We hear it often: "Natural stone must be difficult to keep clean?" or "Can stone really handle water and stains?"
It's one of the most widespread misconceptions in the bathroom industry — and it largely stems from a time when natural stone was used incorrectly, without proper treatment. Today the situation is very different.
What does a stone washbasin need day to day?
The answer is simple: mild soap and water. That's all you need for daily cleaning of a stone washbasin. Wipe with a soft cloth after use and the washbasin stays beautiful day after day.
No special cleaning products. No complicated routines. No reason to worry.
The only thing to avoid is strong acids and alkaline cleaning products — which, incidentally, applies to most surfaces in the bathroom, not just stone.
What about stains?
Untreated natural stone can absorb stains — that's true. But the vast majority of stone washbasins from ELVV are dense stone types with low porosity. Larvikite, basalt, granite and andesite are extremely dense stones that naturally resist stains and moisture.
For more porous stone types such as marble and limestone we recommend sealing — a simple treatment you do once, giving the stone an invisible protective barrier against stains and moisture. It takes around ten minutes and is repeated once a year.
By comparison, a white ceramic washbasin requires weekly scrubbing to stay clean around the drain and edges. Natural stone that has been sealed is actually easier to keep clean.
Does stone handle daily bathroom use?
Absolutely. Natural stone has been used in demanding environments for thousands of years — cathedral floors, skyscraper facades, kitchen worktops. A bathroom washbasin is, to put it mildly, a relatively undemanding application by comparison.
Larvikite from Larvik is used on the facade of One World Trade Center in New York. Hermelin marble from Fauske covers the floors of Oslo Airport Gardermoen. These stones handle millions of people every year — they can handle your daily bathroom routine too.
What about scratches?
Granite, larvikite, basalt and andesite are among the hardest natural materials in existence — harder than most metals. They will not be scratched by normal objects in the bathroom.
Marble and limestone are somewhat softer and could in theory be scratched by sharp objects, but in practice this is rarely an issue on a bathroom washbasin. Use it normally and it will stay beautiful.
How long does a stone washbasin last?
In practice — forever. There are marble washbasins in Italy that are hundreds of years old and still in daily use. Natural stone does not break down, yellow or lose its colour. The only "ageing" that happens is the development of a beautiful patina that makes it more characterful over time.
Compare that to a ceramic washbasin that can crack, a composite washbasin that can discolour, or a laminate surface that peels and wears. Natural stone is simply the most durable solution available.
In short
- Daily cleaning: mild soap and a soft cloth
- Sealing for marble and limestone: once a year, ten minutes
- Avoid strong acids and abrasive cleaners
- Handles daily use without issues
- Lasts virtually forever with normal use
Natural stone is not hard to maintain. It's a myth that has lived far too long.
At ELVV you'll always find maintenance information for each stone type, and we're happy to answer any questions about care and upkeep. Explore our Norwegian stone washbasins or browse our full collection.