Maintenance

Natural stone is a low maintenance product that will provide years of enjoyment with normal care and simple maintenance. There are three basic areas to consider in caring for your stone; prevention, protection and cleaning.

PREVENTION: Stone is porous and can absorb damaging and staining liquids. A professionally selected and applied sealer will help protect your stone from many mishaps. Sealer should be renewed periodically on a schedule based on your type of stone and sealer used. You should discuss this when selecting your stone and at installation.

PROTECTION: You should use coasters to prevent water rings. Placemats will prevent dulling caused by constant wear. Spills should not be allowed to sit for long periods on your counter tops. Hot pans direct from the stove or oven can damage stone and should be placed on a pad. Ceramic vases and metal racks can scratch the surface and should have felt or plastic guards to prevent this.

Many common products can damage your stone. These include alcohol, tomato sauces, juices, nail polish remover lipstick and shaving cream to name a few. Spills should be wiped up as soon as possible to keep your stone looking it's best.

CLEANING: Regular cleaning with an oil-free cloth will remove potentially damaging dust and grit. Mild dishwashing soap (not dishwasher detergent) is ideal for more thorough cleaning. Be sure to rinse off all soap residue and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spotting. NEVER use strong cleaners like Formula 409, Pine Sol or Windex on your stone. You should also NEVER use abrasive products like scouring powders or Soft Scrub or scouring pads like Scotchbrite on your stone.

You should consult with a professional if you find that you have suffered a stain, scratch or dulling of your stone. Many problems can be corrected with the proper tools and expertise. You should not attempt to fix problems that can't be cleaned with mild soap as you may cause more damage to your stone.