Caring for natural stone. How to properly care for “living stones”? Stones that need to be looked after

FROM NATURAL STONE

Care and cleaning of stone

Care and cleaning of the stone surface is as simple as possible. Since the stone does not have open pores, coloring liquids such as red beet juice, red wine, tea, coffee, etc. cannot penetrate the material. Polished surfaces are extremely hygienic, so no special products are required to care for them.

For daily cleaning, a cloth and a little water are enough. If necessary, you can use ordinary household cleaning products, glass cleaners, and vinegar and soap solutions. Abrasive or strong bleaching agents are not recommended.

Tough stains and deposits can be cleaned with a vinegar-based household cleaner and the soft side of a Scorch-Brite sponge. To remove dried food residues, as well as chewing gum, nail polish, dried paint, etc., use a plastic or wooden scraper or a metal blade used for cleaning glass-ceramic hobs. If metal dust remains on the surface (for example, from contact with a knife), it can also be removed with water and a Scotch-Brite sponge.

If the rough side of a Scotch-Brite sponge or a highly abrasive cleaner is used, the gloss level of the surface may be affected.

In general, it should be noted that during the cleaning process you should always wet the surface with liquid in order to achieve the best result.

When cutting on the surface of a stone with strong pressure, metal dust may form and the knife may become dull. Stone is a very hardy material, but it is not indestructible. Therefore, we recommend using cutting boards.

Cracks may form due to extreme heat shock or incompetent transportation. Risk areas include partitions around cutouts in the sink or hob. If the surface is exposed to high temperatures for a long time, it may cause discoloration. To prevent this, place hot pots and pans only on special racks.

Due to its unique natural endurance, the surface of the stone can only be damaged by very high energy impacts on a small surface. Make sure that, for example, when washing lettuce leaves, no grains of sand remain on the work surface. Pots placed on top will cause scratches.

The stone is resistant to most household chemicals. However, contact with highly concentrated chemicals may cause surface damage. The extent of damage depends on the duration of exposure.

Note: A surface with a micro-relief texture gets dirty faster in everyday life and therefore requires more frequent cleaning than a polished surface.

ATTENTION!

· Do not use caustic soda or other alkaline products with Ph 10 or higher. Do not use concentrated products containing chlorine.

· Avoid using brute force or heavy pressure when cleaning the surface with a knife blade, spatula or using powders - this may damage the polish.

· Do not allow strong impacts with metal or stone objects on the surface or sides of the product.

· Do not install the product outdoors or in any location where exposure to ultraviolet rays may occur.

· Do not place any items that have recently been removed from the heat or from a hot oven on top of the product; use trivets.

· Do not use abrasives for cleaning or polishing.

Classification of stone care products

In terms of performance characteristics, natural stone cladding is almost eternal, but to maintain its appearance it requires simple maintenance. To maintain the decorative effect and increase the durability of natural stone, appropriate surface cleaning or re-texturing is periodically required. This primarily applies to light marbles and limestones. Typically, stone finishing does not require special attention.

For everyday care, detergents with a neutral pH are most often used. In addition, there are various chemical agents that allow you to preserve the natural color and shine of natural stone longer.

Wax protective coatings improve the appearance of the stone, protect it during use and allow treated stone coatings to be washed with ordinary water. For unprotected stone surfaces, there are special substances that not only wash away dirt, but also create a protective film. There are wax preparations that restore the shine of slightly worn and lost polish stone surfaces. Using a special putty mixture, selected according to color, you can eliminate the smallest cracks and pores on the surface of the stone.

Stone care products:

Powerful cleaner

Removes residues of cement, lime, mold and other stubborn deposits from the surface of marble, granite, tiles, tiles and bricks.

Stone Cleaner

A slightly alkaline product with non-ionic tensides. Does not contain phosphates and lye. Is biodegradable. For thorough cleaning of construction dirt. Removes polishing coatings, thin cement film, oil stains, soot, tar, synthetic enamels and plasticine residues from the surface of natural and artificial stones, such as marble, granite, travertine, terrazzo, brick, facing tiles, tiles, etc.

Price: Stone cleaner 1 l. - 650 rub./piece, Stone cleaner canister 5 l. - 2900 rub./piece. Consumption: about 10-20 m²/liter (not diluted).

Crystal Purifier

Concentrated cleaner based on tenside surfactants, additives and alcohol. Does not contain acids, phosphates and alkalis. It is biodegradable. Used for quick and complete removal of light contaminants such as oil and grease films, etc. from the surface of natural and molded stones, glazed and unglazed ceramics, clinker, etc. Dries quickly.

Consumption (concentrate): about 10 - 20 applications per liter. Consumption (ready in spray): about 10 - 20 m².

Disinfectant Cleaner

Disinfectant based on organic acids with nonionic and cationic tensides. Does not contain phosphates and strong inorganic acids. Is biodegradable. Acid cleaner for removing limescale, rust, soap residue and dirt from the surface of natural and artificial stone, tiles, plastics, glass, stainless steel, in bathrooms, showers, kitchens, toilets, etc.

Price: Disinfectant cleaner 1 l. - 530 RUR/piece, Disinfectant cleaner 5 l. - 2550 rub./pcs. Consumption: approx. 10 - 20 m²/liter

Adsorbent paste

Creamy paste with absorbent additives for removing fat, wax, oil stains, traces of plasticine, sealing masses from the surface of natural and artificial stones.

Price: Adsorbent paste 250 ml tube.

Rust remover

Cleaning agent based on inorganic acids with anti-corrosion additives. Does not contain perchloric acid. Is biodegradable. Easily removes rust stains from the surface of acid-resistant natural and artificial stones. The surface of rusty metal combined with natural stone is transformed into a protective film. Not suitable for limestone or other acid-resistant natural stones!

Price: Rust remover 1 l. - 750 rub./pcs. Consumption: approx. 10 - 20 m²/liter.

Paste rust remover

Jelly-like cleaning paste with anti-corrosion additives. Does not contain perchloric acid. Is biodegradable. Easily removes rust stains from the surface of acid-resistant natural and artificial stones. The surface of rusty metal combined with natural stone is transformed into a protective film. Not suitable for limestone or other acid-resistant natural stones!

Price : Paste rust remover 1000 ml. Consumption: about 1 m²/liter at thickness. layer 1 mm.

Cement Film Cleaner

Cleaning agent based on inorganic acids with nonionic tensides. Is biodegradable. Powerful cleaner for removing limescale, mold, cement film, etc. from the surface of tiles, clinker, granite, brick, tiles, etc. Not suitable for limestone or other acid-resistant natural stones!

Price: Cement film cleaner 1 l. - 600 rub./piece. Cement film cleaner canister 5 l. - 2850 rub./pcs. Consumption: about 10 - 20 m²/liter.

Mold Cleaner POWER

Removes mold, blooms, leaf and flower stains, bird droppings, etc. from the surface of walls, stone countertops and other surfaces made of marble, granite, concrete, etc.
Price: Mold remover 1 l. - 590 rub. / piece, mold remover 0.5 l. with manual sprayer - 450 rub. / PC. Consumption: approx. 10 - 20 m²/liter.

Graffiti Cleaner

Highly effective jelly-like mixture of solvents. For removing “graffiti”, drawings with felt-tip pens and markers from solvent-resistant unprotected surfaces made of natural and artificial stones, concrete, metal.

Price : Graffiti cleaner 1 liter jar, 5 liter canister. Consumption: about 500 - 1000 g/m².

Wax cleaner

Cleaning product based on highly effective solvents, tensides and emulsifiers. Does not contain chlorinated hydrocarbons. Is biodegradable. Easily removes soot, bitumen, paint, wax coatings, stone sealants, polishing coatings, etc. from the surface of natural and artificial stone.

Price: Wax cleaner 250 ml - 250 RUR/piece, Wax cleaner 1 l. - 680 rub./piece, wax cleaner canister 5 l. - not available. Consumption: about 10 - 20 m²/liter.

Soap for stone

Special detergent based on high-quality fatty acids, nonionic tensides, activators and flavors. Does not contain phosphates, lyes, waxes, polymers. Is biodegradable. With regular use, a protective film appears on the surface of the stone. Preserves the color and structure of natural and synthetic stone.

Price: Soft soap for stone 1 l. - 610 RUR/piece, Soft soap for stone, 5 l canister. - 2960 rub./piece. Consumption: about 20 - 40 ml / 10 l of water.

Impregnations and protection for stone

Stone impregnation

Contains xyloxanes. The drug penetrates deep into the stone, making the surface waterproof. Excellent protection of facades from rain and dirt.

Dirt protection

Special impregnation that protects against dirt, oils, fats, etc. For the protection of floors, tables and other work surfaces made of natural and artificial stone. The drug is suitable for internal and external use, and is safe in contact with edible products.

Stone filling agent (matte, shiny)

Transparent acrylic coating that guarantees long-lasting protection, resistance to water and dirt. The drug seals pores, enhances the color and structure of the stone. The use of the drug will make it easier to maintain the condition of the surface in the future. Mainly for internal use.

Polishing liquid

Contains natural and synthetic waxes of the highest quality. For the protection of all natural and artificial stones. Gives a good shine, anti-slip effect, and can be easily renewed if necessary.

Silicone based polish

The product cleans and protects at the same time. Preserves the natural color of the stone. Polishing brings a new shine to floors, countertops, window sills, etc.

Marble putty

Used for filling cracks, large holes, modeling corners and edges. The mixture can be selected in such a way that the joints will be invisible. It is recommended to add stone fragments to imitate the crystalline structure of the stone. If necessary, it is possible to add polyester color paste. Easy to polish.

Stone Enhancer

Used to strengthen sandstone, clayey and porous rocks. Treated parts of products receive additional hardness.
Colored pastes
Used for tinting transparent marble putties. Joints and edges become invisible.

Useful tips
Make it a habit to immediately remove all spilled liquids from marble cladding - juices, alcohol, coffee, any acids. Rinse the area with clean water and dry with a paper towel.

If a stain does appear, before using spot cleaners (both alkaline and acidic), first test them on a small area of ​​the surface. Start with a low concentration of cleaner, increasing it only after you are sure it is not working. Take your time, let the drug work for 10–15 minutes.

Before using stone care products, always carefully read the manufacturer's instructions and notes. Every word in the instructions matters!

In addition to studying the instructions, ask your manager in detail about the features of using the drug. Experts will suggest the optimal solution based on their experience in professional use of this product.

We choose stone sinks for their aesthetics, versatility and silence. But in addition to this, we get concerns about maintaining the appearance of the sink. There are many messages on the Internet about how difficult it is to clean a stone sink from stains or deposits, warnings that sinks are afraid of shocks and boiling water. Whether this is so, we will analyze it together with the specialists of our company.

By stone we mean sinks made of natural stone (granite) and artificial. Artificial stone is a composite material that consists of 80% stone chips and 20% acrylic resin. Natural stone is a porous material and, compared to artificial stone, requires more attention. In turn, sinks made of artificial stone differ in performance characteristics depending on the type of resin used and the production method. If you read forums and sites with reviews, then the main enemies of the appearance of any stone sinks are:

1. Tea or coffee, as well as other strongly colored drinks - juice of vegetables, fruits and berries, wine.
2. Limescale deposits from hard tap water.
3. Rust from water pipes.
4. Sunflower oil and other products that leave greasy stains.
5. Aggressive household chemicals (acid-containing detergents, clog removers, abrasives).
6. Strong blows from heavy or sharp objects.
7. Sudden temperature changes.

Do you think that you cannot protect your sink from such influences? Don't rush to conclusions. Let us examine in detail whether the devil is so terrible...

So, 3 key points in taking care of stone sinks:

1. Your main enemy is limescale!
   Artificial stone does not absorb pollutants; instead, it creates a limescale deposit that accumulates on the surface of the sink over time. Stains from tea, coffee, and beets are stains that have been absorbed into the limescale that has accumulated on the surface of the sink. The harder the water in your region, the more carefully you will need to take care of your sink, and the more difficult it is to remove old stains. If you left water on the surface of the sink and let it dry - that's limescale deposits! Thus, your concern about the appearance of the sink is to prevent the formation of limescale on its surface. Or at least remove it regularly, preventing it from building up and hardening. Due to its porous structure, natural stone will simply require more frequent maintenance than artificial stone.
2. Scratches are not really scratches!
   Metal objects used in the kitchen are much softer than modern artificial stone and cannot scratch it. Matt marks that can remain on the surface and are considered scratches are metal particles that can be easily removed when cleaning the sink. With a sink made of natural stone, you need to be careful in terms of mechanical damage. But, one way or another, all sinks (not only stone, but also stainless steel and ceramic sinks) successfully pass standard impact tests, the same for all household items and appliances. And the only thing that scratches is diamond, which we don’t use to make sinks yet! 
3. Temperature difference - you still need to try!
   Most stone sinks can withstand temperatures up to 280 degrees Celsius, so you can pour boiling water into the sink or place a baking sheet from the oven on its wing with a clear conscience. If you cook on the stove, the temperature of the bottom of the pot or pan can reach 500 degrees or more. Moving such dishes into the sink or on the drain is fraught with consequences.

Before moving on to the instructions for caring for a stone sink, let's talk about cleaning products.

Stone sink cleaner

How to clean a stone sink? All sink manufacturers previously recommended specialized products, but recently they are increasingly referring to cleaning products from the mass market. You can safely choose any cleaning product to care for your sink that meets the following requirements:

• the product is intended for the kitchen,
• it contains no acids, alkalis, phosphates or chlorine,
• The product has a gel or cream consistency (without abrasive particles).

And now - the main thing is ours instructions for caring for a stone sink:

1. Every time you use
   • Try not to leave wet sponges, rags and towels on the surface of the sink or on its drain - limescale deposits will form even more under them.
   • After use, wipe the sink dry - the more often you do this, the less often you will have to deal with limescale.
   • Avoid strong impacts on the surface of the sink, especially in its central part, near the drain (but if you drop a knife or fork, remember that nothing bad will happen).
   • If you use siphon and pipe cleaners, usually containing chlorine, pour them exactly into the drain hole to avoid contact with the sink material. A good alternative to such means is installation of a food waste shredder.
2. Daily, at least overnight, wipe the stone sink with a dry cloth. This will prevent limescale deposits on the surface and rust stains from water.
3. When barely noticeable stains appear, use a sponge and mild dishwashing detergent.
4. If there are more stubborn stains, use the gel kitchen cleaners we wrote about earlier and a sponge.
5. When persistent limescale, special means to remove it will help.
6. Cardinal method for deep-seated stains and limescale- close the drain hole and fill the sink with water and a recommended cleaning agent. Leave for a couple of hours (in particularly difficult cases - overnight), rinse with clean water and wipe dry. Unfortunately, it is available for cleaning the sink bowl. If limescale and stains have formed on the wing, only “active meditation” with a sponge and cleaning agent will help.

And lastly, happy owners of stone sinks made from the latest generation materials write that if the first three points are fulfilled, the 4th one has to be resorted to no more than once every 3-5 months, and there will be no need for 5th and 6th points at all. For example, an employee of our company, who has been using a light stone sink for 12 years, advises: “Follow the daily care rules from the article and treat the sink once a week to remove limescale, even if you don’t see it. This is enough for the sink to serve you for many years without losing its appearance.”

Good luck with your purchase and use of your stone sink!

There are times when holiday dates follow one after another and you have to invite relatives and friends to visit. This situation is fraught with the risk that damage may be caused to the house, in particular to the finishing, as well as to the surface of the floor, walls, countertops, and so on. In this article I will try to give a list of tips on how to care for granite, marble, and other natural stones.

Getting ready to receive guests

Do you want to spend the holidays in such a way that your stone needs replacing? In unexpected situations where liquid is spilled onto the surface, I recommend that you act immediately, and as soon as any substance appears on the surface of the tile, it should be removed immediately.
When rearranging furniture before guests arrive, be extremely careful and careful. When moving heavy furniture across the floor, be careful not to create scratches. The corridor is most susceptible to the effects of heels and sharp soles on shoes, so before guests arrive, lay down special thick rugs to protect the surface of the stone. Dirt and sand brought from the street can be crushed when moving around the room, this will lead to the formation of scratches.

How to prepare your home for the holidays

First, you need to protect the surface as much as possible. When you place drinks on the tabletop, make sure that there are coasters, as the hard surface of glasses, mugs, and glasses can scratch the tabletop. Apply the same precautions to bar counters. Don't know what to do with spills?! I'll tell you now! Spills are inevitable during the holidays. To avoid staining the surface and leaving a faded film on it, spills should be wiped up immediately. You may end up leaking acidic substances, which is very bad. Tomato juice, lemon juice, and wine are especially destructive for natural stones. Therefore, wipe surfaces immediately!

How to clean the premises after guests.

To clean natural stones after the holiday, you must use neutral solutions, as they are safe. Abrasive materials will only damage the surface of the stone, so do not use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
In our online store you can buy tile leveling systems, tools that allow you to install them optimally quickly and with improved quality. If you need to buy them at affordable prices, of original quality, you can do it with us!
In general, I would like to advise you to use the services of professionals for stone restoration. If you liked the article, please leave a heart. I will be preparing many more interesting materials for you, so visit us as often as possible!

You might be interested in installing . Our interesting material will come to your aid. If you are interested in fast and high-quality tile laying, pay attention to those sold in our online store. All products are original and are sold with all necessary documentation.

Today in flower shops you can find so many plants that your eyes literally run wild. And some of them are so unusual and even outlandish that they will surprise the most avid gardener. Do you want to see something unusual on your windowsill? Then buy “living stones”!

What it is?

“Living stones” are highly succulent plants belonging to the Aizaceae family, which includes about 120 species. But the most common are conophytum and lithops. The name "lithops" can literally be translated as "looking like a stone" or "like a stone."

And there really is such a similarity, because the leaves of lithops are so dense, fleshy and at the same time hard that in the photo and in life they look like stones. There are no stems. Each plant has two leaves of gray, green or reddish color (some covered with speckles), having a diameter of about 2-3 centimeters and a height of about 1.5-5 centimeters. They are connected, and a flower (white or yellow) appears from the hollow between them during the flowering period.

Africa is considered the birthplace of Lithops. And despite the fact that in the wild they grow in extremely unfavorable and seemingly unsuitable conditions for plants, they require special care, without which they can simply die.

By the way, some people confuse lithops with so-called living stones for an aquarium. But the latter are corals, so they have nothing in common with the plants in question.

Content Features

So, how to care for lithops?

Pot and soil

Not only the soil is important, but also the container in which the lithops will grow. The ideal option is a wide and almost flat pot about 7-10 centimeters high. It is advisable to plant several specimens at once, since in the wild they grow in crowded conditions and do not like or tolerate loneliness.

As for the soil, you can purchase ready-made soil for cacti or prepare a mixture consisting of coarse sand and regular soil (1:1) or one part sand, one part pumice and two parts clay soil.

There must certainly be drainage at the bottom of the pot, and a thorough one (about 1.5-2 centimeters). Only part of the root collar should be immersed in the soil, but the leaves should remain free. It is advisable to sprinkle the soil surface with small pebbles.

Appropriate place

Even having decided on the choice of container, do not rush to rejoice, since you also need to find a suitable place. In summer, the plant requires an abundance of light and dry air, so the ideal place would be a window sill or even a balcony, located on the south side.

But in winter, the pot should be moved to a cool place, but the lighting should be sufficient during this period. If it is not enough, you can use additional lighting.

Temperature

Living stones are heat-loving plants. In summer, the optimal temperature will be 22-27 degrees. But during the rest period, which lasts from January to March, the temperature should be lowered to 12-15 degrees. But still, in any case, it should not fall below 5 degrees, this will lead to the death of the plant.

Humidity

Humidity should be average; if it increases, the plant may begin to rot. Living stones love fresh air, so the room should be constantly ventilated. Lithops are not at all afraid of drafts.

Watering

How to water living rocks? It is immediately worth noting that an abundance of moisture can be destructive for them. They tolerate drought much better. During the period of active growth and flowering, that is, from approximately April to September, lithops need to be watered approximately once every two weeks, and not in the usual way, but through a tray.

After about a couple of hours, it is advisable to drain the remaining moisture so that it does not stagnate (during this time the plant will have time to receive as much as it needs). The soil should dry out completely. It is better to avoid getting water on the leaves. No spraying required.

During the dormant period, watering is not required at all; at this stage, the plant will use the moisture that has accumulated in the leaves. By the way, in winter the leaves may darken and wrinkle.

There is no need to be afraid, such changes are quite normal and natural and only indicate that water is gradually being consumed and its reserves are decreasing. Gradually, the leaves wither completely and disappear, and new ones begin to appear in their place, that is, some kind of renewal occurs.

Top dressing

During the period of active growth, living stones can be fed with cactus fertilizer, but not often: about once every three or four weeks.

Transfer

Lithops grow very slowly, so they rarely need to be replanted, namely once every four years. When replanting, care should be taken, since any damage to the delicate root collars can lead to death. It is advisable to carry out this procedure before the growing season, but you can do it at other times.

When replanting, do not touch the root collars and allow them to get wet. To separate the soil, the earthen lump must be carefully pierced and separated with a toothpick. After this, carefully shake off the neck and move the plant to a new pot. By the way, during the procedure some of the roots may be removed, but they will quickly recover, so there is no need to worry.

Reproduction

At home, “living stones” reproduce either by seeds or division. The second option is simpler, since the plant just needs to be divided into two parts so that the roots remain on each. It is advisable to sprinkle the cut area with sulfur. Next, each part needs to be placed in a pot and put away in a cool place for several days. Watering at this stage is carried out according to a schedule, that is, once every two to three weeks.

When propagating by seed, the seeds are first soaked for 5-6 hours, after which they are sown literally on the surface of the soil and covered with film for about one to two weeks.

The container is placed in a dark, but warm enough place. When the first shoots appear, you can expose the pot to the sun, but at first only for two or three hours. When the seedlings become stronger, begin to grow them in the usual way, observing all the conditions of care.

Problems

Diseases occur very rarely in Lithops. They can be affected by certain types of pests, in which case treatment is required. It must be carried out extremely carefully: with a cotton pad slightly moistened in a special product.

If there is excess moisture, the plant may begin to rot, and, unfortunately, it will be extremely difficult to save it, since the leaves are affected, and it is completely impossible to cure them. And if they fall off in other plants, then the “living stones” simply die.

Care for the plant correctly so that it makes you happy.

Decorative stone is used not only to decorate interior walls, garden paths and house facades, but also to decorate furniture, kitchen elements, stoves and fireplaces. Despite the prejudice about the strength of stone, this natural material can lose its original appearance and collapse over time. Often acts as an original design solution. The topic of this review reveals techniques and methods for caring for stone.

Let us consider in detail how to care for the stone used in home decoration and what specialized products to use when cleaning and treating surfaces. Equally important is information about home remedies for getting rid of various stains.

Stone care products

Various specialized products can be used to protect and care for the stone. Thus, paste-like compositions protect against aggressive salts and acids. Special putties protect pores from penetration of microorganisms. For polished surfaces, dirt-repellent liquids and polishes are suitable. Special detergents remove dirt from the stone and create a protective film. As you can see, there are a huge variety of compositions.

For specification and systematization, the main products of Tenax are presented below in table form:

Rules for caring for stone surfaces

Based on the basic recommendations for the use of protective and restoration compounds for stone, it can be noted that before processing it is always necessary to thoroughly clean and dry (sometimes degrease) the stone. To further prevent contamination after cleaning, the surface should be treated with wax-based compounds.

Wet cleaning should be done with a clean mop. Pay attention to metal and other rough parts on wash fixtures. They can cause unwanted scratches and defects.

Products that should not be used:

• Washing powders and regular soap contribute to the formation of white residue on the stone.
• Pastes, creams, and dry, powdered detergents contain abrasive materials that can scratch polished surfaces.
• A mixture of chlorine and ammonia creates emissions that are toxic and dangerous to natural stone.
• When processing marble and limestone, you should not use detergents containing acetic, citric and other acids.

Preventive measures to protect the stone:

• It is necessary to regularly treat the stone with care products.
• An additional barrier in the form of mats reduces the amount of dirt and sand carried onto the floor.
• Do not use vacuum cleaners or mops that have metal (plastic) parts. These devices may scratch the surface of the stone.
• It is not recommended to place hot objects on the polished surface of natural stone. Use protective stands.
• Stone outdoors should be periodically washed with special detergents diluted in warm water.

Homemade stone care products

A common technique when processing natural stone is to use PH neutral soap diluted in water.

You can also use a small amount of ammonia or bleach instead of soap. Just never mix ammonia and bleach. This compound creates harmful vapors. An effective remedy for greasy stains

is talc powder. To remove the stain, sprinkle a large amount of powder, cover with a cloth and leave for several days. Instead of talcum powder, you can use a mixture of baking soda and a small amount of water.
Rust on stone is removed with a mixture of lemon juice and salt.

Since lemon juice contains acid, after treatment as soon as possible, the surface is washed with water and wiped with a dry cloth.

A solution of hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia works well for stains from food, mold, and lichen. Paints and inks are removed with solvents

(a common option is white spirit). Solvents are very aggressive, so they must be used with extreme caution.