Stone Care

Though granite is a hard and non porous stone that is unaffected by most chemicals it still requires high degrees of care while cleaning. While cleaning, the use of harsh chemicals should be avoided. Here are few recommendations to keep granite surface clean:

Regularly dust the surface.
Use few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap, or a mild liquid dish washing detergent or warm water.
Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.
Use a clean rag.
Products containing acids should be avoided. The acid in high concentration etches the surface.
After using the soap solution, the surface should be rinsed properly.
Do not mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
Do not use powders or creams that may create scratches.
In the kitchen extremely hot pans should not be kept over granite slabs since it quickly absorbs heat and distributes it out.

CLEANING PROCEDURES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Using a neutral cleaner specially formulated for natural stone will help remove soils that normal dusting or damp cleaning leave behind.

Do not use general purpose cleaners or you may damage your stone or break down the sealer. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids as these may etch the stone surface and damage the polish. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

Use Stone Cleaner on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch or dull the stone surface. In the bath area some common spills are hairspray, cosmetics, toiletries(e.g., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash). These may contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.

In the shower and other wet areas, the use of Stone Cleaner will remove any soap scum or hard water deposits that may have formed. Also, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup.

Dust mop interior stone floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust 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 the potential damage from these particles. In addition, be careful when using a vacuum cleaner as the metal or plastic attachments or wheels may scratch the surface. Damp mop the stone floor with clear water as needed. For cleaning use a diluted solution of Stone Cleaner.Keep off floor until completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A SPILL OCCURS

No matter how careful you are, spills are going to happen. A quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging your stone or the sealer. We recommend that you only use the cleaning products recommended in this care guide.

FOOD SPILLS - Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Blot with dry, white cloth. Spray area with Stone Cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

LIQUID SPILLS Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth; turning the cloth frequently. Spray area with Stone Cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

OILY STAINS - If you identify the stain as having an oil base (from foods like salad and cooking oils, butter, or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. We recommend EXTRACT OIL STAIN REMOVAL PASTE. This easy to use poultice is designed to slowly remove oily stains from natural stone surfaces. This product may be purchased from us. Follow the directions on the label.

MUD - Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with Stone Cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, contact a professional cleaner.

ETCH MARKS- Substances that are highly acidic, such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard and many soft drinks, will etch some stones, such as polished marble even if they are sealed. Although sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull area or etch mark in the stone, although we use the best sealer we can find to prevent this as best we can. In addition, cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish, discolour the surface, scratch the stone or degrade the sealer. That’ s why selecting the correct cleaning products is so important to the lifetime beauty of your natural stone. Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone’ s finish.