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Natural Stone Aftercare and Maintenance
Using stone can definitely offer a modern sophistication and provide a long-lasting luxurious feel to the interior or exterior of your personal space. Even though Granite & Quartz hold unbeatable strength and durability it is important that it is cared for and correctly maintained.
Day-to-day maintenance
To keep stone worktops clean on a daily basis you can simply wipe them down using a lint free cloth and water. For tougher stains we would recommends using warm soapy water with a non-scratch cleaning pad and finish with a dry cloth to remove any residue. You should avoid using any hard chemical or abrasive cleaners as excessive use of these can cause discoloration and erosion of the worktop over time. It is worth investing in a neutral pH stone cleaner, especially for Marble surfaces, though on Granite and Quartz a light solution of water and vinegar or readily available glass sprays can work just as effectively. A common problem, especially in the UK, is the build-up of lime scale as a result of hard water. In order to avoid this, you should take time to ensure that the areas exposed to water are dried once exposed.
To ensure longevity of your stone, please bear in mind the following tips:
â–ª Any spillages of food and drink should immediately be removed to reduce the likelihood of stains. The most risk is from highly alkaline or acidic liquids (such as lemon juice and vinegar), oil based substances (such as butter and cooking oils), wines, detergents and alcohol.
â–ª Do not use abrasive cleaners and sponges or steel wool pads on the stone surface as they can remove the polish of the stone making the stone porous to daily substances.
â–ª Do not use any stone cleaning solvents that contain bleach or ammonia.
â–ª Do not use any acids or chemicals like oven cleaners or paint removers.
â–ª Do not use silicone-based products.
â–ª Do not expose the worktop to excessive heat and we highly advise using heat resistant mats.
â–ª Do not use sharp objects or cut directly on the work surfaces, ensure that chopping boards are used. Though many of the stones are scratch resistant, they are not scratch proof
Stubborn stains
However hard you try to be cautious of spills onto your worktop, not everything can be avoided in the kitchen environment. Granite and Marble over time will become more porous so any spills should be cleaned from the work surface as soon as possible. For stains absorbed into your worktop apply a non-abrasive household cleaner and rinse to remove and residue. To remove any adhered materials such as gum, paint or food first scrape away the excess material with a plastic knife and then use a damp cloth to remove the remaining marks. There are also various poultice methods that can be used to lift stubborn stains from stone.