While birds may be lovely to admire, their droppings can be a frustrating stain on outdoor surfaces, such as natural stone countertops. This guide provides instructions on how to effectively clean bird droppings from natural stone surfaces, remove persistent stains, and prevent further incidents.
Cleaning Bird Droppings from Natural Stone
Begin by removing any solid droppings with a plastic putty knife, being careful not to scratch the stone surface. Then, use a pH-neutral stone-safe cleaner and a clean rag to wash the area. If the droppings are dried on, allow the cleaner to soak for a few minutes to loosen the material before wiping.
Removing Bird Dropping Stains from Natural Stone
Create a poultice using an absorbent material, such as diatomaceous earth, flour, or paper towel, and 40 volume hydrogen peroxide (12%). Note that this type of peroxide is not typically available at drug stores and must be purchased online or at a beauty supply store. Apply the poultice to the stain, following the instructions provided in our Stain Management App.
Important Precautions
Always read the label on the chemical bottle and follow the instructions and precautions listed. If you are unsure how to use a chemical, do not proceed without proper guidance. Take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and those around you, and dispose of chemicals properly.
If the Poultice Doesn’t Work
It may take multiple poultice applications to remove a stubborn stain, but be persistent and patient. If the stain persists, it may be etching caused by uric acid in the droppings. In this case, contact a professional stone restoration contractor to restore the surface.
Preventing Bird Droppings on Natural Stone
To avoid future incidents, try moving bird feeders and baths to areas far from natural stone surfaces or removing them altogether. Discourage birds from approaching with movement and sound, such as wind chimes or flags. And when not in use, cover outdoor kitchen countertops to prevent droppings from accumulating.
Granite is a popular material for countertops due to its durability and heat resistance. However, some materials are being sold as granite when they are not. Here are some tips to determine if your countertops are made of genuine granite.
FAUX GRANITE Vinyl countertop films and laminates, as well as quartz or solid surfaces, can imitate the appearance of granite but lack its durability and authenticity.
IF YOUR COUNTERTOPS ARE ALREADY INSTALLED… Inspect the color, pattern, and seams of your countertop to determine if it is granite. Lack of variation, natural imperfections, and repeated patterns may indicate a man-made material. Porosity can be checked by putting a few drops of water on the surface. If it darkens, it’s likely granite, unless it’s been sealed.
IF YOUR COUNTERTOPS ARE NOT YET INSTALLED… Tap the back of the slab to hear a ringing sound for genuine natural stone, whereas engineered stone will sound dull. However, this method may not always be accurate. Be wary of suspiciously low prices, as quality granite is rarely inexpensive.
AN EXPERT OPINION According to Fred Hueston, a natural stone expert, a surefire way to tell if a stone is granite is to test it for knife scratches and mild acid etches. If it doesn’t scratch or etch, it’s likely granite or a similar stone like quartzite. A stone restoration contractor can also help identify the difference.
IF IT’S NOT GRANITE If your stone tops are not genuine granite, they may not hold up as well. Restoration and protective solutions are available to restore the countertops to their original condition.
Have you noticed a cloudy or hazy appearance on your natural stone benchtops? While these elegant surfaces are a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, they can quickly become an eyesore when their finish is marred by a lack of clarity. There are several reasons why this issue may arise, and here are some of the details about what causes it and how it can be remedied.
INCORRECT CLEANING PRODUCTS Using cleaning products like window cleaners or soap on benchtops can lead to a buildup of residue, causing a haze or cloudiness to form on the surface of the stone over time. Abrasive cleaners, such as scouring powder, can also damage the finish of a benchtop. We always recommend using pH-neutral and stone-safe cleaning products. If these products don’t remove the haze or cloudiness, it’s time to seek the help of a professional who can clean, seal, or refinish the stone.
INCORRECT CLEANING METHODS Using abrasive cleaning tools can also harm the finish of natural stone benchtops, just like abrasive cleaners.
OIL-BASED SPILLS Oil-based spills that are not cleaned up right away can penetrate the porous surface of the stone, causing it to develop a haze or cloudiness. Removing oil from stone can be challenging, especially if it has dried on the surface. To remove it, carefully use a sharp razor to scrape off the excess, then apply poultice powder on the spill and let it sit for 12-24 hours. After that, apply a solution of degreaser and water, let it soak for 30 minutes, vacuum the solution up, and blot the rest with a clean white cloth. If the haze or cloudiness persists, poultice with a solvent (such as commercial paint remover) and poultice powder.
INCORRECT SEALER APPLICATION When applied correctly, a stone sealer is absorbed into the porous surface of the stone without affecting its appearance. However, if the wrong sealer is used, or if the sealer is applied improperly, it can result in a haze or cloudiness on the surface of the stone. A highly polished surface may not even need to be sealed. A professional stone restoration contractor can help you select the right sealer and apply it correctly.
HARD WATER DEPOSITS Hard water deposits can also cause a haze or cloudiness on the surface of natural stone. In mild cases, a pH-neutral and stone-safe cleaner can remove the buildup. In more severe cases, it’s best to seek help from a professional restoration contractor who can restore the finish.
If you have any questions or concerns about removing a haze or cloudiness from your natural stone benchtops, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, and bar tops are highly susceptible to staining due to frequent exposure to substances containing oil or dyes. Therefore, it is crucial to apply a sealer to prevent staining. The selection of an appropriate sealer is critical for its performance. A skilled stone restoration contractor can determine the most suitable sealer, taking into account the specific stone type and location.
Impregnating Sealers
The most widely used sealers are impregnating sealers, also referred to as penetrating sealers. They are used to prevent staining in natural stone by penetrating below the surface and safeguarding the stone from within. These sealers contain water-repellent and oil-repellent compounds. Although topical sealers are accessible, they can pose issues and are typically not advised.
Misconceptions about Sealers
It’s crucial to clarify misconceptions surrounding the function of sealers. It’s essential to note that sealers do not safeguard against traffic patterns or etching. The stone’s surface remains vulnerable to scratches, dullness, acidic substances, and other types of damage. Furthermore, even with proper sealing, natural stone is not entirely stain-proof, but rather stain-resistant. Sealing provides a window of time to clean up spills before they penetrate the stone and result in stains. After sealing, regular cleaning with pH-neutral stone care products and occasional refinishing are necessary for maintaining natural stone.
New High Performance Protective Treatments
There are new protective treatments that, unlike impregnating sealers, offer both etch and stain protection. Ask us about how we can protect your natural stone.