Granite and Marble Designs can clean or repair and reseal your existing stone. To download or print our Customer Care and Maintenance Tips.
Natural stone is an extremely durable material. When properly cared for, it will remain highly polished, unmarked and as beautiful as the day it was installed. We recommend the following methods of caring for your new natural stone countertop.
Stone should be cleaned with water and a non-abrasive, mild, PH-neutral soap such as dish soap (like Dawn, Ivory, etc.) or a cleanser specially formulated for stone (these can be found at home improvement stores).
Apply with a soft cloth and warm water. Highly concentrated cleaners or soaps may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble, travertine or limestone. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface of softer stones like marble. A polishing paste is an optional material used to restore the shine to the stone surface.
This paste and other special granite and marble cleansers are available at all home improvement centers.
Granite and Marble Designs recommends and sells GranQuartz Stone Care Systems 3-in1 Spray Cleaner. This single cleaner can safely clean, polish and protect your stone. Ask us about this today!
Natural stones, especially, require a protective sealant. This sealant penetrates the material and creates a barrier against most of the tiny openings or pores present in the stone. Granite and Marble Designs will apply a single coat of sealer at the completion of your stone install. However, some stones require several applications of sealer to get a successful seal. We offer a high-end sealer that can last up to fifteen years, depending on the use and care of your stone. If applied and cared for properly, your countertops or stone application will not need to be re-sealed every year. A standard sealant will not change the color of most stones.
Soapstone, in particular, can be left natural and given a seal treatment like natural stone. Another option is to apply a special type of wax or a food-safe mineral oil that enhances the stone while also acting as a sealer. This can also alter the color of your soapstone and enrich its pigmentation.
Quartz, otherwise known as engineered stone, does not require sealing.
While stones such as granite, quartz or porcelain are highly resistant to staining, substances such as oil, grease, and any acidic or pigmented materials can stain them. Soapstone is one of few stones that can resist staining from those harsh products. Many marbles and travertine are susceptible to staining if the culprit is not removed from the stone surface immediately.
Using paper towels, or other disposable cloths, instead of a sponge or rag during regular cleansing will help reduce the spread of remnant oil, acid or bacteria. If a spill occurs, blot the spill with a paper towel immediately. Don’t wipe the area, it will spread the spill. Flush the area with plain water and mild soap and rinse several times.
Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary.
While some substances may stain stone if left on the surface for a period of time (such as cooking grease, lemon juice, or wine), there are some materials that are more dangerous to your countertops and should be completely avoided. Avoid the use of these chemicals:
The use of these products will cause the polish to fade or etch. Certain construction adhesives (plumber’s putty, painter’s putty, etc.) will permanently stain or defect your natural stone.
Each of our stone suppliers offers a warranty for their product. We recommend that you register for a warranty as soon as your stone is installed to avoid any unpredictable expenses. See below for suppliers that offer limited or lifetime warranties.
Warranty Registration Sites:
