The Do's & Dont's
pre·ven·ta·tive - designed to keep something undesirable from occurring
The best care you can give your natural stone is preventative care. Preventing stains or scratches before they happen is far easier than getting rid of them after it happens. Here's some general care tips for keeping your stone looking pristine.
DO:
- Follow manufacturers guidelines when using sealers
- Wash spills by blotting with warm, mildly soapy water
- Always use coasters, trivets, or mats when putting something on the surface
- Maintain a regular schedule of cleaning with stone specific materials (often pH neutral)
- Deep cleaning by a professional is recommended from time to time to preserve the stone
- Have your stone professionally sealed
DON'T
- Use any hard cleaners that contain acid
- Do not use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or other general purpose cleaners
- Do not use abrasive or alkaline cleaners not meant for stone
Remember, proper sealing followed by correct cleaning methods and products, can ensure your stone lasts a lifetime.
When does my granite need to be sealed?
Do a simple test
Place a puddle of water on your counter. The water should try to bead up and not sink into the stone. Let the puddle sit for 5-10 minutes and then wipe the water off. If the stone has darkened you need to have your counters sealed. Do this test once a month.
Fake Shines from Consumer Cleaners + "Polishes"
Some cleaners and waxes leave a film on your stone. The problem with this shine is the build-up and uneven wear that can leave the surface splotchy and other problems. Here's the difference:
This customer was using a "granite cleaner" that was wax based leaving him a buildup of fake shine. In this case we removed all the buildup, and gave the surface a true polish before sealing.
After removing the buildup of cleaner and polishing the granite, there is no longer a film over the stone.