Granite/Natural Stone | Quartz | Solid Surface
Granite Maintenance
We seal your granite countertops at the time of installation. You may clean your granite with mild soap and water or a disinfectant wipe. How often your granite needs to be sealed depends upon the type of granite you have selected. Most granite requires sealing once a year, however, there are some stones that require it more often (once every six months or once every three months). To determine whether your granite is due for sealing, simply perform a sealer test by placing a wet paper towel on the granite work area for 5 minutes. If after 5 minutes there is a visible watermark then it is time to reseal. To learn more about caring for your granite or natural stone, watch this video from the National Stone Institute:
Read about Natural Stone care on the Natural Stone Institute Website
Food Preparation Areas
In food preparation areas, the stone may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations. If a sealer is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use on food preparation surfaces. If there are questions, check with the sealer manufacturer.
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 or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.
Vanity Top Surfaces
Vanity tops may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations. A good quality marble wax or non-yellowing automobile paste wax can be applied to minimize water spotting.
Floor Surfaces
Dust mop interior 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 sand, dirt and grit that will scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface. Normally, it will take a person about eight steps on a floor surface to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of their shoes. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn. The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface.
Outdoor Pool & 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.
Other Surfaces
Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available at hardware stores or from your stone dealer) or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.
Engineered Quartz Maintenance
With simple care, Zodiaq® will retain its radiant, lustrous appearance for many years. For routine cleaning, use a damp cloth or paper towel and, if necessary, a small amount of non-bleach, nonabrasive cleanser.
Even though Zodiaq® resists permanent staining when exposed to liquids (such as wine, vinegar, tea, lemon juice and soda) or fruits and vegetables, wipe up food and liquid spills as soon as possible.
For stubborn or dried spills, use a nonabrasive cleaning pad such as a white 3M Scotch-Brite®* scrub pad coupled with Formula 409® Glass & Surface Cleaner** or a comparable cleaning product.
Avoid using cleansers that contain bleach. Always follow the cleaner manufacturer’s use instructions and exercise proper care when handling and storing any cleaning products.
* Scotch-Brite® is a registered trademark of the 3M Company.
**Formula 409® Glass & Surface Cleaner is a registered trademark of the Clorox Company.
Read more about solid surface by brand:
Ceasarstone® Silestone® Zodiaq® HanStone™ Cambria® LG Viatera
Solid Surface Maintenance
For day to day cleaning, warm soapy water or non-abrasive household cleaners such as glass cleaner, Fantastik®, Formula 409® or commercially available solid surface cleaners will remove most residues. Then rinse and towel dry the surface to prevent spotting especially in areas with hard water. For a final touch, you may apply Protect All Shine Plus™ to your countertop for a clean, dry professional appearance.
For stubborn residue that will not come out with day to day cleaning methods requires a slightly stronger cleaner. The following suggestions will assist you to remove stubborn residue and refurbish the finish.
Read more about solid surface by brand:
Meganite® Wilsonart® Gibraltar Corian® LG HI-MACS® LivingStone™
