Stone Care Instruction
Natural stone is an excellent investment, adding many years of beauty and enjoymentwhen properly cared for. The following are some simple precautions we recommendto insure your stone remains as beautiful as the day it is installed.
Natural stone has been formed over millions of years. Although we usually thinkof stone as being "hard", it is a porous material that can absorbspills and stains if left untreated. Sealing your stone with a quality sealerwill prevent most spills from damaging your investment. This should be doneevery two-five, depending on the "wear and tear" of your surface.Sealing can easily be done at home. Please contact us anytime for helpful,friendly advice!
Once sealed properly, your stone is protected against most everyday dirt andspills. Proper cleaning with protective products for natural stone will helpthe sealant last longer and keep your stone protected for years and years ofenjoyment!
Keeping your stone free of dust and dirt will minimize scratches andwear-patterns that can develop from the everyday use of some natural stone suchas marble and limestone. Sweep and dust all natural stone surfaces regularly.DIAMONDS AND OTHER GRANITE (including sand) WILL SCRATCH ALL NATURAL STONE.
Clean your natural stone on a regular basis with warm water and a clean,non-abrasive cloth, sponge, or mop. In addition, using a neutral cleanerspecifically formulated for natural stone will help remove soils that normaldusting or damp mopping leave behind.
Do not use general purpose cleaners or you may damageyour stone or the sealer applied. Do not use products that contain lemon,vinegar, or other acids as these may etch the stone surface and damage thepolish. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasivesthat may scratch the surface. Products that contain bleach should not be usedto clean your stone surfaces.
After regular use, your marble countertop will develop its own uniquepersonality since it is especially susceptible to acquiring a patina, in whichlight spots, streaks or rings that can be felt by hand will develop. This isone of the effects of usage and cannot be undone without the surface beingrefinished.
If you have a stain in your surface that you are able to identify as having anoil base (from foods like salad and cooking oils or butter), you may be able toremove the stain with an extractor. Please contact us for further information.
Do's and Don'ts
DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes or cookware. Your countertop can take theheat, but your sealant may become dull in the area exposed to the direct heat.
DO dust countertops, islands, vanities and floors frequently.
DO blot up spills immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone
DO clean surfaces by wiping with clean water or using a specialized cleanerspecifically formulated for natural stone surfaces.
DON'T use vinegar, bleach, bleach-based products, CLR, ammonia or other generalpurpose cleaners.
DON'T use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners,or tub and tile cleaners.
DON'T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
We hope you find this information helpful. Please e-mail or call us if you haveany questions or concerns.