Care & Maintenance

Engineered Stone

Cleaning

For every day routine cleaning we recommend wiping your bench top with warm soapy water (a pH neutral household liquid detergent, or a mild detergent) and a damp cloth.

For an occasional thorough clean use a non-abrasive cream cleanser mixed with warm soapy water. Gently wipe over the entire surface with your cleanser and then remove with a non-scratch cloth. Remove all cleaning product and to finish wipe down with a clean, dry cloth to restore the original shine. Never excessively scrub your benchtop as this can cause dulling of the surface.

Heat Resistance

Engineered Stone is heat resistant, however, like all stone material, it can be damaged by sudden and rapid temperature changes. Therefore, we do not recommend placing any hot kitchen wares (hot oven trays, pans, hot pots, electric frying pans etc.) directly from the hotplate or out of the oven directly onto the surface. We always recommend the use of a hot pad or trivet to place hot items on.

General

• To keep your stone clean, simply wipe with a soft cloth and a pH neutral household liquid detergent.
• Avoid exposure to products with high pH levels such as oven cleaner. If stone comes into contact with such products, rinse immediately to neutralise the effect, and then follow usual cleaning procedure.
• Avoid exposure to paint strippers, paint removers, bleach and nail polish remover. Rinse immediately with clean water to neutralise the effect, and then follow usual cleaning procedure.
• Avoid exposure to high impact, especially on the edges.
• Avoid excessive weight being placed on the benchtop, such as tradespeople standing on the benchtop when carrying out other work in your home such as painting or electrical work.

Check the specific manufacturer’s website (Caesarstone, Smartstone, Stone Ambassador, etc) for more details.

Natural Stone

Cleaning

Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap, or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water.

Similar to any item cleaned in your home, an excessive concentration of cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Follow manufacturer recommendations.

Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results.

Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth.

Change the rinse water frequently.

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 4 litres of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of some stone types.

Cleaning Products

Many suppliers offer products used for stone cleaning.

Products containing lemon, vinegar or other acids may dull or etch soft stones like marble.

Scouring powders or creams often contain abrasives that may scratch certain stones.

Many commercially available rust removers (laundry rust stain removers, toilet bowl cleaners) contain trace levels of hydrofluoric acid (HF). This acid attacks silicates in addition to other minerals.

Do not mix ammonia and bleach. This combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.

Sealing

Sealing is a common step taken on some stones as an extra precaution against staining. In fact, the sealing products used in the stone industry are impregnators which do not actually seal the stone, but more correctly act as a repellent rather than a sealer. Sealing does not make the stone stain proof, rather it makes the stone more stain resistant. When consulting with your stone supplier, you may find that many stones do not require sealing. However, applying an impregnating sealer is a common practice.

When considering sealing, remember that sealing the stone does not make the stone stain proof, it makes it more resistant to staining.

General

To get the longest life and preserve the beauty of your natural stone, follow these simple tips:

Coasters: Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.

Trivets: While many stones can withstand heat, the use of trivets or mats is recommended to avoid damage.

Dust Mopping: Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit are abrasive and can damage natural stone.

Mats/rugs: Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that may scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a slip resistant surface.

Vacuum cleaners: If used, be sure the metal or plastic attachments or the wheels are not worn as they can scratch the surface of some stones.

Spills: Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately. Don’t wipe the area, it will spread the spill. Flush the area with water and mild soap and rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary.

Check the specific supplier’s website (Gladstone’s Granite, WK Marble & Granite, Corsi & Nicolai, CDK Stone, etc) for more details.