Care & Maintenance

Stone Care and Maintenance

The natural stone you have purchased is an investment that will give you many years of enjoyment. Here are a few recommendations for routine care and cleaning:

• Clean your stone surface with a neutral cleaner
• Stone cleaner
• Mild dish soap with warm water
• Too much cleaner or soap may cause a film and streaking
• Use a clean rag
• Rinse the surface thoroughly after cleaning with a soap solution and dry with a soft clean cloth.
• Change rinse water frequently

Do's

• Do dust your granite frequently
• Do clean your granite surface with a mild detergent or stone cleaner
• Do thoroughly rinse and dry your granite after washing
• Do blot up spill immediately
• Do use a coaster under all glasses especially those containing alcohol or citrus juices
• Many common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch or dull your stone's surface
• Do Seal your stone
• Your stone should be sealed about every 12 months depending on the type and use

Don'ts

• Don't use acidic cleaners (These products can etch and dull your stone over time.)
• Vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Windex
• Bathroom cleaner
• Grout Cleaner
• Tub & Tile Cleaner
• Don't use abrasive cleaners
• Don't mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas
• Don't place hot items directly on the stone surface

Bath and other wet areas

In the bath or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover.

Vanity Top Surfaces

Vanity tops may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendation. A good quality marble wax or non-yellowing automobile paste wax can be applied to minimize water spotting.

Food Preparation Areas

In food preparation areas, the stone may need to have penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations. If a sealer is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe or use on food preparation surfaces. To clean spills gently dab the spill with a soft cloth. Do not wipe this will only cause the spill/stain to spread. Use granite cleaner or warm water with mild dish soap.

Outdoor & Patio Areas

In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.

Floor Surfaces

Frequently, dust mop your floor using a clean non-treated dry mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize this. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface. It takes about eight steps to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of ones shoes. Do not use a worn vacuum cleaner. Metal or plastic attachments or their wheel may scratch the surface.