Some stone problems are easy to handle yourself. Others get worse, and more expensive, when you try. Here’s an honest breakdown of what you can safely do on your own with marble, granite, travertine and other natural stone, and when it’s time to call a professional.
What You Can Do Yourself
- Daily cleaning: use a pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft cloth or mop.
- Wiping up spills fast: especially wine, juice, coffee and oils.
- Light buildup: warm water and a stone-safe cleaner can lift light residue and water spots.
- Prevention: mats at entries, felt pads under furniture, trivets and cutting boards on counters.
- Checking your sealer: if water stops beading on the surface, it’s time to reseal.
Common DIY Mistakes That Make It Worse
- Vinegar, lemon and “natural” cleaners: they’re acidic and etch marble, travertine and limestone.
- Store-bought polishes and waxes: they build up into a cloudy film that has to be stripped off later.
- Sanding or buffing etches by hand: it leaves uneven, scratched patches that stand out more than the etch did.
- Superglue and hardware store repair kits: fillers rarely match and have to be removed before a proper repair.
- Grout over grout: new grout over old grout cracks and flakes out within months.
When to Call a Professional
- Etching or dull spots that cleaning won’t remove
- Scratches, chips or cracks
- Worn traffic paths on a stone floor
- Stains that have soaked into the stone
- Dark, dirty or cracked grout
- Old wax or coatings that need to be stripped
These problems are in or below the surface of the stone. Fixing them takes diamond refinishing, color-matched resins and professional equipment.
What a Professional Restoration Includes
- Deep clean with stone-safe cleaners and 350° vapor steam
- Repairs to chips, cracks and holes with color-matched resins
- Diamond refinishing to remove etching, scratches and wear, finished to the sheen you choose
- Sealing to protect against stains, or MORE AntiEtch for marble countertops
Is Professional Restoration Worth It?
For anything beyond everyday cleaning, yes. A professional restoration costs a fraction of replacing stone, and DIY mistakes often turn a simple polish into a bigger repair. Marble floors typically start around $5 per square foot, and travertine around $3 per square foot. Every quote is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I polish marble myself?
Light cleaning, yes. Removing etching and scratches takes professional diamond refinishing to get an even, lasting finish.
What’s the best cleaner for natural stone?
A pH-neutral cleaner made for stone. Avoid vinegar, bleach and all-purpose sprays.
Can I seal my own stone?
Yes, with a quality impregnating sealer. Just know sealer protects against stains, not etching.
How do I know if my stone needs professional help?
If cleaning doesn’t fix it, it’s a surface problem that needs refinishing or repair. Send us a photo or call and we’ll tell you honestly.
Get Expert Help With Your Stone
Prestige Grout has been restoring natural stone across Chicagoland since 2012. See our marble, granite and travertine restoration services, or call or text (708) 582-6904 for a free quote.
