The natural stone you have purchased for your home or office is an investment that will give you many years of beautiful service.
Simple care and maintenance will help preserve your stone’s beauty for generations to come. This guide offers routine cleaning guidelines as well as procedures for stain removal should it become necessary.
Know Your Stone
Natural stone can be classified into two general categories depending on its composition: siliceous or calcareous. Knowing the difference is critical when choosing cleaning products. Siliceous stone is composed mainly of silica or quartz-like particles. It tends to be very durable and relatively easy to clean with mild acidic cleaning solution. Examples of siliceous stone include granite, slate, sandstone, quartzite, and bluestone.
Calcareous stone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate. It is sensitive to acidic cleaning products and may require different cleaning procedures than siliceous stone.
Examples of calcareous stone include marble, travertine, limestone, and onyx.
Care and Precautions
Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.
Many common foods contain acids that can dull or etch the surface of many stones. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placements under china, ceramics, silver, or other objects that can scratch the surface.
Cleaning Procedures
The simplest means of caring for granite is cleaning. Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap, or mild dishwashing detergent and warm water ~ too much cleaner or soap may leave a film. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids on marble or other calcareous stones. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with soap. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the stone. Tops may need to have a penetrating sealer applied.
Everyday Care
- Immediately wipe up spills and messes on countertops.
- DO NOT USE: Products such as Windex with ammonia, 409, etc. – it will slowly wear away your sealer.
- DO NOT USE: Pledge or other wax products – they will cause a wax build up and dull the shine.
- DO NOT USE: Products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on granite – the high acid content may etch the surface.
- DO NOT USE: Scouring powders or creams – these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.