General Questions - FAQ

General Questions

25 frequently asked questions

What is Lithofin and how long have they been in the stone care industry?

Lithofin is a German manufacturer of professional stone and tile care products with over 40 years of expertise. Based in Wendlingen, Germany, Lithofin develops and produces cleaners, sealers, and maintenance products for natural stone, ceramic tiles, cotto/terracotta, and engineered stone. Their products are used by professionals and homeowners across Europe and beyond.

What do the product line abbreviations MN, KF, and TC mean?

MN stands for 'Marmor und Naturstein' (Marble and Natural Stone) - products specifically formulated for natural stone. KF stands for 'Keramik und Fliesen' (Ceramics and Tiles) - products for ceramic, porcelain, and tile surfaces. TC stands for 'Terracotta/Cotto' - products for fired clay surfaces. Universal products (like ALGEX, Rust-EX, OIL-EX) work across multiple surface types.

What is the difference between an impregnator and a sealer/coating?

An impregnator (like MN Stain-Stop or MN Basic Protection) penetrates into the stone pores and works from within. It does not change the surface appearance and allows the stone to breathe (water vapour can still pass through). A sealer or coating (like TC Sealant) forms a visible layer on top of the surface, creating a film finish. Impregnators are generally preferred for natural stone as they maintain the natural look and breathability, while coatings are sometimes used on cotto/terracotta for a specific aesthetic effect.

Why does pH matter when cleaning stone?

pH determines whether a product is acidic (pH < 7), neutral (pH 7), or alkaline (pH > 7). Calcareous stones like marble, limestone, travertine, and terrazzo are chemically attacked by acids - even mild ones like vinegar or lemon juice dissolve the calcium carbonate. These stones require pH-neutral or alkaline cleaners. Siliceous stones like granite, slate, and basalt are acid-resistant and can tolerate a wider pH range. Always match the cleaner's pH to your stone type.

What is the difference between calcareous and siliceous stone?

Calcareous stones (marble, limestone, travertine, bluestone, terrazzo) are composed primarily of calcium carbonate. They react with acid - even a drop of lemon juice causes visible etching. They are generally softer and more porous. Siliceous stones (granite, slate, basalt, sandstone) are composed primarily of silica (quartz). They are acid-resistant, generally harder, and more chemically durable. This distinction is the single most important factor in choosing the right care products.

How often should I re-seal my stone?

It depends on the surface type and usage: Kitchen countertops (high risk) - every 1-2 years. Bathroom stone - every 2-3 years. Interior floors - every 2-5 years. Outdoor terraces - every 2-3 years. The water drop test tells you when it is time: place a few drops of water on the surface and wait 5 minutes. If the water beads up, protection is still active. If it absorbs or darkens the stone, it is time to re-seal.

Why should I always test in an inconspicuous area first?

Every stone is unique - even two slabs of the same marble can react differently to a product. Testing in a hidden area (behind a door, under furniture, in a corner) lets you check for unexpected reactions: colour change, etching, darkening, or surface alteration. This is especially important for acid-containing products on stone of unknown composition, and for colour-enhancing products where the effect is permanent.

Can I use vinegar, baking soda, or other natural home remedies on stone?

Vinegar and lemon juice should NEVER be used on marble, limestone, travertine, or any calcareous stone - they permanently etch and dissolve the surface. Even 'natural' doesn't mean 'safe for stone'. Baking soda is mildly alkaline and can be used as a gentle paste for some stains, but dedicated products are more effective and less risky. Professional stone care products are specifically formulated to clean effectively while being safe for the stone type they are designed for.

Recommended: Lithofin MN Wash & Clean

How do I correctly dilute Lithofin products?

Most Lithofin cleaners are concentrates. The dilution ratio (e.g. 1:5) means 1 part product to 5 parts water. For a bucket: add water first, then the product. For heavy soiling, use less dilution (stronger solution). For light soiling, dilute more. On acid-sensitive stone, always use the higher dilution (weaker solution). Some products like Stain-Stop, OIL-EX, and Rust-EX are ready-to-use and should NOT be diluted.

How much product do I need for my project?

Coverage varies by product and stone porosity. Typical ranges: Cleaners (diluted): 50-200 m²/L. Intensive cleaners (diluted): 5-20 m²/L. Impregnators: 5-30 m²/L (very porous stone like sandstone uses more, dense granite uses less). Apply two coats on very porous stone. As a rule of thumb: for a 20m² room, you typically need 1L of impregnator and 0.5L of concentrated cleaner.

Can I use a pressure washer on my stone?

Yes, but with caution. Keep minimum 30cm distance from the surface. Use a fan nozzle, not a point nozzle. Soft stone (sandstone, limestone, cotto) is more vulnerable - use lower pressure (max 100 bar). Hard stone (granite, basalt, slate) can tolerate higher pressure. Never aim at joints at close range - this can wash out joint sand/mortar. Never pressure wash polished stone (will damage the polish). Chemical pre-treatment with ALGEX or Outdoor Cleaner reduces the need for high pressure.

Does underfloor heating affect stone care?

Underfloor heating can cause stone to dry out faster, which may make some stones more susceptible to cracking and may cause impregnators to cure faster during application. When applying sealers: turn off heating 48 hours before and keep it off for 48 hours after application. The heat can cause the product to penetrate unevenly or dry too quickly on the surface. For daily care: no special considerations - normal products and routines apply.

Are Lithofin products safe for use around children and pets?

Once cured (24 hours after application), all Lithofin sealers and impregnators are completely safe - they become inert within the stone. During application: keep children and pets away, ensure good ventilation, and allow curing before use. MN Wash & Clean and KF Conditioning Cleaner (daily maintenance products) are very mild and safe for normal use. Always follow the safety instructions on each product label. Solvent-based products (Stain-Stop, WAX-OFF) require extra ventilation during application.

How long do Lithofin products last once opened?

Most Lithofin products have a shelf life of 3-5 years when stored properly (cool, dry, sealed container, away from frost and extreme heat). Once opened, use within 2 years for best results. Solvent-based products (Stain-Stop, Colour Intensifier, WAX-OFF) may thicken or lose effectiveness faster once opened - close tightly after each use. Water-based products (Wash & Clean, Conditioning Cleaner) last well if not contaminated with dirty water.

Can I use the same products for indoor and outdoor stone?

Many products work both indoors and outdoors: MN Stain-Stop, MN Basic Protection, MN Colour Intensifier, MN Power-Clean, and EASY-CARE are all suitable for both. Some products are specifically for outdoor use: MN Outdoor Cleaner and ALGEX (designed for biological growth that only occurs outdoors). Indoor-specific: MN Easy-Clean spray (convenient for countertops), MN Polish Cream/Liquid (for indoor polished surfaces). Key outdoor considerations: apply sealers in dry weather, re-seal more frequently (weather exposure), and use breathable impregnators (not surface coatings).

I don't know what stone I have - how do I choose the right product?

Do the acid test: place a drop of vinegar on an inconspicuous area. If it fizzes, your stone is calcareous (treat like marble - pH-neutral products only). If no reaction, it is siliceous (acid-resistant like granite). If you are still unsure, use Lithofin EASY-CARE for daily cleaning (safe on everything) and Lithofin Stainstop PLUS for sealing (universal sealer). You can also use the Lithofinder wizard or upload a photo of your stone for AI identification.

Recommended: Lithofin EASY-CARE, Lithofin Stainstop PLUS

Can I mix different Lithofin products together?

No - never mix Lithofin products with each other or with other cleaning products. This can cause dangerous chemical reactions (especially acid + bleach = toxic chlorine gas) or reduce effectiveness. Use products one at a time, rinsing thoroughly between applications. The correct order for a complete treatment: 1) Clean with appropriate cleaner, 2) Rinse and dry, 3) Apply sealer/impregnator. Allow each product to work and be rinsed before using the next.

Can I put hot pans directly on my stone countertop?

It depends on the stone. Natural stone (marble, granite, limestone) is generally heat-resistant and can tolerate hot pans, but thermal shock from very hot cookware can potentially cause cracking in some stones. Quartz composite should NEVER have hot pans placed directly on it - the resin binder can discolour or crack above 150°C. Best practice: always use trivets or heat pads on all countertop types. This is especially important for marble (which can yellow from heat) and quartz composite.

Will impregnating change the look of my stone?

Standard impregnators (MN Stain-Stop, MN Basic Protection, KF Protective Impregnator, TC Impregnator) are designed to be invisible - they do not change the colour, texture, or sheen of the stone. Colour-enhancing products (MN Colour Intensifier, MN Slate-Oil, TC Ever-Sheen, KF Clinker Oil) deliberately change the appearance by deepening colour. MN Concrete Coating provides the most dramatic colour change. Always test colour-enhancing products first - the effect is permanent.

How do I check if my stone is still properly sealed?

The water drop test is simple and reliable: place a few drops of water on the stone surface. Wait 5 minutes. If the water beads up and stays on the surface → protection is still active. If the water absorbs and darkens the stone within 1-5 minutes → protection is weakening, consider re-sealing soon. If the water absorbs within 30 seconds → protection has worn off, re-seal as soon as possible. Test in multiple locations - high-traffic areas wear faster.

Can I remove or reverse an impregnating sealer?

Impregnators that have penetrated into the stone are very difficult to fully remove - they are designed to be permanent. Surface residue (from over-application) can be removed with MN Power-Clean undiluted or WAX-OFF. Surface coatings (like TC Sealant) can be stripped with WAX-OFF. The good news: properly applied impregnators are invisible and beneficial, so removal is rarely needed. Over time (3-5 years), impregnation naturally wears off from UV exposure and traffic.

Any special advice for commercial stone floors (restaurants, hotels)?

Commercial floors need: 1) Premium sealing with MN Stain-Stop (re-apply annually in high-traffic areas). 2) Daily maintenance with MN Wash & Clean or EASY-CARE (residue-free is essential at this frequency). 3) Quarterly deep cleaning with MN Power-Clean. 4) Anti-slip treatment in wet areas and entrances. 5) Walk-off mats at all entrances. 6) Professional maintenance schedule documented for staff. For restaurants: seal kitchen floors with MN Stain-Stop (oil resistance critical).

How do I care for stone around a swimming pool?

Pool surrounds face chlorinated water, UV exposure, and safety concerns. 1) Choose acid-resistant stone if possible (granite, basalt, slate) - chlorinated water is slightly acidic. 2) Apply MN Stain-Stop for maximum protection. 3) Apply Anti-Slip on smooth surfaces - essential for pool safety. 4) Rinse pool chemicals off the stone regularly. 5) Annual ALGEX treatment for biological growth. 6) Re-seal every 1-2 years (chlorine accelerates sealer breakdown). For marble pool surrounds: extra care needed - rinse chlorinated water off frequently.

How do I clean soot and smoke stains from a stone fireplace?

Soot stains require an alkaline cleaner. Use Lithofin MN Power-Clean undiluted or Lithofin WEXA diluted 1:5 for heavy soot deposits. Apply with a sponge, leave 10-15 minutes, scrub with a stiff brush, rinse. For very heavy, baked-on soot: WEXA undiluted with extended dwell time. Repeat if needed. After cleaning: seal with MN Stain-Stop to prevent future soot absorption. On marble fireplaces: use MN Power-Clean only (alkaline, safe for marble).

How much should I budget for a complete stone care treatment?

For a typical 20m² room: Initial treatment (cleaner + impregnator): ~€30-50. Annual maintenance supplies: ~€15-25/year (concentrated cleaners last a long time). Re-sealing every 3-5 years: ~€20-30. Compare this to a professional restoration (from neglect): €500-2000+. Prevention through proper Lithofin products is always cheaper than repair. One litre of MN Stain-Stop (€20-35) protects 10-20m² for 3-5 years - that is less than €1/m²/year for professional-grade protection.

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