Regardless of what the gem is used for (for healing, magical purposes, or as a decoration), it needs to be looked after and sometimes cleaned. When you bought a stone, it must be cleaned. Hold it for a few minutes under running water. It is better, of course, if possible - to use natural spring water.
Minerals that belong to the quartz group can be put in a glass bowl of water and kept overnight in the freezer. You can stones and products from them in a vessel with water. Water, when frozen, will remove dirty information from the stone, and it will be cleansed. In this way, you can clean both stones that you used to wear, and new ones - bought or donated.
In the same way, not only newly acquired stones are cleansed, but also those that you already have. This must be done at least once a year, and health stones are cleansed once a month on the waning moon.
The general rule for cleaning stones is this: it is always better to clean all stones on the last three days of the lunar month (28, 29, 30) - before the new moon. On the full moon, stones accumulate energy and after cleaning they must have time to restore their own energy.
Tourmaline.
To store stones, it is best to use bags for each stone separately. The bag should be silk or cotton, linen can be. In such a package, gems can be stored in one box or box.
It is possible to single out such methods of cleaning and renewing natural stones (it needs to be clarified - not all methods are suitable for certain minerals). Gemstones are different in their properties and require an individual approach to cleaning. If for some it is appropriate to use a soapy solution, then for others it can be disastrous. Improper cleaning can ruin your favorite jewelry.
- Cleaning with water - the stone is kept under running water (from the tap) for several hours. It is better to put it in a bag and - in a spring, tie the bag so that it does not blow away. Or just pour spring water into a glass and put a stone in it.
- Cleaning by the sun - pre-wash the stone with water and put it in the bright sun for 30 minutes. This is both purification and charging of the stone.
- Cleaning with salt - bury the stone in salt for 3-4 hours, then discard the salt.
- Cleaning with saline water - dip the stones in salted water poured into a crystal dish. You can use other dishes too, of course.
- cleaning soapy water- prepare a soapy warm solution, pour it into porcelain or crystal dishes, and soak the stones in the sun for about two hours,
- Earth cleansing - bury stones (this applies to cleaning gems) in the ground for the night.
- Cleaning with natural sea water - wash the crystals with sea water, leave in it for 3 hours.
All stones from time to time it is useful to lay out for several hours or days in sunlight. This is especially true for those stones that you constantly wear. But - be careful - some stones change or lose color in the sun.
You can at least every day just wash the thing with water - the stone will only get better.
If the stone's hardness is above 5 ( sapphire, emerald, diamond, topaz, ruby, aquamarine, quartz, common beryl), then cleaning in a solution of any washing powder is allowed, using a brush. The exception would be jewelry that uses a soft metal, such as silver.. Gems framed in gold or platinum will take this cleaning well. After cleaning, rinse off the remaining solution with distilled water.
For cleaning stones, a solution consisting of 120 g of baking soda, 30 g of table salt and 50 g of bleach dissolved in 0.5 liters of water is suitable.
Gemstones are often very fragile and can easily crack if handled carelessly. This is especially true for those stones that have inclusions. Therefore, if you want to clean the chrysolite or emerald yourself, be very careful! Wrong movement - and a piece can break off from the stone.
Gemstones with a hardness value below 5 should be washed in a milder medium, such as soapy water. These stones include - apatite, ruby, opal, sunflower, Moonstone, chrysolite, lapis lazuli, malachite.
Ruby, alexandrite and sapphire can be cleaned in a soapy solution with ammonia. The proportions of the solution are 0.5 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of alcohol. After cleaning, rinse the gems with warm water.
Amethyst, rock crystal and citrine should only be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners.
Turquoise- a capricious gem. It cannot be cleaned with aqueous solutions; from their influence, the stone can easily lose color. Jewelry with turquoise should not be subjected to sudden changes in temperature, acidic and soapy solutions. To remove stubborn dirt, the use of alcohol or distilled water is allowed. To restore the shine, a piece of flannel fabric or dry suede is suitable - you can polish the turquoise yourself with them.
Very often dirt collects under the stone. You can remove it with a match and a piece of cotton wool. Moisten cotton wool with glycerin or magnesium solution and ammonia. Neat in a circular motion wipe the recesses and surfaces. If there are dirt particles that cannot be removed, contact a jewelry cleaning specialist. You may need professional cleaning with ultrasound. True, not all stones can be cleaned with ultrasound.
Universal way to clean any stones
Amethyst Druse.
Minerals put on the night for amethyst druse with very small crystals (it is also called an amethyst brush or bed for stones).
Also known purification of druzy quartz- place the stones on a quartz druse overnight.
Despite the strength, the stone is a very delicate material and requires care. This article provides recommendations for cleaning natural stone surfaces - how and with what to wash it. Even the types of stains are classified, because the choice of household chemicals depends on it.
General care
Any glasses, especially with spirits or citrus juice, put those on trays. Many drinks and foods contain acid that can corrode or discolor stone surfaces. Put hot dishes not on a stone surface, but on special rugs. Place mats or wipes under porcelain, ceramic, or silver items that may scratch the surface.
FLOOR SURFACES
Sweep floors with a dry, untreated mop or broom. Sand, dirt and abrasive particles cause the most damage to stone surfaces due to their abrasive ability. Mats and pads on either side of the main entrance will minimize the amount of sand, dirt and abrasive particles on the floor that can scratch the stone floor, as long as the bottom of the mat is non-slip. Usually eight steps is enough to get all the sand or mud off the soles of the boots. Do not use used vacuum cleaners, as their plastic or metal wheels and attachments may also scratch the surface.
OTHER SURFACES
Wash stone surfaces using a few drops of cleaner, "stone" soap (available from hardware stores or stone slab companies) or a mild liquid dish detergent and warm water. For best results, use a clean rag mop for mopping the floor and a soft cloth for mopping other surfaces. Too much detergent or soap may leave streaks. Do not use products containing citric, acetic or other acids on marble or limestone slabs. Thoroughly wash the surface after cleaning with soapy water and dry soft cloth. Change the water frequently, do not use washing powders or creams, as they contain abrasive substances that can scratch the surface.
BATHROOM AND OTHER WET SURFACES
In the bathroom or other damp areas, soap suds can be minimized by rubbing the surface with a rubber brush. To remove foam, use an acid-free foam remover or water solution ammonia, although the stone surface may fade with too much ammonia.
WORK SURFACES
Work surfaces may require a primer. To avoid leaving traces of water, you need to treat the surface with non-yellowing wax in the form of a paste.
KITCHEN ZONE
Here, you may have to use a sealant or primer that does not contain toxic components. Always consult the manufacturer.
COVERED PATIO AND POOL AREA
In the pool, patio, or hot tub area, rinse with clean water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.
Stone properties
Natural stone is of two types depending on the composition: siliceous or lime. Knowing the different properties of these stones is important when choosing cleaning products. Silicon stone is mainly composed of silicon and quartz particles, is wear resistant and can be easily cleaned with mild acid detergent solutions. Siliceous stones include granite, sandstone, quartzite, slate, ferruginous sandstone, and bluish sandstone (mica schist).
Lime stone is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. It cannot be washed with solutions containing acid, so it should be cleaned with other means than flint stone. Typical lime stones are marble, travertine, limestone and onyx. A simple acid sensitivity test will help determine the type of stone. You will need 120 g of a 10% hydrochloric acid solution or vinegar and a pipette. Since such an analysis can corrode the stone, conduct this experiment on some remaining fragment. Apply a few drops of the acid solution to the surface of the stone. If the stone is calcareous, the droplets of acid will begin to bubble or sizzle. If no noticeable reaction occurs, then you are dealing with a flint stone. Hydrochloric acid is a dangerous substance, so it is necessary to protect the surface of the skin from its accidental contact.
Get to know your stone
Granites and marbles mined in different parts of the world and come in different color shades and with different mineral compositions. In most cases, marbles and granites can be identified by visible particles on the surface of the stone. Marble usually shows "veining", or a high concentration of minerals. In granite, minerals are usually seen as small specks evenly distributed over the surface of the stone. Each stone has a unique color, texture and mottling.
Sandstones vary greatly in color, due to the fact that the stone may contain various minerals and clays. Shades can vary from light gray to yellow or reddish. Dark red-brown sandstone is also called iron sandstone. Bluish sandstone is a dense and hard stone with fine fibers that are greenish gray or bluish gray in color.
Limestone- a stone widely used in construction with light gray, dark yellow or light brown shades. A characteristic feature of many limestones is the presence of fossil remains in them, often visible on the surface of the stone. Slate is dark green, black, gray, dark red or multi-colored. It is most commonly used for floor slabs, roof tiles and has a distinct lobed texture.
stone finish
Polishing allows you to achieve a shiny surface that reflects light and emphasizes the color and texture of the material. A similar finish is used for walls, furniture and floor tiles.
polished texture It is a smooth, satiny surface that reflects light relatively poorly. In general, the polished finish is ideal for floors, stair treads, porch steps, and other high-traffic areas where polish can quickly fade. Polished texture is also used in furniture and for finishing other surfaces. The fire finish is a rough textured finish often seen on granite floor slabs.
Spots
SPILLS AND SPOTS
Wipe up spilled liquid immediately paper towel. Do not rub this area, as this will only smear the spilled liquid. Wash the area several times with plain water and mild soap. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat if necessary. If the stain remains, refer to the stain removal section.
STAIN REMOVAL
Identifying the type of stain on a stone surface is the key to removing it. If you don't understand what's causing the pollution, try playing detective. Where is the stain located: next to a plant, a cooking area, or a bedroom where cosmetics are often used? What color is the spot? What shape or pattern is it? What happens in the area around the spot? Surface stains are often easily removed with a cleaning agent or household cleaners. Stains that are deeply ingrained in the texture of the stone or cannot be cleaned with conventional means may require special putties or the intervention of a professional.
Types of stains and the first steps to remove them
OIL-BASED (FAT, TAR, OIL, MILK, COSMETICS)
An oil stain causes the stone to darken and is usually dissolved by chemicals and then washed off. Gently wash the stained area with a mild, liquid bleach-based cleaner, or household detergent, or ammonia, or nail polish thinner, or acetone.
ORGANIC (COFFEE, TEA, FRUIT, TOBACCO, PAPER, FOOD, URINE, LEAVES, BARK, BIRD DOORS)
Usually results in a pinkish-brown spot, but this may disappear once the source is removed. Ordinary rain and sun bleach and remove such spots on the street. In the room, you need to treat the stain with a 12% solution of hydrogen peroxide, and also drop a few drops of ammonia on it.
METAL (IRON, RUST, COPPER, BRONZE) Rust stains are orange to brownish in color. They can take the form of sources of contamination such as bolts, screws, tin cans, flower pots, metal fittings, etc. Copper-bronze stains are greenish or muddy-brown in color and are caused by exposure to moisture on nearby copper, bronze or brass items. Metal stains must be removed with a special putty or stain remover paste. It is extremely difficult to remove deeply ingrained rust.
BIOLOGICAL FORMATIONS (ALGAE, POWDER DEW, LICHEN, MOSS, FUNGI)
Rinse with a solution (half a cup per 3.5-4 liters of water) of ammonia, or bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. Do not mix bleach with ammonia! When combined, a toxic and deadly gas is formed.
INK
Rinse with bleach or hydrogen peroxide (light colored stones only!) or nail polish thinner or acetone (dark colored stones only!).
PAINT Small amounts can be removed with lacquer thinner or gently scraped off with a razor blade. A thick layer of paint can only be removed with a commercial thick paint remover solution available at a hardware store. These solutions usually contain caustic soda or alkali. Do not use acids to remove paint from stone. Paint strippers can corrode the surface of the stone and require repolishing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and remember to thoroughly rinse the stained area with clean water. Protect your hands with rubber gloves and your eyes with goggles and work in a well-ventilated area. Use only wooden or plastic scrapers to remove tar or paint clots. Usually emulsions and acrylic paints do not contaminate the surface. Oil stains can appear when using oil paints, linseed drying oil, mastics, sealants and sealants.
DROPS AND RINGS OF WATER (SURFACE ACCUMULATION OF HARD WATER)
Polish with a dry iron brush.
FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE
Older stones and fireplaces with traces of smoke or fire may require more thorough cleaning to restore the original surface. Commercially available smoke removal products can save you time and effort.
TRACES OF CORROSION
They can be caused by acid remaining on the surface of the stone. Some materials may corrode the finish but not stain. Others corrode and stain the surface. After removing the stain, rinse the surface with clean water and apply a polishing powder, which can be purchased at the hardware store, to the marble. Rub the powder into the stone with a damp cloth. Polish until the mark disappears and the marble surface begins to shine again. Those marks that you cannot remove should be processed and removed by a professional polisher.
EFFLORESCENCE
Efflorescence refers to the white powder that can appear on the surface of the stone under the influence of water containing mineral salts and seeping out from under the surface of the stone. Water passes through the fibers of the stone and then evaporates. When evaporated, it leaves a powdery substance. If the slabs have been laid recently, wipe the area with a mop or remove the powder with a vacuum cleaner. You may need to repeat this procedure several times as the stone dries. Do not try to wash off the powder with water, because in this case it will disappear only for a while, and then come out again.
SCRATCHES AND CRACKS
Minor surface scratches can be removed with a dry iron brush. Deeper scratches and cracks in the surface of the stone should be repaired by a professional who will restore the polish.
Putties or pastes: how to use them
Putty is a liquid cleaning agent or chemical agent mixed with a white absorbent material. The result is a paste about the same consistency as peanut butter. A layer of paste 0.6-1.2 cm thick is applied to the contaminated surface with a wooden or plastic spatula. Then this place must be covered with plastic and left for 24-48 hours. The liquid cleaner or chemical will draw the stain into an absorbent absorbent. You may have to repeat this procedure several times to completely remove the stain.
Stain remover materials
They include kaolin, felting clay, whitewash, diatomaceous earth, crushed chalk, molding plaster or talc. Approximately four kilograms of stain remover paste is needed per square meter. Do not mix whitewash or felting (iron) clay with acidic chemicals, otherwise they will react and the stain removal effect will be nullified.
Cleaning products or household chemicals
OIL STAINS
Requires an aqueous solution of soda (sodium bicarbonate) or one of the powdered putty and lacquer thinner.
ORGANIC POLLUTANTS
Cover the stain with one of the powder pastes and treat with 12% hydrogen peroxide or replace the hydrogen peroxide with acetone.
RUST
Cover the stain with diatomaceous earth and a commercially available rust remover. Rust stains are difficult to remove and you may need to call in a professional service.
TRACES OF COPPER
Cover these places with one of the powdery, pasty materials and drip ammonia.
BIOLOGICAL FORMATIONS
Apply a solution of ammonia, or bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. Do not mix bleach with ammonia.
Prepare the putty.
If you're using powder, stir the cleaner or household cleaner into a thick paste. If you are using paper, soak it in chemical solution and let dry, do not apply in liquid form. Wash the affected area with distilled water. Apply a layer of putty 0.6 to 1.2 cm thick: you must close the stain and smear the surface around it at a distance of 2.5 cm from the stain. Spread the paste evenly with a wooden or plastic scraper. Cover the putty with plastic and seal the edges with duct tape. Leave the putty to dry for 24-48 hours. During the drying process, the stain will be pulled out of the stone into the putty material. After about a day, remove the plastic, and let the putty dry further. Then you need to carefully remove the putty from the stain, rinse this place with clean water and wipe it with a dry soft cloth. If necessary, use a wooden or plastic scraper. Repeat this process up to five times until the stain is gone. If the surface is corroded by the chemical, apply polishing powder and buff with a jute cloth.
Natural stone is porous in nature, so maintenance is slightly different than traditional ceramic tiles. If your apartment has natural stone, then this article will be useful for you. In stores, as a rule, there are many cleaning products designed for different degrees of pollution and damage to the stone. Cleaning agents can stain the surface of the stone very thoroughly, damage it and make it dull. Stone cleaners must never contain acid or bleach. If you want to clean natural stone using only your home arsenal, then make a light solution of vinegar and water, with which you can make minimal etching of the material. In general, for stone cleaning, it is recommended to use cleaners with a neutral base. Before using various solutions, it is necessary to vacuum the surface and wipe off the dust, because if your feet and dirt come into contact, you can scratch the surface of the stone. For cleaning natural stone such as limestone, marble or granite, premium penetrating sealers are recommended and work especially well on polished and honed surface types. Types of sealants that are designed to penetrate deep and impregnate the surface work great for both indoor and outdoor use. There are varieties of sealants that can improve the dark surface, enrich and emphasize the natural color and beauty of this material. I recommend that you always check the surface of the stone for the presence of tarnished parts in order to take advantage of the situation in time and eliminate this problem with a sealant. Some of the grout, when exposed to the corners of the tile, can also darken the edges of the tile, so clean the stone right away. When choosing a sealant, read the reviews, look at the rating of each, so as not to be mistaken and buy the really best representative of this genre.
stone cleaners
To clean the stone surface, use only detergents that are meant for this. These substances must not contain acids and must consist of neutral pH cleaners that will not damage the surface even if it has a light coating of wax. Before cleaning, the surface of the stone must be moistened with clean water. The water will keep the cleaning solution on the surface of the stone, and distribute it over the entire area, thus cleaning will be more effective. Dilute the solution according to the manufacturer's instructions, apply it to the stone surface using a special sponge or mop.
If you need to apply the solution to the wall, kitchen counters, or countertops, you can use a regular spray bottle for this purpose. It is necessary to place the solution on the surface, using a sponge, a synthetic mop, a brush, or using a special floor drying machine. After that, you need to apply the solution. After cleaning the stone, you can use a special spray. So you can emphasize the brilliance and beauty of the polished stone. We recommend spraying the surface over a full piece of the area to clean the entire surface. The frequency of cleaning is difficult to predict, do this work on a whim, when you already see that the stone needs cleaning. In general, many cleaners cannot recreate the original luster of a stone, but they can help maintain the original brilliance and cleanliness.
And now the ceramic tiles are being cleaned!
How to deal with a particularly dirty surface
To effectively remove stubborn dirt, grease, and other deposits on stone surfaces, you need heavy duty, environmentally friendly, safe stone cleaners. I recommend that you apply a solution of cleaner and water, which are mixed, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Cleaning the surface of natural stone can occur in two ways:
Using a sponge, synthetic mop and soft bristles;
Alternatively, a machine operating in a semi-wet mode can be used;
Using these technologies, you can remove stains and smoke from the grout, as well as from the surface of the stone.
Let's summarize
If your marble finish has begun to fade, become slightly scratched and needs to be etched, you can restore the shine by using special marble cleaning products. The process is usually recrystallization, in which the stone is given its original brilliance and luster.
I hope you understand how natural stones are cleaned! And it is best to lay tiles using special tools that are called. Using them, you will do the job very quickly, and most importantly, with high quality!
List of necessary tools for cleaning gems:
- Sea salt
- Gin
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Liquid soap
You can effectively clean gemstones with salt
Method 1. Pour warm water into a glass or ceramic container. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in it, but be sure to use sea salt. After that, immerse your gem in it and leave it for 12 hours. After half a day has passed, it must be washed under cold water and then gently wipe with a soft and clean cloth.Method 2. Pour salt into a deep container. Then put your gemstone in it and leave it for the whole night. After the night, rinse it with water and polish gently with a soft cloth.
You can effectively clean gemstones with baking soda.
Method 1. Pour hot water into a container and add one teaspoon of baking soda. After that, put this container on the fire and immerse your gem in it. Boil for a few minutes, then remove the decoration. Then rinse it under water and polish it gently.Method 2. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water. Then stir until a soft paste forms. Then, using a cotton swab, gently apply the cleaner to your jewelry. Wipe and rinse under water.
Gin will help restore shine to the jewelry. This tool is not able to clean the gemstone from contamination. Wipe the stone with a cotton swab or cloth soaked in the drink.
If you want to gently remove dirt, then use a soapy solution. Take any liquid soap and pour it into water, then dissolve. Using an old toothbrush, gently clean the jewelry, most importantly, do not forget to moisten the brush in the solution. After cleaning, rinse the jewelry in water and polish with a dry cloth.
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