What Can You Do Yourself with Natural Stone, and What Is Better Left Alone?

Not everything is best done yourself

Sanding, grinding and polishing are usually better left to a specialist. There are kits available for DIY polishing, but in practice this often proves more difficult than people expect beforehand. Many people start themselves and later ask whether the surface can still be restored professionally. Grinding powders and polishing products are available, but if you do not know exactly what you are doing, there is a strong chance the result will disappoint or the surface will become less attractive.

What you can do yourself

Light limescale on smooth natural-stone tiles can be removed very well with 0000 steel wool. This is a very fine steel wool that does not damage the stone. You can also use it to remove limescale from a glass shower door, where products such as Antikal are often used on other materials.

The right cleaning product

For ordinary maintenance of natural stone, it is important always to use a neutral cleaning product, such as DeterTwins or products from BioShield. A neutral cleaner contains no acids, no oil and no grease.

This is especially important with natural stone that has been impregnated. If you use products such as green soap or other cleaners that contain oil or grease, they can cause streaks and leave a greasy film. That film attracts dirt and is difficult to remove.

Never use acidic products on natural stone

This is the most important warning in this article. People regularly try to remove limescale with Antikal, Viakal or ordinary cleaning vinegar. On ceramic tiles that works well, but on natural stone it is disastrous. Calcareous stones such as marble, limestone, travertine and Belgian bluestone react with acid. The result: matte, dull marks (etching) that cannot simply be polished away by hand.

This also applies to citric acid, cola and even some "all-purpose cleaners" that contain acid. Always check the label.

If in doubt: test first, or just ask

Would you still like to try something yourself? Always test first in an inconspicuous place: a corner hidden by a cabinet, the back of a loose tile, or a leftover piece you may still have.

And if you are unsure, send us a photo via WhatsApp before you start. We will tell you honestly what you can do yourself and when it is better to wait. Experimenting on your own usually only makes the problem bigger — and more expensive to repair.

In brief

What	Advice
Sanding, grinding and polishing	Do not do this yourself — leave it to a specialist
Working with grinding powder or polishing kits	Only if you know what you are doing
Removing light limescale with 0000 steel wool	Fine to do yourself on smooth natural stone or glass
Daily maintenance	Use a neutral cleaner such as DeterTwins or BioShield
Green soap or greasy products	Do not use — they cause streaks and leave a greasy film

Also read: installing natural stone yourself or hiring a professional?

Need help?

Not sure about the right approach, or would you like to know what is possible? Send us a photo via WhatsApp and we will give you honest advice — without obligation.

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