Whatever material you choose for your bathroom or kitchen countertops, natural stone backsplash tiles can add lots of class and charm to the space. With a myriad of designs, sizes, shapes, and colors to pick from, you are able to be as imaginative as you want.
Many homeowners are unsure whether natural stone backsplash tiles require sealing. Many people know that using travertine indoors as flooring or countertops, or any other kind of stone, requires applying sealer on a frequent schedule. Because a backsplash is a vertical surface, is it possible to get away with leaving it unsealed?
This is the answer for you: if you are a homeowner who is committed to conserving their beautiful stone wall tiles, that means daily cleaning and three or more applications of sealer each year are essential. The frequency of application can vary based on the area and type of stone.
For instance, the areas that are behind an oven and prone to cooking spatters and grease are likely to require sealing more frequently. Travertine is less porous than granite, so it needs sealing more frequently.
The best part is that sealing doesn’t have to be laborious and time-consuming. Furthermore, sealing your backsplash will enhance the natural beauty of your backsplash, providing you with the motivation you require to complete the task.
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How to Keep a Stacked Stone Kitchen Backsplash Clean?
Stone backsplashes with stacked stones have rough, porous surfaces and a lot of crevices to keep liquids and food from spilling. They can be difficult to clean. However, they aren’t impossible to clean.
Make use of a stone-safe pH neutral cleaner and bristles that are strong enough to reach the corners and crevices, but soft enough to not be abrasive. After that, rinse with warm water.
Cleaning Stone Backsplashes
Stone backsplashes are beautiful but are difficult to keep clean. Speak to your installer when you clean your stone backsplash to know the best method or if the stone backsplash has been sealed.
- Choose a soft-bristled brush or a scrub brush to clean the stones’ crevices. Since stone is typically more porous than tile, it will more easily absorb grease.
- Make use of a mild dishwashing liquid that cuts grease when you pour hot water in a bucket. It is best to do a test in an area of a smaller size to be sure that it doesn’t hurt the stone before beginning with your whole backsplash. Dry it out before proceeding.
- Use a gentle scrub with plenty of water and soap. Dip your brush back in your soapy water mixture frequently.
- Rinse thoroughly with an unclean, damp rag to get rid of the soap and keep it from creating a film over the stone.
- You might also want to consult with your stone installation specialist regarding making sure that the stone is sealed well and that you are aware of the best techniques to keep it in good condition.
Here are a few more suggestions you can follow to help keep your kitchen backsplash of stacked stone neat and clean:
1. Select the Proper Finish
In order to create an even interior design, most homeowners will have their countertops and floors done in the same stone as the backsplash. This is a good way to decorate. However, more thought must be given to the selection of finishing.
When it is possible, the surface must be polished and smooth. If you select an un-textured surface for the panels at the back of the cooktop, it will be more likely to need scrubs instead of wiping.
2. Create a cleaning routine for all backsplashes
As mentioned previously, it’s easy to overlook the stone vertical tiles or panels in your kitchen. However, it is possible to avoid this when you make it a habit to take care of them at the same time you wash the counters.
You can actually begin with the backsplash areas before moving onto the counters. In addition, you might want to adopt the habit of cleaning just after you’ve cooked.
3. Maintain a fresh seal on the panels
The backsplashes made of stone in your kitchen must be sealed with a granite sealer at the same time as your countertops, especially when they’re separated by grout lines.
A durable seal can protect your stone from stains from grease, water, and food leftovers. In addition, it will help the user wash.
4. Don’t Forget About the Grout
The majority of stone backsplashes include grouted tiles, which means that they will get worse than we expected. It is possible to clean grout lines by using an approved stone-safe grout cleaner as well as a soft-bristled scrubber.
If you have dark-colored stone tiles, you might want to consider staining treatments for your grout to ensure that they don’t need to be cleaned as frequently.
5. Remove Greasy Residue
Another scenario that could require scrubbing is if the tiles or stone panels are placed near the stove’s back. If you spot a grease spot that won’t disappear after wiping it with a granite cleaner, attempt scrubbing with a gentle scratching pad. After you have removed these spots, the most effective option is to apply sealant again.
