Natural stone can be just as easy to maintain as a man-made surface in most cases. Routine maintenance of the natural stone in your bathroom can be achieved with either a natural stone cleaner, or 99% of the time a wet washcloth will work just as effectively. For a tougher job, you can use a mild dish soap diluted with water and a soft cloth. You can use a cotton cloth or soft sponge to clean your natural stone, and dry with a soft cloth to minimize streaks and leave the surface shining.
Prior to the early 1990’s there were no natural stone sealers on the market and staining was a relatively minor issue. We have found that sealers have progressed over the years and now in fact provide additional protection against moisture migration. This additional step takes a product that was already substantially resistant to staining, and increases it’s resistance a little more. Natural stone is typically sealed prior to installation by the stone fabricator. In our experience, once the sealer is applied in an interior application for most stones it will not need to be reapplied again.
In our bathrooms we are likely using soaps, lotions, and makeups which can all land on our countertops. Natural stone such as granite has a low porosity and is stain-resistant. As long as you wipe your counter routinely, for example at the end of your morning routine, you should not experience stains. Some natural stones are less forgiving than others, such as marble, travertine, and limestone. Let’s explore the pros and cons of natural stone options for bathrooms.