Choosing exposed stone for interior wall applications is an excellent way to add elegance and natural style to your interiors. Stone is an evocative, stylish material that brings a timeless, rustic ambiance to any space. However, it does require maintenance and upkeep to ensure it stays in good condition and remains alluring and durable over time. Here are a few tips on keeping your interior stone wall in perfect condition.
Dos
Regular Cleaning
Cleaning your interior stone wall on a regular basis is imperative, as the rough, uneven surfaces can be magnets for dust, dirt, and other debris. This isn’t just an aesthetic issue; over time loose dirt and particles can build up and cause damage, so ensure you use a soft brush or vacuum to remove debris, or a mild stone cleaner for more stubborn stains.
Sealing
It is worth considering sealing your stone in order to protect it from stains and water damage. While this isn’t as important for interior walls as for those exposed to the elements, sealing helps maintain the natural beauty of stone and offers an additional layer of protection, which can be helpful in case of accidents.
Regular Inspection
Sometimes the most important part of maintenance is regular monitoring. Inspect your stone walls for any signs of damage or abrasion, keeping an eye out for cracks, chips, or loose stones. If you can catch problems early they can usually be dealt with without too much hassle, but left unattended they can develop into serious, long-term issues.
Professional Maintenance
It is always worth thinking about hiring professionals every once in a while to come in and give your stone walls a thorough inspection and deep clean. Professionals have the expertise required to deal with any issues and can often provide further helpful advice on keeping your walls in great condition.
Don’ts
Harsh Cleaning Products
Even if your walls are stained or dirty, don’t be tempted to use chemicals or harsh cleaning products as this will just cause further damage. Bleach, ammonia, and acidic cleaners will degrade the stone, affect its appearance, and may also cause long-term deterioration.
Excessive Moisture
Water can be extremely damaging to natural stone over a long period of time, so try not to let moisture build up. Use modest amounts of water when cleaning and always make sure your spaces are properly ventilated.
Neglecting Repairs
If you see something that doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it! Small, innocuous signs of damage or deterioration can quickly lead to more serious problems over time, so it is always worth addressing any issues as soon as you identify them.
DIY Repairs
Restoring stone walls can be a tricky business, so it is usually not worth trying to do yourself unless you have the required skills, knowledge, and tools. Consulting with a professional stone restorer will usually save you time and money in the long term!
The advice above will help you keep your interior stone walls in great shape and looking beautiful for years to come. With the right care and attention, stone walls can be a huge asset to any space.
