Stone countertops are one of the most popular additions to today's homes. We tell you the best methods for everyday cleaning, and give tips and advice on maintaining your countertops--from preventing stains to what to do if one occurs. All types of stone are covered including granite, marble, limestone, and more.
Daily Care for Stone Countertops
Natural stone cleansers are the best for everyday cleaning. Luck Stone inventories the Aqua Mix line of stone cleansers which are available at all Luck Stone showrooms and fabrication facilities. Some of the products can be purchased at Lowes, The Home Depot and select tile stores. Additionally, a variety of other stone care products are sold at many home-improvement centers. The complete Aqua Mix product line may be purchased online at www.aqua-mix.com, a distributor of Aqua Mix. For additional support, you may call Aqua Mix's technical support line at 1-800-366-6877 or visit their website at www.aquamix.com.
If a stone cleanser is not used, a mild, pH-neutral dish detergent, such as Ivory® Dish Liquid, and water is recommended for daily cleaning. As with all countertop surfaces, stone should be wiped down with a clean, smooth cloth after contact with food or other substances, to prevent staining and bacteria growth. Paper towels and other disposable cloths are considered ideal since they will not harbor and spread bacteria from previous uses. A mixture of 50% water and bleach may be used occasionally as a disinfectant; repeated use may cause etching.
Wiping spills immediately, especially those substances that are acidic (citrus juices, vinegar, wine) or oil-based (cooking oils, cooking grease, butter, margarine) is a must to keep your countertops in the best possible condition. If left to sit on stone, these substances could have the affect of either staining your countertop or compromising the finish. Do not use caustic or harsh chemicals on your countertops, including tile cleaners, window cleaners, degreasers, anything abrasive, or anything containing ammonia. Plumber's putty is also particularly damaging to stone countertops and should not be allowed to come in contact with the surface. Be sure to let your plumber know about this potential hazard. Cosmetics, such as shaving cream, lotion, makeup and perfumes can also damage the surface and stain countertops.
Standing on stone countertops, especially on or near overhangs, is strongly discouraged to preserve the structural integrity of your countertop and prevent cracking.
When to apply a penetrating sealer: Many natural stone countertops from Luck Stone are sealed with a penetrating stone sealer. Consult with your project manager to determine whether a sealer will be applied to your countertop before installation. This substance is absorbed into the surface of the stone and assists in preventing other substances from doing the same and thus causing stains on your countertop. Stone countertops should be periodically re-sealed with a penetrating stone sealer, also called an impregnator, according to the specific manufacturer's directions. The frequency of use, the staining tendency of the particular stone, and the time lapsed between sealing will determine when your countertop should be resealed.