Natural stone — marble, granite, travertine — looks beautiful for decades when it's sealed and cleaned correctly. The Texas climate makes the right routine especially important.

Why seal at all?

All natural stone is porous to some degree. An unsealed surface will absorb wine, oil, coffee, and tap-water minerals, leading to permanent stains. A penetrating sealer fills the micro-pores so spills sit on the surface long enough to wipe away.

How often?

  • Granite (polished): every 12–24 months
  • Marble (polished): every 6–12 months
  • Travertine, limestone, sandstone: every 6 months — these are the most porous
  • Quartzite: annually for most slabs

The water-drop test: sprinkle water on the stone. If it beads up, sealer is doing its job. If it darkens or absorbs, it's time to re-seal.

Daily cleaning

Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner — never vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, or generic kitchen sprays. They etch the surface even on sealed stone. Microfiber cloths only; abrasive scrubbers damage the finish.

Houston-specific tips

  • Hard water from the Houston municipal supply can leave mineral spots — squeegee shower walls after each use.
  • Outdoor travertine pavers should be re-sealed before our humid summer season.
  • Polished marble in a beachfront second home (Galveston) needs extra attention to salt-air corrosion.

We carry all the sealers, cleaners, and stone-care products we use ourselves. Ask for a recommendation when you order your tile or slab.