Granite, Marble, and other natural stones
Frequently Asked Questions
Quartz
Cleaning
Quartz counter-tops are relatively easy to clean. Use a mild dish soap and warm water for daily cleaning. Wipe the surface with a soft cloth or sponge.
Honed or leather surfaces require more daily maintenance than those that have a polished finish.
Regular Maintenance
Quartz counter-tops generally do not require sealing because they are non-porous. However, regular cleaning and maintenance help keep the surface in top condition.
Regularly dust and wipe the surface to prevent the buildup of debris.
Wipe Up Spills Promptly
While quartz is resistant to staining, it's best to clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent any potential discoloration.
This is particularly important for substances like wine, coffee, or oils.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Do not use abrasive or acidic cleaners on quartz counter-tops.
Avoid products containing bleach, ammonia, or high-pH cleaners, as they can damage the resin used in the quartz surface.
Avoid Impact
Avoid hitting the edges with heavy or sharp objects, as this could chip or crack the material.
While quartz is durable, it is not indestructible.
Avoid Heat Damage
To prevent damage, use trivets or hot pads under hot pots, pans, or any heat-generating appliances. Avoid placing hot items directly on the quartz surface.
Quartz is heat-resistant but not heatproof. Quartz surfaces can tolerate moderate heat for a short period. Long exposure may result in cracking, discoloring, and/or other type of damage.
Fireplace and Surrounds, Quartz surfaces are NOT RECOMMENDED to be used near a direct heat source such as either wood burning or gas fireplaces.
Use Cutting Boards
While quartz is scratch-resistant, it's still a good practice to use cutting boards to protect both the counter-top and your knives.
For stubborn stains
The surface can be scraped using a plastic putty knife or a soft cloth in combination with warm water and common non-abrasive household cleaners.
To avoid dulling or etching the surface, make sure to use a nonabrasive cleaner and use a light circular motion when applying the cleaners to the surface.
Little pressure is needed when using Vim and make sure the paper towel is well soaked with warm water and only a small dab of Vim is required.
Granite, Marble, and other natural stones
Sealing
Most natural stone counter-tops are porous and should be sealed to protect against stains.
The frequency of sealing depends on the type of stone and its usage, typically once every 3 months.
Cleaning
Use a pH-balanced, neutral cleaner or a mixture of warm water and a mild dish soap for regular cleaning. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface of the stone.
Acidic substances, such as vinegar and lemon juice, should also be avoided.
Wipe Up Spills Promptly
Wipe up spills immediately to prevent liquids from penetrating the stone and causing discoloration.
This includes bleach, ammonia, and most commercial cleaning products, as they can harm the stone and degrade the sealer.
Avoid Heat Damage
While natural stone is generally heat-resistant, it's advisable to use trivets or hot pads under hot cookware to prevent thermal shock, especially for materials like marble.
Be Mindful of Heavy Objects
Avoid dropping heavy objects on the counter-top, as this can cause chips or cracks. Be cautious when handling heavy items on the surface.
Use Cutting Boards
To prevent scratches on the surface, always use cutting boards when chopping or slicing.
Natural stone is durable, but it can be scratched by sharp objects.
Regular Dusting
Dust your natural stone counter-top regularly to remove loose dirt and debris.
This helps prevent scratches and maintains the stone's natural shine.
Use Coasters
Place coasters under glasses and cups to prevent water rings and potential damage from acidic beverages.