We'd rather have a homeowner do something themselves than overpay us to do what they could have. Here is the honest breakdown.
Do it yourself
- Daily cleaning with pH-neutral cleaner and microfiber.
- Dust-mopping floors before any wet cleaning.
- Wiping up spills immediately — the single best habit.
- Using coasters and trivets on counters.
- Spot poultice for fresh oil stains — flour + hydrogen peroxide paste, covered overnight. Often pulls fresh stains.
Call a pro
- Etching — any dull spots or "halos" need professional honing.
- Scratches that catch a fingernail.
- Stains the poultice couldn't lift in two attempts.
- Sealing — improperly applied sealer can do more harm than no sealer.
- Grout regrouting or color sealing.
- Cracks, chips, or lippage — these need color-matched repair.
- Floor restoration — diamond polishing requires equipment most homeowners can't rent.
Where homeowners go wrong
The three most expensive mistakes we see, in order of frequency:
- Vinegar or "natural" cleaners on marble. Etching across an entire counter is now a $1,500+ honing job.
- Off-the-shelf sealer applied wet or not removed. Hazes the stone, traps moisture, ages the finish faster.
- Bleach on shower stone or grout. Breaks down sealer, fades color, weakens grout.
Free assessments exist for a reason — and not just to upsell. If you're unsure, send us a photo. We'll tell you whether to handle it yourself or schedule a visit.
The cost line
The rough rule: anything that requires power tools, professional sealer, or color matching belongs with a pro. Anything that's about consistency and gentle products belongs with you. Get those two right and your stone outlasts the rest of the house.