Natural stone cleansers are the best for every day
cleaning; these products can be purchased at Lowes, Home Depot and
select tile stores. Additionally, a variety of other stone care
products are sold at many home improvement centers.
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 and 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 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. (cn-stonenet.com)
