Cleaning compounds come in all sizes, colors fragrances, concentrations and chemical forms. They may be either acidic, alkaline, neutral or volatile (solvents) in nature. Most are intended to be diluted prior to use. Some are specifically
formulated for a single task while others are designed for a wide range of applications.

Selecting the proper products for stone and masonry surfaces has proven to be a challenging task for many.

Stone is composed of a variety of minerals and these minerals have an inherent ability to attract like, similar and different substances to themselves. This attraction varies depending on the physical characteristics of the substance.  
In the simplest terms in relation to cleaning, dirt/soiling are matter in the wrong place. It may be classified as inorganic, (containing various minerals), organic, (vegetation, food, smoke) or a combination of both. It generally has a greater surface area than the surface it may adhere to.

When these types of soiling matter are ground-in and or liquefied ( by rain, sprinklers, the cleaning process ) they can be carried into the pore structure and cracks, accumulate over time, resulting in staining and a gradual over all color change. They also may contain soluble salts that can cause salt decay.

The above conditions often make stone and masonry difficult to clean and maintain.

Conventional hard surface cleaners contain surface-active detergents. These help penetrate, suspend, emulsify and dissolve surface soiling conditions. They have been primarily formulated to clean non-porous materials. Using these traditional cleaners has shown (as you may have already experienced) not to solve the most common cleaning
problems of stone. In fact, many of these cleaners are the contributing causes to an unsuccessful stone maintenance program.

Stone care products have been formulated to effectively solve specific cleaning problems related to the porous and mineral characteristics of stone. Most stones used today are sensitive to both acidic and alkali cleaners. Acids will burn
many stones. Strong alkalis will cause deterioration and attack the colored minerals, fading them. This makes the proper selection of chemicals very important for a successful stone maintenance program.