As mentioned on another post which I lost when I erased it on my BB:

 

Stone soaps are SUPPOSED to leave behind a residue. That’s the point. This residue conditions the stone, enhances the color and protects. It is a light oil base, and is one of my favorite tools. I once did a limestone job, (one of those difficult grays) and could not get a sheen with pads or Tynex brushes, until I mopped in a coat of stone soap, and the sheen popped, and it did stay.

 

Historically, the European stone floors were all ground flat then finished to a med. hone and eventually brought to a shine using oil soaps. The oil soaps did help the stone “patina” over time.

 

Again, my favorite “stone soap” is Murphy Oil Soap. This is of course not sold as a stone soap but it works better, in my opinion. I started using it when I was using the HMK stone soap for a while then noticed the smell, texture, color, is exactly the same as Murphy Soap. I thought, Hmmmm.  Seven bucks per liter vs. $32 per liter. I was also influenced in this direction when I made a purchase from Wholesale Stone Restoration Products (?) in Florida many years ago, the order came in a Harleys Oil Soap box. Again, Hmmmm.

 

Careful not to use it too rich, a one second pour per 2.5 gal bucket. Even less for high honed surfaces. Not recommended on polished stone.

 

It is not a super strong cleaner but is fantastic if you are relying on a more mechanical cleaning, ie. Tynex brushes, Aluminum Oxide, or Twister/Spinflex type pads.

 

I would never wet grind without it as it keeps water absorption to a minimum.