BUYING GUIDE

Stone Cleaning Guide: How to Care for Stone Baths, Basins & More

BUYING GUIDE

Stone Cleaning Guide: How to Care for Stone Baths, Basins & More

Cortese® stone is synonymous with durability, refined design, and long-lasting performance. Used across luxury stone baths and basins, it delivers a premium finish that elevates any bathroom into a calm, spa-like retreat. But like any high-quality material, proper aftercare is essential to preserve its beauty.

With the right approach to stone cleaning, maintaining your bath or basin is simple. Regular care helps prevent soap scum, watermarks, discolouration, and surface scratches - ensuring your investment continues to look flawless for years to come.

This guide covers everything you need to know, from daily and weekly cleaning routines to tackling common issues and choosing the right products. With a consistent routine, cleaning stone surfaces becomes effortless, allowing you to enjoy both practicality and luxury in equal measure.

How to Clean Stone

Understanding how to clean stone properly is key to maintaining its smooth, lustrous finish. While stone is naturally durable, the right cleaning routine ensures it remains in pristine condition over time.

At its core, natural stone cleaning is straightforward. Always use pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaners, and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can damage the surface. Soft cloths such as microfibre, are ideal for preventing scratches while gently lifting dirt and residue.

Here’s our quick how to clean guide:

  • Rinse surfaces after each use
  • Clean weekly using warm water and mild soap
  • Deep clean monthly with stone-safe products
  • Dry thoroughly to prevent watermarks

It’s also important to consider your water type. In hard water areas, mineral deposits can build up more quickly, leading to limescale, staining, or dulling of the finish. In these cases, more frequent rinsing and drying will help maintain the original appearance of your stone bath or basin.


Daily & Weekly Stone Cleaning Habits

Consistent care is the easiest way to preserve the natural beauty of stone. After each use, rinse the surface with warm water to remove soap residue, then dry thoroughly with a soft microfibre cloth to prevent watermarks.

On a weekly basis, clean with warm, soapy water using a non-abrasive cloth or sponge. This helps maintain a fresh, polished look without damaging the surface.

To avoid unnecessary wear, keep sharp objects like jewellery or razors away from stone surfaces, and never place hot styling tools directly onto them. Small habits like these go a long way in protecting the finish.


Monthly Deep Cleaning for Natural Stone

In addition to regular upkeep, a monthly deep clean helps maintain both hygiene and appearance.

Start by clearing the surface and rinsing with warm water. Apply a pH-neutral or stone-safe cleaner, then gently clean using a soft sponge in circular motions. This technique lifts any built-up residue without causing damage.

Rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining product, then dry completely with a microfibre cloth. This final step is key to preventing streaks or watermarks and restoring the stone’s natural sheen.

Choosing the Right Stone Cleaner

Selecting the correct products is essential for effective and safe stone cleaning. The wrong cleaner can dull, damage, or permanently mark the surface, so it’s important to choose carefully.

Avoid:

  • Acidic cleaners such as vinegar, lemon, or descalers
  • Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia
  • Abrasive tools including steel wool or scouring pads

Instead, opt for pH-neutral, stone-safe solutions. Mild options like diluted washing-up liquid or bicarbonate of soda can be effective for routine cleaning. Specialist products are also available for deeper care.

For best results, use a dedicated solution such as the LUSSO Composite Care Stone Cleaning Solution - This is specifically formulated to protect and enhance LUSSO stone surfaces.


How to Use LUSSO Stone Cleaning Solution

Using a specialist cleaner ensures optimal results with minimal effort.

Apply a thin layer of the solution to a soft cloth and spread evenly across the surface. Leave it for approximately two minutes to activate, then buff gently in circular motions using a clean, dry cloth.

For best practice, wear gloves during application and avoid overusing the product - less is often more when maintaining stone.

Tackling Common Stone Care Issues

LUSSO stone baths and basins are designed to resist stains and scratches, but like any surface, occasional marks can occur - particularly without regular maintenance.

The good news is that most issues can be resolved at home with simple techniques.


Stains & Discolouration

Common causes of stains include hair dye, bath bombs, oils, lotions, tanning products, and hard water deposits. Rust and mould can also contribute to discolouration if left untreated.

Whenever possible, clean spills immediately to prevent them from settling. For general stains, use a stone-safe cream cleaner and avoid aggressive scrubbing, which may damage the surface.

For more stubborn marks, see our tips below.

  • Polished finishes: Use a stone polishing kit to gently lift the stain and restore shine
  • Matte finishes: Use fine-grade sanding pads, working gradually through grits to even out the surface

Acting early is the most effective way to prevent permanent staining and maintain a flawless finish.


Scratches & Surface Marks

Scratches are typically caused by abrasive tools, harsh cleaning products, or accidental impact from sharp objects.

Thanks to its solid-core composition, stone resin is highly repairable. Light scratches can often be removed with minimal effort:

  • Polished finishes: Restore shine using a stone polishing kit
  • Matte finishes: Buff gently with fine-grit sanding pads

This ability to renew the surface is a key advantage of stone, helping it maintain its premium appearance over time.


DIY vs Professional Repairs

Many minor issues can be resolved with DIY methods, including:

  • Light stains or discolouration
  • Surface-level scratches
  • Small chips on matte finishes
  • Routine restoration using sanding pads or polishing kits

However, for deeper scratches, large chips, or persistent stains, professional repair may be required. Seeking expert help ensures the surface is restored without compromising the integrity of the material.

Cleaning by Stone Type

Different finishes and colours may require slightly tailored approaches to maintain their appearance.


How to Clean White Stone Baths and Basins

White stone is often easier to maintain, but marks can be more visible - especially on matte finishes.

Regular rinsing and drying are essential to prevent subtle staining or dullness. With consistent care, white stone retains its crisp, clean aesthetic.

Explore white bath options here.


How to Clean Dark & Coloured Stone

Darker tones such as black or charcoal create a bold, luxurious look, but they may show watermarks, limescale, and soap residue more easily.

To maintain their depth and richness, clean regularly and ensure surfaces are dried thoroughly after use. This prevents visible streaks and keeps the finish looking refined.

Do’s and Don’ts of Natural Stone Cleaning

Do:

✔ Clean immediately after use
✔ Use warm, soapy water
✔ Dry with a soft cloth
✔ Use stone-safe cleaning products
✔ Address marks and scratches promptly

Don’t:

✗ Use scouring pads or abrasive cleaners
✗ Use concentrated bleach
✗ Apply harsh cosmetic or chemical products
✗ Leave residue sitting on the surface


Preserve the Beauty of Stone

With consistent, gentle care, your stone bath or basin will remain a timeless feature in your home. Stone is inherently low-maintenance, and a simple cleaning routine is all that’s needed to preserve its elegant finish.

By investing a small amount of time in regular upkeep, you ensure that your bathroom continues to feel luxurious, refined, and effortlessly beautiful for decades to come.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What to clean a stone bath with?

Clean your stone bath using warm water, a gentle soap, or a pH-neutral stone cleaner. This preserves the integrity of the surface while maintaining its smooth, flawless finish. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools, as these can compromise the material over time.

What does vinegar do to natural stone?

Vinegar’s acidic properties can erode the surface of natural stone, leading to dullness and subtle etching. Over time, this diminishes the stone’s refined appearance and should therefore be avoided entirely.

Why can stone baths go black?

Darkening is typically caused by a build-up of mould, soap residue, or mineral deposits - particularly in humid environments. Regular, gentle cleaning will prevent this and keep the surface looking bright and pristine.

What not to use on natural stone?

Avoid bleach, ammonia, acidic solutions, and abrasive pads. These can strip the surface, cause discolouration, or leave micro-scratches that detract from the stone’s natural elegance.

Do stone resin baths stain?

Stone resin is highly resistant to staining, but like any premium surface, it benefits from prompt care. Leaving oils, dyes, or cosmetic products to sit for extended periods may result in surface marks.

How often should I seal natural stone?

Unlike traditional porous stone, stone resin does not require sealing. Its non-porous composition is designed to offer long-lasting protection with minimal maintenance.

Is steam cleaning safe for stone?

Steam cleaning can be used occasionally, but it should be approached with care. Excessive heat and moisture exposure may affect the surface over time, so gentle, controlled use is recommended.

What’s the best way to remove tough stains from stone?

For more persistent marks, use a specialist stone-safe cleaner or polishing kit. Addressing stains early and using the correct products will help restore the surface while preserving its original finish.
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