Natuursteen, terrazzo en keramiek reinigen en herstellen: professioneel advies van STONE

Step 1: Always identify the material first

Professional maintenance starts with one crucial question:
what am I dealing with?

Natural stone, terrazzo and ceramic tiles are often grouped together, but they differ fundamentally in structure, sensitivity and maintenance requirements. Without correct identification, it is impossible to clean or protect a surface safely.

Several factors come into play for every surface:

• the material type (marble, limestone, granite, terrazzo, ceramic)
• the finish (polished, honed, brushed, flamed)
• the application (floor, wall, worktop)
• the environment (indoor, outdoor, wet areas, commercial use)

For example, a polished marble floor reacts completely differently to cleaning than a ceramic tile or brushed limestone. What is safe for one material can cause irreparable damage to another.

That is exactly why professional stone care systems such as Moeller Stone Care (HMK) work with clear distinctions between materials. Every product and treatment is tailored to specific properties such as porosity, calcium content and acid resistance.

Natural stone and terrazzo: beautiful, but sensitive

Natural stone and terrazzo are:

• porous
• often calcareous (lime-based)
• sensitive to acids

Typical damage is caused by:

• limescale removers in bathrooms
• vinegar or lemon on worktops
• aggressive cleaning after installation

Professional maintenance systems avoid these mistakes by using acid-free cleaning and tailored protection.

Ceramic tiles: low-maintenance, but not maintenance-free

Ceramic tiles:

• are non-porous
• are acid-resistant
• do not require impregnation

However, without proper maintenance, grease build-up and soap residue can leave the surface dull. That is why professional systems also use specific maintenance cleaners for ceramic tiles.

The 3 pillars of professional stone care

According to professional maintenance concepts such as those of Moeller Stone Care, long-lasting maintenance always rests on three pillars:

1. Cleaning
Removes dirt, grease, cement haze and old maintenance layers.

2. Protecting
Impregnation reduces staining and makes future maintenance easier.

3. Maintaining
Regular maintenance preserves both the appearance and the technical performance of the surface.

This approach prevents costly repairs in the long run.

Common problems and professional solutions

Cement haze after installation

Always wait until the grout has fully cured. Cleaning too early causes permanent damage.

Stains (grease, wine, coffee)

Acting quickly is crucial. Older stains require specialised cleaning tailored to the material.

Dull patches or scratches

Usually the result of incorrect maintenance. A professional assessment prevents further damage.

When to do it yourself, and when not to

You can handle:

• daily maintenance
• light soiling
• periodic cleaning

Leave it to a professional:

• etching damage
• deep scratches
• colour corrections
• structural damage

In these cases, professional advice is essential.

Long-term maintenance: keeping your stone beautiful

• use products suited to the material
• avoid acids on natural stone
• protect high-traffic areas
• have the surface assessed periodically

That is why professional maintenance systems such as Moeller Stone Care are used by stone specialists worldwide.
 

Professional advice and further reading

Correct maintenance of natural stone, terrazzo and ceramic tiles prevents damage, extends the lifespan and preserves the aesthetic quality of the material. Still, every situation is different: the type of stone, the finish and the application determine the right solution.

STONE NV supports clients worldwide with:

• assessment of existing natural stone
• advice on cleaning and protection
• damage repair and restoration
• long-term maintenance strategies