February 24, 2016
In order to keep your countertops looking new and as beautiful as they were installed, proper care is required. With these tips, you’re sure to have countertops you will continuously adore. At Mega Stone, we offer a full line of stone cleaner, sealer, and polish. No need to come into the store, you can order it online! Stone Essentials’ innovative formulations work with the intrinsic geologic structure of natural stone to protect, maintain, and restore its beauty and performance for years to come. Just click here to order today! Use our distributor ID to get a discount on your order! Distributor ID: H010108IL
Granite
Granite is typically very simple to care for. Typically, you can use a microfiber cloth to dust off countertops or wipe down using warm water and a damp cloth, while drying with another cloth instantaneously. In order to sanitize the countertops from bacteria, use a cleaner intended for granite. Never use harsh chemicals such as vinegar, citrus or ammonia based cleaners. Granite safe cleaners can normally be found at a local home improvement store. Although granite has a high heat resistance, sometimes a sudden temperature change can cause damage and produce black marks on the surface. These black marks can normally be easily removed with fine steel wool. However, it is best to take precautions and use a barrier between hot pots or pans and your granite countertop. Make sure you wipe up spills immediately rather than letting them sit. It will make cleaning much easier and faster. Granite does need to be sealed regularly. We install our countertops with a sealer that is good for 15 years. But with heavy usage and harsh cleaning methods, your sealer may wear faster. If spills no longer “bead up” on the surface, it is time for the countertop to be resealed.
Quartz
Quartz is virtually maintenance free because it requires no sealing and is much less porous than natural stone. Soap, or a mild detergent, and water will be enough to easily clean up spills or dried food particles on the countertop. Be sure to rinse off the soap in order to minimize streaks and a film on top of your quartz countertop. When cleaning, be sure to use a non-scratch sponge or cleaning pad.
Marble & Travertine
Marble and travertine are more porous stones, leaving them susceptible to scratches, stains, pitting, cracks, and possibly dulling of the polish. These countertops should be dusted at least once a week with a microfiber cloth, cleaned with a damp cloth and a pH neutral cleaner designed for stone. Acidic cleaners and foods such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, vinegar, wine, coffee, and tea will cause harm to these countertops. Use coasters for drinks and trays for toiletries in the bathroom. Never allow wet dishes to sit on these countertops without some sort of barrier; water can drip down causing a permanent ring due to mineralization. Use cutting boards to avoid scratching your stone.
Soapstone
Soapstone needs to be cleaned properly directly after use. Abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals will cause irreversible damage to your stone countertops such as scratches or discoloration. The best way to clean your countertops is with mild soap and water with a very soft sponge. If food gets stuck to the countertop, do not attempt to scrape it off. Instead, soak a sponge with hot water and lay it on top of the mark. After about thirty seconds, try to wipe away. Repeat this step as needed. Soapstone needs to be treated with mineral oil rather than sealer. Mineral oil will not make this stone scratch resistant, although it does offer a thin layer of protection by preventing liquids and water to settle, preventing bacteria and mold from forming. Mineral oil needs to be reapplied every 4 to 8 weeks. Use cutting boards. Soapstone is much more susceptible to scratches than every other stone, so necessary precaution should be taken.