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Compared to other natural stones, granite is very easy to care for. But it needs to be regularly cleaned and maintained. Here is what you should do so that your granite can have a long and fulfilling life:

 

• Daily routine: Of course, you should clean your stone surface on a daily basis. Simply, use a damp kitchen paper towel to remove debris and dirt.. The best cleaning solution is a mixture of non-citrus dish soap and water. Many common cleaners are labeled as stone-safe. Make sure to use a neutral cleaner with ph7. If you aren’t sure about the soap’s pH value, you can always visit us and we’ll test the product for you.

 

• Annually: Natural stone should be resealed every 1 to 3 years. Resealing is the key to preserving the stone’s unique beauty. To check whether it’s time for a new seal, we recommend doing a quick and fun test: Pour some water on top of the countertop, specifically on the spots you use most. If the water stays on the surface, your countertop is in great shape. But, if the water spreads after a minute or two, schedule resealing as soon as you can. 

 

• Extra tips: Even though they are durable, granite countertops need regular cleaning. Don’t leave stains to sit! Instead, clean them right away. This also applies to water stains. Sometimes, homeowners forget to clean water spills around the sink. In these situations, water can calcify and whiten the countertop surface. To avoid this, simply use a sponge or a cloth to gather any water spills before they have time to damage your granite.

 

ENGINEERED STONE MAINTENANCE

 

Unlike natural stone countertops, engineered ones don’t need sealing. They are non-porous and resistant to stains. But, you can put in a bit of extra care to prolong their lifespans and maintain their original look.

 

We recommend cleaning quartz i.e. engineered stone with warm water, soapy water, and a soft cloth. Make sure the cleaner is non-abrasive with pH7. If you have stains that are difficult to remove, give us a call and we can walk you through some DIY options or schedule a visit to talk about professional repair. 

 

Even though quartz is resistant to heat, scratching and stains, always use cutting boards and hot pads to protect the surface. As the saying goes: It’s better to be safe than sorry.

 

SEALING

 

Natural stone is sealed at the time of installation. We recommend that you allow 24 hours before using any cleaners, to allow the product to fully absorb. Sealer doesn’t make the stone fully stain-proof, but it increases its stain resistance. Our products are food surface safe, but may have a strong odor while it's being applied.

 

THE BENEFITS OF RESEALING

 

Refreshing your sealer is an important part of natural stone maintenance. 

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• Increases stain resistance

• Increases water- and oil-resistance

• Preserves the finish

• Protects against UV rays and water spots

• Helps maintain the stone’s original color and shine

 

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about resealing your countertops. We can recommend DIY products or schedule professional maintenance.

 

STONE CLEANERS

 

Everybody loves stone countertops! They can make any room look magazine-worthy. That’s why it’s very important that you preserve the stone’s initial look. For this, we recommend stone cleaners. These products are specifically made for cleaning stone surfaces. They won’t damage the material but will return its shine.

 

A general rule for stone maintenance is to avoid acidic cleaners with high pH levels since these products can damage sealer and dull the finish. Stone cleaners are a safe option because they have neutral ph and no acid.

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STAIN REMOVAL

 

Nobody likes to see grout haze and old stains on their shiny natural stone surface. If you want to remove them, you can also use a stone poultice. It is an absorbant paste with a thick consistency and can absorb many types of stains in 1 to 2 days. Whether or not it will be effective and remove the stain depends on the product as well as the stain’s age and depth.
 

The product is non-acidic, so it won’t do any damage to the stone as long as it's properly applied. But in some cases, it may dim polished stone surfaces. If this happens, you can return the stone's original look by using a stone polish.

 

DAMAGED STONE SURFACES

 

Whether cracked, s or faded, damaged natural stone surfaces are not easy to repair. Instead of trying to figure out a DIY solution, contact expert stone restorers who will inspect and repair the surface for you.

 

NATURAL STONE’S VULNERABILITY TO ACID

 

Some natural stones have a dramatic reaction even to mild acidic substances like tomato, lemon, vinegar, and wine. This happens in stones with a large quantity of calcite – a chemical that doesn’t work well with acid. If an acidic substance spills on a stone with calcite, a dull spot will occur on the stone’s top layer. This process is also known as etching.

 

Granite is more acid-resistant than other types of natural stone, but it can still get damaged. To minimize the risk, always use cutting boards and coasters when serving acidic foods and drinks.

 

TRANSLUCENCE

 

Natural stone surfaces are so unique that some of them contain crystals that can transmit light. This process is known as translucence and can occur in many types of natural stones including granite and quartzite. The degree of translucence is different for every countertop as it depends on the surface’s thickness and finish. It’s an amazing phenomenon, plus, it’s a great way to add some extra sparkle in your kitchen or bathroom.

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