In a Beverly Hills mansion, where the average home price is over $2 million, a single scratched marble countertop can decrease the property's value by up to 5%, according to a study by the National Association of Realtors, with 75% of homeowners in the 90210 zip code citing natural stone as a top priority for maintenance.
## What is the Best Way to Clean Marble and Natural Stone Marble and natural stone require gentle cleaning to maintain their durability, with a study by the Marble Institute of America finding that 80% of stone damage is caused by improper cleaning, for example, in a Pacific Palisades home, using a pH-neutral cleaner can help prevent etching on marble floors.
### Daily Maintenance Tips Daily maintenance is crucial to prevent dirt and dust from building up on marble and natural stone surfaces, in areas like Downtown LA, where pollution is high, this is especially important, with the American Lung Association reporting that LA has some of the worst air quality in the country.
## How Often Should I Seal My Natural Stone Sealing natural stone can help protect it from stains and spills, with the average cost of sealing a natural stone floor in LA being around $1.50 per square foot, according to a report by the National Tile Contractors Association, for a 2,000 square foot home in Brentwood, this would be around $3,000, and in areas like Malibu, where the weather can be harsh, sealing may need to be done more frequently.
### Types of Sealers There are different types of sealers available, including topical, penetrating, and impregnating sealers, with a study by the University of California finding that penetrating sealers are the most effective at protecting natural stone from stains, for example, in a Santa Monica home, using a penetrating sealer can help protect the natural stone floors from saltwater damage.
## What are the Most Common Mistakes in Marble and Natural Stone Care Common mistakes in marble and natural stone care include using the wrong cleaning products, not sealing the stone regularly, and not maintaining the stone daily, with a survey by the National Kitchen and Bath Association finding that 60% of homeowners in the LA area make these mistakes, in areas like West Hollywood, where the homes are often older, these mistakes can be especially costly.
### Checklist for Marble and Natural Stone Care Here is a checklist for marble and natural stone care: * Use pH-neutral cleaners * Seal the stone regularly * Maintain the stone daily * Avoid using abrasive materials * Test any new cleaning products on a small area first
## When to Hire a Professional for Marble and Natural Stone Care If you are unsure about how to care for your marble and natural stone surfaces, it may be best to hire a professional, with the average cost of hiring a professional cleaner in LA being around $150 per hour, according to a report by the International Sanitary Supply Association, for a 3-hour cleaning job in a Pasadena home, this would be around $450, and in areas like Calabasas, where the homes are often large, hiring a professional may be the most efficient option.
To get a flat-rate quote for your marble and natural stone care needs, call The Detail Crew at (949) 659-9274, our team of experts is available 7 days a week, from 7am-7pm, to provide you with the best possible service, whether you are in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, or any of the other areas we serve, including Manhattan Beach, Sherman Oaks, Silver Lake, Culver City, and Burbank.