atural stone surfaces are an investment that deserve and require proper care. If you make a mistake or overlook maintenance, you could risk damaging its beauty. Natural stone is durable and made to last, but it's not indestructible.

"There is a chemistry to natural stone, and making mistakes can harm it," says Tim Lesnar, owner of Classic Marble Restoration in Blaine, Minnesota.Natural stone thrives under proper maintenance, says Brian Kornet, owner of Fabra-Cleen Stone & Tile Care in Plainview, New York.Here are five common practices "to skip" when maintaining and protecting your natural stone surfaces.1.Cleaning with vinegar."Only use cleaners that are suited for natural stone," says Lesnar.Use a cutting board, especially when cutting citrus or other acidic foods. Many people are unfamiliar with the chemistry of cleaners and of stone, and will inadvertently use the wrong cleaner."You need a cleaner that has the right pH level, which is seven (neutral). Some stones such as marble, travertine or limestone react adversely with vinegar because it is acidic.""Vinegar and bleach are harsh," adds Gregg Laviolette, owner of Stone Restoration Services in Troy, Michigan. "They will etch or burn the surface of your stone."While some chemicals may not noticeably damage durable stones such as granite, they can break down any sealers that have been applied to the stone, which means you would need to have your stone resealed more frequently.2.Using an abrasive toolSome homeowners think they can remove etches or stains with a scrubbing pad. This often makes the problem worse. Lesnar says scrubbing pads "act like abrasives on stone, especially when you put elbow grease into it."For daily cleaning, use a soft cloth and don't attempt to "buff out" stains or scratches. Call a professional."The only way to fix a stone that has been etched is to have it honed and restored," says Kornet.3.Skipping the dust mop"Minor dust particles and sand that you might not be able to see will act like an abrasive under your feet and cause wear patterns over time," says Laviolette.He recommends using a dry dust mop on floors daily or at least every other day."Grit will scratch floors and give them an appearance of being dull," says Kornet. "A polished surface is a smooth surface, and light will reflect off it," he says. "Scratches refract light. Your floors might be clean, but it has the appearance of being dull or scuffed."Remove dust and debris with a dust mop or vacuum, and wash your floor with a neutral cleaner each week.4.Leaving high-traffic areas unprotected"Rugs can help protect the areas of your stone floors that will get worn down due to high traffic," says Laviolette."Walk off matting helps keep dust and debris that can scratch your floors to a minimum. Place a mat inside and outside of doors, and use runners and rugs in areas that get a lot of use, such as mudrooms, hallways and kitchens."5.Not sealing your stone regularlyFor many stones, sealing is part of a recommended general maintenance plan. While it is possible for homeowners to seal their own stone, experts agree that a professional will deliver the best results."I tell customers to expect to see me once every three to five years," says Lesnar. "Sometimes if it's a high-profile area with a lot of windows, you'll want to call me every year."If you do seal your stone yourself, make sure you use a solvent-based impregnating sealer."It's preventive maintenance, but it's not a be-all, end-all cure," Laviolette says. "It's like applying stain and water repellant to your carpet; it can help prevent your stone from etching, but you still need to perform regular cleaning."With proper care and maintenance, natural stone surfaces will stay beautiful for years to come. Every stone is one-of-a-kind - and for many homeowners, little imperfections and etches in the stone's surface become part of the stone's unique story. To learn, visit

www.usenaturalstone.comStephanie Vozza is a writer with the Natural Stone Institute.