At K&M Steam Cleaning, we’ve helped thousands of Austin homeowners and property managers restore the natural beauty of their stone surfaces. Whether it’s a patio, fireplace, entryway, or kitchen, natural stone brings timeless elegance—until stains take over.
The good news? Most stone stains can be removed, and the color of the stain is often the first clue to figuring out what caused it. Knowing what you’re dealing with helps us choose the safest, most effective way to clean your stone without damaging it.
Below is a helpful guide we use to identify potential stain sources based on color. If you see any of these discolorations on your stone surfaces, our expert team can assess the cause and restore your stone to its best condition.
Stain Color Guide for Stone Surfaces
- Black or Dark Gray
Possible Sources: Black tar, asphalt, fungus, mildew, oil, grease, soot, ink, dirt, heel marks, shoe polish. - Blue or Blue-Green
Possible Sources: Blue copper, ink, bronze, plant fertilizer. - Brown or Tan
Possible Sources: Algae, wood stain, coffee, tea, tobacco, dirt, grease, oil, paper, food, urine, chocolate. - Gray or White
Possible Sources: Aluminum, efflorescence (salt deposits), mortar, thin set, paper, soot, plants. - Green
Possible Sources: Bronze, copper, ink, algae, mildew, food, dyes. - Orange
Possible Sources: Rust, fruit drinks, food. - Red
Possible Sources: Blood, rust, ink, red food stains. - White or Pale Stains
Possible Sources: Aluminum, efflorescence, etching from acid, mortar, thin set. - Yellow
Possible Sources: Eggs, grease, mustard, rust, urine.
Why Professional Stone Cleaning Matters
Stone is porous, and DIY cleaning methods can sometimes make stains worse or even cause permanent damage. At K&M Steam Cleaning, our experienced technicians use specialized equipment and safe, pH-balanced products to deep-clean stone without etching or dulling the finish.
We clean and restore a variety of natural and man-made stones, including:
- Travertine
- Marble
- Limestone
- Slate
- Saltillo
- Flagstone
- Sandstone
- Concrete and pavers
Our team serves the entire Greater Austin area, including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Bee Cave, and Lakeway.
Don’t Just Clean Stone—Restore It
If your natural stone has lost its luster or is showing mysterious stains, give us a call. We’ll identify the source, recommend the right solution, and bring your surfaces back to life.
Call K&M Steam Cleaning today to schedule your stone cleaning and stain removal service in Austin: (512) 836-8900
When you choose K&M, you’re supporting a locally owned Austin business that pays our highly trained professionals well, uses the best equipment, and stands behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee.
K&M Steam Cleaning: Not the cheapest—just the best.
