Black Diamond Stoneworks knows that in most cases, natural stone and tile are installed with little or no information provided regarding care. While the following will serve only as a guideline, it is our intent to help you enjoy your natural stone and tile over a long period of time. If you have technical questions, please feel free to call us directly at 888.922.8282.

Q: Should I seal my stone or grout?

A: Yes, all stone and grout should be sealed with a penetrating sealer. You do not need this if you are using our Wet Look Sealer. Most contaminates that damage your stone and grout are water or oil soluble. Nex-Gen and Sure Seal are premium, water-based sealers that reject both oil and water type staining. By using Nex-Gen or Sure Seal, you will have more time to blot up spills before they can stain the surface. Never assume that your contractor or installer has sealed your stone and grout. It is recommend that you use two coats on new installations.

Q: How often should I seal my stone and tile?

A: Sealers can last for many years but can lose their effectiveness over time. If you want to protect your stone or grout in top condition we recommend re-sealing every one to three years. It is VERY important to understand that using improper cleaners can remove the sealers allowing your stone and grout to become dirty and stained. You cannot over seal your stone or grout. For grout sealing, we recommend our Ultimate Grout Sealer.

Q: How should I clean my tile and grout?

A: If your tile and grout is new you must first apply a sealer. Use Ultimate Grout Sealer. For weekly cleaning of floors use Marble and Tile Cleaner. This neutral P.H. concentrated cleaner will remove dirt and soil without damaging the finish or removing the sealer. Mop your floor with a sponge or a string mop, making sure to use enough liquid to lift the dirt off the tile as well as the grout. To achieve the best results we recommend drying the floor with a dry towel to remove extra dirt. Using too little liquid on your floor will remove the dirt from the tile and squeegee it into your grout possibly staining it . DIRTY TILE AND GROUT: If your tile and grout is dirty use Ultimate Grout Cleaner to restore that new look. This product is very strong. After you clean with it please re-seal with Ultimate Grout Sealer and then use Tile and Marble Cleaner to keep it clean.

Q: How should I clean my stone floors?

A: Good question! Most stone damage is caused by improper and/or infrequent cleaning. The number one culprit of damage to floors is dirt, including sand and grit. Dust mop or vacuum as often as possible. We recommend that you mop your floor using Marble and Tile Cleaner for polished stone or tile floors or Daily Stonewash for travertine and limestone. This neutral P.H. concentrated cleaner will remove dirt and soil without damaging the finish or removing the sealer. Mop your floor with a sponge or a string mop making sure to use enough liquid to lift the dirt off the tile as well as the grout. To achieve the best results, we recommend drying the floor with a dry towel to remove extra dirt. Using too little liquid on your floor will remove the dirt from the tile and squeegee it into your grout - possibly staining it. For small spills, try using Granite Counter Cleaner.

Q: What about older or dirty stone floors?

A: Use our Intensive Cleaner to safely remove embedded dirt and soil. Always reseal after using this product.

Q: I have beautiful granite counters. How do I keep them looking that way?

A: Remember to always seal them every year with Nex-Gen! This will keep them from getting stained. For daily cleaning use Black Diamond Granite Counter Cleaner. This product is safe, effective and easy to use. It will not remove your sealer or leave behind any dulling residue. Just spray and wipe! It is that easy. Applying Polish Preserver every two weeks will keep your granite from having water spots or finger prints. And using Polish Preserver will help protect the shine and make cleaning easier.

Q: Is it the same for my marble vanity or furniture?

A: Yes.

Q: Can I use window or other all purpose cleaners on my counters?

A: No! Most of these type of cleaners have ammonia or are too strong for stone. Over time they will not only remove your sealer allowing it to become stained but over time can even damage the stone itself.

Q: The grout on my countertop is dirty and hard to keep clean.

A: This a common problem but one that can be solved using Ultimate Grout Cleaner to deep clean it, Ultimate Grout Sealer to seal it and Counter Cleaner to clean it and to protect the sealer.

Q: What about my tile shower?

A: To remove the soap scum you will not find a better cleaner than Ultimate Grout Cleaner! This acid free cleaner will remove the soap scum with out damaging the tile or grout. Ultimate Grout Cleaner will not remove calcium. To make it easier to clean seal it with Nex-Gen every six months and use Polish Preserver every week on the walls to keep the soap scum and water deposits from sticking.

Q: What should I use on my slate or pavers?

A: First you must decide what you want them to look like. If you want to keep them natural looking then use Nex-Gen to seal them and Marble and Tile Cleaner to keep them clean. If they are dirty you should clean them first with Intensive Cleaner. If you want to provide a little gloss to them apply Wet Look Sealer. To keep them clean use Marble and Tile Cleaner. Mop your floor with a sponge or a string mop making sure to use enough liquid to lift the dirt off the tile as well as the grout. To achieve the best results we recommend drying the floor with a dry towel to remove extra dirt. Using too little liquid on your floor will remove the dirt from the tile and squeegee it into your grout possibly staining it.