Natural Stone Countertop Maintenance Tips
Stone countertops have completely transformed home and commercial projects. People have switched from tile or laminate tops to stone because of its durability and easy maintenance.
The stone industry has spiked with the popularity of home and project renovations. Unlike other countertop materials, stone is timeless and modern. The many varieties it offers makes it appealing to everyone. These factors, along with its easy upkeep, make stone great for countertops.
One of the greatest benefits of stone countertops is its durability. With proper maintenance, your new countertop can remain beautiful for many years. The following maintenance tips will help you get the most out of your stone countertops.
Routine Care
The longevity and condition of your stone all depends on the care and maintenance that you put in. Routine care is important because even though stone stands up to many things, it’s easy for staining, etching, scratching or chipping to occur if not properly cared for.
Granite Marble Designs | Stone Countertop Installers Denver, Colorado
Each stone material is different and offers strengths and weaknesses when it comes to maintenance. It’s important to keep in mind that natural stones can require different types of upkeep and maintenance than engineered stones such as quartz or porcelain. Here are a few maintenance tips for natural stone countertops we think every customer should know.
For best practices, stone should be wiped with a soft cloth and cleaned regularly using water along with a neutral, non-abrasive soap or a special stone-intended cleaner. These should be applied moderately to prevent leaving a film or causing streaks. When it comes to routine care, keep in mind these dos and don’ts.
Dos
- Use a neutral soap (ie. Dawn dish soap or Ivory) with warm water and rinse thoroughly
- Use a stone-intended cleaner
- Use a soft cloth to clean and dry the surface
- Use a polishing paste that can be found at home improvement stores to restore its shine and look
Don’ts
- Do not use abrasive cloths or soaps
- Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acidic cleaners (especially on marble, travertine, onyx, limestone)
- Do not use scouring powders or creams because they are often abrasive
Staining and Etching
While granite and other natural stones are highly resistant to staining, certain substances can be harmful. Natural stone is porous, and its porosity can depend on the exact stone slab you pick based on factors such as softness or graining. Natural stone has divots and crevices that can absorb liquids or bacteria if not thoroughly cleaned from the surface or left for too long.
Substances that are oil, grease, acidic-based or pigmented should be avoided on stones such as granite, marble and travertine. These easy steps are the best way to clean your stone surface of these types of substances:
- Start by using a paper towel or disposable cloth rather than a sponge or rag to reduce the spread of remnant oil, acid or bacteria
- Blot the spill immediately — don’t wipe the area, it will spread the spill
- Flush the area with soap and water, and rinse several times
- Lastly, dry the area with a soft cloth and repeat as necessary
Substances to Avoid
Acidic substances such as:
- Citrus juice such as lemons or limes
- Cooking oil
- Spaghetti sauce
- Red Wine
- Food dye
Certain construction adhesives such as:
- Plumber’s putty
- Painter’s putty
Chemical substances should especially be avoided and cleaned promptly. These include:
- Paint removers
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Ammonia
- Degreasers
Natural stones are extremely durable. When properly cared for, your stone will remain highly polished, unmarked and as beautiful as the day it was installed by us. Using these tips as a part of your stone care can keep your countertops in pristine condition.
Sealing
Applying a sealant to your stone application can significantly improve its tolerance to wear and tear and everyday messes. A sealant is intended to reduce staining and etching by penetrating the surface and filling in tiny crevices to create a barrier against spills, debris or even bacteria. The sealant will not alter the color of polished stones and it is recommended to reseal most stones once a year. High-end sealants, however, can last much longer and may not need to be reapplied.
Granite and Marble Designs offers many sealants ranging in price, durability and performance. Ask your sales associate about our premium stone sealant that comes with up to a 15-year warranty.
Call Granite and Marble Designs for more information and to request a quote — (303) 551 -6000.