DIY Stone Care Myths Debunked | Marble, Granite & Terrazzo Experts

DIY Stone Care Myths That Are Ruining Your Surfaces

TikTok hacks. Pinterest tips. YouTube “life hacks.”
Everywhere you turn, there’s a DIY cleaning trend claiming to be the miracle solution for your stone countertops, floors, and showers. But when it comes to natural stone care, bad advice can cost you thousands of dollars in permanent damage.

At Rose Restoration, we’ve spent over 30 years fixing mistakes caused by well-meaning DIY attempts.
From etched marble counters to stained travertine tiles, we’ve seen firsthand how misinformation spreads online—and ruins beautiful, expensive surfaces.

In this guide, we’ll debunk the most common myths about stone care, explain why they’re harmful, and give you safe alternatives to keep your stone pristine.

Why Natural Stone Needs Special Care

Marble, granite, limestone, travertine, and terrazzo are natural materials, each with unique characteristics:

Porosity: Stone is naturally porous, meaning liquids and chemicals can seep in, causing stains and structural damage.
Calcium Carbonate Content: Stones like marble and limestone react strongly to acids, which causes etching—dull, cloudy marks that can only be removed with professional polishing.
Durability Variations: While granite is tough and scratch-resistant, marble and travertine are much softer and require gentler care.

What works for ceramic tile or laminate is often disastrous for natural stone.

Myth #1: Vinegar is a Safe, Natural Cleaner

You’ve probably seen countless DIY posts recommending vinegar as an all-purpose cleaner.
While vinegar works great on windows or ceramic tile, it’s terrible for natural stone.

Why It’s Harmful:

Vinegar is highly acidic (low pH).
When it comes into contact with marble, limestone, or travertine, it reacts with calcium carbonate, eating away at the surface.
This causes etching: dull spots and rough patches that ruin the stone’s finish.

Real Example:
We recently restored a marble bathroom floor that had been “cleaned” with vinegar for months. The once-shiny surface was cloudy and uneven, requiring extensive honing and polishing to fix.

Safe Alternative:
Use pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for natural stone.

Myth #2: Baking Soda is Always Gentle

Many DIY blogs recommend baking soda poultices to remove stains.
While baking soda can help in certain situations, it’s not always safe for natural stone.

Why It’s Harmful:

Baking soda is mildly abrasive.
Frequent use can scratch softer stones like marble or travertine.
When mixed with the wrong liquids, it can create chemical reactions that worsen staining.

Safe Alternative:
Consult a professional before trying a poultice.
Some stains require specialized treatments, like professional-grade stone stain removers or steam cleaning.

Myth #3: Generic Household Cleaners Work Fine

Many popular cleaning sprays contain:

Acids
Bleach
Ammonia
Harsh detergents

These chemicals strip away protective sealants, leaving stone vulnerable to stains and moisture damage.
They can also discolor grout lines and create permanent damage.

Safe Alternative:
Look for cleaners labeled “safe for natural stone” or schedule professional cleaning services for deep maintenance.

Myth #4: Sealing Stone Once Means It’s Protected Forever

Sealing is a vital step in stone care, but it’s not a one-and-done process.
Over time, foot traffic, cleaning, and environmental factors wear down the sealant.

The Truth About Sealing:

Most stone surfaces need resealing every 12–18 months.
High-traffic commercial spaces may need quarterly sealing.
Unsealed stone acts like a sponge, absorbing spills and leading to deep, permanent stains.

Pro Tip:
You can test if your stone needs resealing by sprinkling water on the surface.
If the water absorbs within a few minutes instead of beading up, it’s time for a professional reseal.

Myth #5: DIY Polishing Kits Restore Shine

Big box stores often sell “stone polishing kits” promising showroom results.
Unfortunately, these kits rarely deliver—and can make problems worse.

Why DIY Kits Fail:

They use low-grade abrasives that can scratch stone surfaces.
They don’t address deep etching or structural issues.
Some contain waxes or coatings that create a temporary shine but trap dirt underneath, dulling the stone over time.

What Really Works:
Professional polishing uses diamond abrasives and specialized machinery to achieve a mirror-like finish safely.

Myth #6: All Stone is the Same

Not all natural stone is created equal.
Caring for granite is completely different from caring for marble or travertine.

Stone Type	Care Level	Acid Sensitivity	Best Use Cases
Marble	High	Very High	Bathrooms, decorative features
Granite	Low	Low	Kitchens, outdoor bars, high-traffic areas
Travertine	High	High	Indoor spas, flooring
Quartzite	Low	Moderate	Luxury kitchens, commercial counters
Terrazzo	Moderate	Moderate	Historic lobbies, museums

Pro Tip: Identify your stone type before choosing cleaners or maintenance products.
Unsure? Rose Restoration offers stone identification consultations.

When DIY Goes Wrong: Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional

Cloudy, dull patches on marble or limestone → likely etching from acidic cleaners.
Dark water rings on granite or quartzite → indicates compromised sealant.
Cracks or chips → require professional epoxy filler and polishing.
Loose tiles or grout erosion → structural issue that needs immediate attention.
Persistent stains → may require professional poultices or resurfacing.

Delaying professional care can turn minor cosmetic issues into major, costly repairs.

Fun Fact Corner: Stone Care Myths Through History

Ancient Romans: Used olive oil to “polish” marble—creating a temporary shine but attracting dust and grime.
Victorian Era: Marble floors were scrubbed with harsh soaps, unknowingly damaging delicate surfaces.
Modern Myths: Many viral cleaning trends recycle these old, outdated practices without scientific backing.

Why Professional Stone Care Matters

Hiring experts like Rose Restoration provides:

Specialized tools and products designed for each stone type.
Advanced techniques, like diamond polishing and deep stain removal.
Long-term maintenance plans to extend the lifespan of your investment.
Peace of mind knowing your surfaces are in expert hands.

For over 30 years, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses throughout the Washington, DC metro area protect and restore their most prized natural stone features.

How to Safely Care for Stone Surfaces

Daily Care

Wipe spills immediately with a soft cloth.
Use pH-neutral cleaners for routine cleaning.
Avoid dragging heavy furniture across stone floors.

Monthly Care

Inspect for cracks, chips, or dull spots.
Clean grout lines to prevent buildup.

Annual Care

Schedule a professional deep clean and sealing.
Consider polishing services for high-traffic areas.

Your Trusted Partner for Stone Care

Your stone surfaces deserve more than guesswork and DIY experiments.
With Rose Restoration, you’ll have access to professional expertise, advanced technology, and eco-friendly products that keep your stone looking beautiful for decades.