How do I care for my stone countertops?
Natural and engineered stone (quartz, granite marble, quartzite, porcelain) are durable, hard surfaces ideally suited for use in kitchen, bathroom, laundry and other applications. However, proper care is required to ensure the stone's beauty and functionality for years to come.
Considering the significant investment you make in your countertops, we recommend you care for them regularly using the following practices:
- Clean food and liquid spills ASAP with a soft, absorbent cloth. Lifting food and blotting liquid spills will prevent smearing stains.
- At the end of each day, wipe down your countertops with a lightly moistened, soft, absorbent cloth.
- Cleaning with hot, soapy water and a soft cloth is also an idea method of cleaning. Follow up with an application of an alcohol-free glass cleaner with a microfiber towel.
- Never use abrasive cleaners including dry abrasive powders, liquid abrasives, abrasive tools, disinfecting abrasives, etc.
- Never use cleaners containing acids including bowl cleaners, tile and tub cleaners, etc.
- Never clean with any solution containing alcohol, bleach or ammonia.
- Avoid contact with wet or dry chemicals.
- Avoid setting hot pans, dishes, curling irons, etc. directly on the stone.
- Avoid hot grease and oil splatters and spills.
- Do not let makeup, lotions, oils, skin and hair care products, etc. come in contact with your countertops.
- Use coasters or napkins under glasses and other containers containing liquids.
- Do not stand, sit, or place heavy objects on your countertops.
- Always use a cutting board.
- Take care not to let citrus fruits and juice to come in contact with the stone as they may etch the stone's surface.
- Do not attempt to remove etch marks. Contact us for this service.
- Use a recommended sealer periodically. Test the stone by putting a spoonful of water on the stone's surface for a few hours. If a wet (dark) stain remains when you remove the water, that's an indication that you need to seal your porous stone. Be sure to clean your stone's surface and make sure it's dry before sealing.
If you have any questions about the care and cleaning of your countertops or if you feel professional care if required, please contact us.