At Lasley Brahaney, we want you to continue to enjoy your newly renovated space as long as possible. Whether you've chosen natural stone or ceramic tile, proper maintenance will help protect your investment and keep your spaces looking their best for years to come. To that end, we have put together the following tips to help you maintain the new look and feel of your renovation:

Natural Stone Tile Care

Natural stone — such as marble, granite, limestone, travertine, and onyx — is porous and requires special attention compared to traditional ceramic tile. Therefore, we strongly recommend sealing all natural stone surfaces — especially marble, granite, and limestone — to enhance stain resistance. Our subcontractors who install your stone will seal countertops, tile, and grout at installation, but re-sealing every 1–2 years (depending on traffic and use) is essential for continued protection.

Remember: Sealing makes the surface more resistant to stains but not stain-proof. Always use a non-toxic, food-safe sealer in food preparation areas.

In between sealing, here are tips to extend the life and beauty of your natural stone:

DO:

• Blot up spills immediately to avoid staining.
• Dust mop floors frequently to remove dust and grit that can scratch the surface.
• Clean surfaces with a cleaner specifically made for stone tile and grout.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry after cleaning.
• Protect surfaces with non-slip mats, area rugs, coasters, trivets, or placemats.

DON’T:

• Use vinegar, lemon juice, or acid-based cleaners on stone surfaces, especially marble, limestone, travertine, and onyx.
• Use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
• Mix bleach and ammonia, which can create toxic gas.
• Use standard bathroom, grout, or tub & tile cleaners that may contain acids.

Ceramic Tile Care

Ceramic tile offers a durable, low-maintenance option — but proper cleaning practices are still important to keep it looking fresh.

DO:

• Sweep tile floors regularly to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Use a vacuum cleaner (without a beater bar) to capture dust.
• Clean up spills quickly to prevent staining and spot clean heavier soil. For heavier cleaning needs, choose products compatible with your specific tile type.
• Use walk-off mats at entryways to contain dirt and grit.
• Damp mop with the manufacturer’s recommended cleaners.
• Take precautions when moving heavy objects across tile floors.
• Cover furniture and table legs with protective pads to prevent scratching.

DON’T:

• Use vacuums with beater bars, which can damage tile surfaces.
• Use steel wool, scouring powders, or other abrasives that can scratch tiles.
• Use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, which can dull the finish.
• Use oil-based cleaners on glazed tile.

Sealing Grout:

We highly recommend sealing grout joints for maximum stain protection. After installation and the initial sealing, re-sealing every 1–2 years (or as directed by the manufacturer) will help maintain the beauty and durability of your tile installation.

Again, use only non-toxic, food-safe sealers in kitchens or food prep areas.

Final Thought

Proper care and regular maintenance will help your natural stone or ceramic tile retain its beauty for decades to come. A few simple habits — like gentle cleaning, immediate spill management, and regular resealing — make all the difference.

If you have any questions about caring for your stone or tile, our team at Lasley Brahaney is always here to help!