House cleaners across the country agree – when it comes to cleaning natural stone, opt for a neutral pH cleaning agent.

“Something neutral will not damage the floor,” Rick Sicro, of Holly Maids in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., says, explaining an acidic solution may cause irreversible damage to natural stone.

If looking at a home improvement store, Sicro says look for a pH neutral cleaning solution or something specifically designed for stone floors.

The Los Angeles area house cleaner warns if you’re not sure what material is on your floor or other household surface, call a professional house cleaning company to help. Putting the wrong cleaner on the wrong floor might erase the stone’s natural shine and luster.

“You need to be very cautious in what you do,” Sicro says.

Chicago house cleaning expert Teresa Cleary of First White Glove agrees, and says Ivory soap is a good choice for cleaning a mystery surface.

“It’s pH balanced so it won’t damage stone and marble,” she says. “Ivory soap and water is something you can use on your floors, and it will stay good for years and years.”

One tip Cleary has for natural stone is to never leave water stains to sit. This could cause damage that would require professional buffing.

Check Angie’s List to find a highly rated and recommended house cleaner in your area.