Ajour Stone Soap: The Gentle Giant of Stone Care
Natural stone adds timeless beauty and elegance to homes, commercial spaces, and architectural features – but keeping it looking its best requires more than just good intentions. The wrong cleaning product can damage delicate surfaces, degrade protective finishes, and leave residues that dull the stone’s natural sheen.
That’s why professional stonemasons, restorers, and discerning homeowners turn to Ajour Stone Soap – a premium, pH-neutral cleaner specially developed for ongoing maintenance of sensitive stone surfaces. At Crawshaws, we stock Ajour Stone Soap because it delivers outstanding results without compromising the integrity of the stone.
In this article, we’ll explore why Ajour Stone Soap is trusted across the industry, how to use it effectively, and how it compares to other cleaning options on the market.
Why Stone Needs Special Care
Stone surfaces – whether marble, limestone, travertine, slate, or sandstone – are naturally porous and can be vulnerable to etching, staining, and surface wear if cleaned with harsh or unsuitable chemicals. Acidic, alkaline or solvent-based cleaners can:
- Eat away at the surface finish
- Strip protective sealants
- Cause dull spots or “etch marks”
- Promote water ingress and long-term damage
Even so-called “universal” cleaners can be too aggressive for certain stones, especially polished or honed finishes.
That’s where Ajour Stone Soap sets itself apart – providing gentle yet effective cleaning, while actually nourishing and strengthening the stone’s surface with each use.
What Makes Ajour Stone Soap Different?
1. pH-Neutral and Non-Acidic
Ajour Stone Soap is pH-neutral, which means it neither reacts with the stone surface nor breaks down sealants. This makes it ideal for regular cleaning of acid-sensitive materials such as marble, travertine, and limestone – surfaces that would quickly become damaged by vinegar, bleach, or aggressive detergents.
2. Contains Natural Fatty Acids for Surface Protection
What sets Ajour apart from other stone soaps is its blend of natural fatty acids, which leave behind a microscopic protective film as you clean. This layer gradually builds up over time, making the surface more resistant to stains, dirt, and water while enhancing the natural colour and texture of the stone.
In effect, the more you use it, the better your stone looks.
3. Suitable for Indoor and Outdoor Use
Whether you’re maintaining an internal polished floor or cleaning an external patio or wall, Ajour Stone Soap is equally effective. It’s safe to use on sealed or unsealed stone and is particularly beneficial in heritage, conservation, or luxury residential settings.
4. Safe, Biodegradable Formula
Ajour is designed with long-term environmental impact in mind. It’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and safe for use in homes with pets, children, or vulnerable adults – making it ideal for both domestic and commercial properties that require responsible cleaning solutions.
Where and How to Use Ajour Stone Soap
Ajour Stone Soap is a maintenance cleaner, ideal for regular use to clean, nourish, and subtly protect stone surfaces. It’s particularly well-suited to:
- Natural stone floors (marble, limestone, travertine, etc.)
- Bathroom surfaces and wet rooms
- Kitchen countertops and splashbacks
- Stone hearths and surrounds
- Patios, porches, and exterior paving
- Conservation work on stone structures or statuary
How to Use:
- Dilute the stone soap with water according to the instructions (typically a capful in a bucket of warm water).
- Apply using a mop, cloth or sponge.
- Wipe or rinse as needed – no harsh scrubbing required.
- Allow to dry naturally – the fatty acids will bond with the surface as it dries.
Used weekly or as part of a scheduled cleaning routine, Ajour gradually builds up a layer of care that enhances the finish and prolongs the lifespan of the stone.
How Does Ajour Compare to Other Stone Cleaners?
Let’s take a look at some common alternatives – and why Ajour outperforms them in key areas:
Standard Household Cleaners
Most general-purpose sprays and floor cleaners are too alkaline or acidic for stone. They may leave streaks, break down sealants, or cause irreversible damage over time.
Verdict: Not recommended – often does more harm than good.
Acid-Based Tile and Grout Cleaners
These products are designed to remove limescale, cement residue, or soap scum from ceramic or porcelain – but they will etch and dull natural stone surfaces almost instantly.
Verdict: Only suitable for acid-resistant surfaces – avoid on natural stone.
pH-Neutral Cleaners Without Protective Ingredients
Some pH-neutral cleaners are safer for stone, but offer no additional benefit beyond basic cleaning. Ajour’s inclusion of natural fats means it cleans and protects in one step, reducing the need for additional maintenance products.
Verdict: Safe, but less effective over the long term.
Why Professionals Choose Ajour Stone Soap
Stonemasons, conservationists, and restoration specialists value Ajour for its combination of gentleness, effectiveness, and long-term benefit. Unlike aggressive cleaners that degrade finishes, Ajour enhances and protects – making it a smart choice for:
- Listed buildings and heritage projects
- High-end residential interiors
- Luxury hospitality spaces
- Showrooms and reception areas
- Domestic clients looking to protect their investment
It’s also frequently recommended after stone polishing, sealing, or restoration work to maintain the quality of the finish and extend the time between deep cleans.
Available Now at Crawshaws
At Crawshaws, we stock Ajour Stone Soap in various sizes to suit domestic users, professional tradespeople, and commercial cleaning firms. Whether you’re looking for a 1-litre bottle for your own kitchen or a bulk supply for ongoing maintenance contracts, we’ve got you covered.
We also offer complementary products such as stone sealers, diamond polishing pads, and cleaning accessories to help you achieve the best results, every time.
Final Thoughts
Stone is an investment – whether in the form of flooring, worktops, or architectural features – and it deserves the right care. Ajour Stone Soap is the cleaner that not only respects your stone, but actively enhances and preserves it with every use.
It’s gentle. It’s effective. And it’s trusted by professionals across the UK.
Browse our range of Ajour Stone Soap here, or speak to our team for expert guidance on stone care and maintenance solutions.
