves to be looked after the same way.

Want help protecting your natural stone or delicate finishes?

Request a Custom Quote

Or get in touch

contact@kovaclean.com.au

0414 754 355