Care & Maintenance
[Natural Stone & Quartz]
Your natural stone or quartz countertops are an investment that will last for years.
You can help preserve your stone’s beauty by following these simple care and maintenance tips.
Care & Precautions
Get into the habit of protecting your countertops from heat, stains, scratches, and cleansers.
Never place hot items directly on any surface. Always use trivets or hot pads underneath hot pots and pans. While stone can resist very high temperatures, quick changes in temperatures (known as thermal shock) can damage the surface and even cause it to crack. And while most quartz brands claim to be heat resistant, they cannot withstand prolonged direct heat. We recommend using trivets under toaster ovens, crock pots, or any other countertop appliance that radiates heat to prevent burn marks, discoloration and cracking.
Place coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol, wine, coffee, and citrus juice to avoid potential staining and etching.
Use placemats under dishes, silverware, serving trays, and other objects that could scratch the surface.
Cleaning Do’s & Don’ts
To keep your new countertops looking their best, these recommended do’s and don’ts should always be followed:
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DO clean surfaces with a mild detergent or stone soap. Then rinse and dry the surface after cleaning. This is typically all that’s needed for daily spills.
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DO blot up spills immediately.
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DON’T use vinegar or cleaners (bathroom, grout, or tub & tile) that contain acid on marble, quartzite, limestone, travertine, or onyx surfaces. Acid can etch or corrode the stone and create permanent dull or light spots that look like water stains.
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DON’T use harsh chemicals, bleach, ammonia or abrasive cleaners. These can scratch, discolor or etch the surface.
Natural Stone Care & Maintenance
Cleaning
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To clean your countertop, use a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent mixed with warm water. Wipe the surface with a clean cloth for the best results.
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After washing, rinse the countertop thoroughly with clean water and dry it using a soft cloth. Remember to change the rinse water frequently.
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Avoid using products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids on granite surfaces. These high-acid substances can etch the surface and make it look dull.
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Immediately clean any spills, such as grease, wine, vinegar, or coffee, to prevent stains from setting in.
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Different granite types have varying levels of water absorption. To prevent staining, make sure to wipe the counters clean after use or within 1-2 hours.
Stain Removal
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If you accidentally spill something on your stone countertop, quickly wipe it up with a paper towel.
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While granite is highly stain-resistant, some stains may occur. For stubborn stains, use a poultice. Make a mixture of baking soda, water (or mineral spirits), and white flour to the consistency of peanut butter.
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Apply the poultice to the stain, approximately ¼" thick, and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow the poultice to cure for 24 to 48 hours. Stubborn stains may require multiple applications.
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For oil-based stains, use a poultice made with baking soda and water OR mineral spirits.
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For organic stains, use a poultice made with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide solution OR acetone.
By following these maintenance and cleaning tips, you can keep your natural stone countertops looking their best for years to come. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Quartz Care & Maintenance
Cleaning
For normal cleaning of engineered stone, you only require a damp cloth and mild household detergent. The following are some of the acceptable cleaning products that you can use for best results:
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Simple Green Lime-scale remover
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Vinegar cleanser (diluted)
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Bar Keepers Friend
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Formula 409 Glass and Surface Cleaner
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Lysol
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Greased Lightning
Quickly clean any spills on the surface to keep it looking beautiful and free from stains. Engineered stone can resist most stains, including wine, lemon juice, tea, and fruits and vegetables, without leaving a permanent mark or damaging the countertop.
Stain Removal
For tougher stains, use mild, non-abrasive cleaners. If you're dealing with dried spills, use a non-abrasive scrub pad. Once you're done scrubbing, rinse the surface thoroughly and wipe it with a damp cloth to remove the remaining residue. Avoid using harsh chemicals or products containing bleach to protect the surface. For tougher spots from gum, grease, paint, food, etc., scrape off the residue with a razor blade or putty knife before cleaning.
