Stone Care & Maintenance

Probably the biggest fear people have of natural stone is its maintenance. Natural stone requires about the same level of care and maintenance as any countertop or floor, and certainly no more than natural wood products like tables and chairs.

COUNTERTOPS IN KITCHENS

Granite countertops are surprisingly resilient to stains, and practically impossible to scratch. The best care you can give your natural stone is preventative care. Preventing stains or scratching before they happen is far easier than fixing them.

• Wipe up spills within a reasonable amount of time;
• Don’t let liquid sit on countertops overnight;
• Granite is most prone to staining by oil and acid, so blot these spills up as soon as possible;
• Clean the stone with mild soap and water.

Acidic foods like fruit, tomato sauce, coffee, and wine can easily stain marble countertops and tabletops.

• Blot, do not wipe, any spills immediately, and then clean with mild soap and hot water;
• Do not set hot pans directly onto marble;
• Place a mat or pad between marble and anything which might scratch it, like a pan or utensils;
• Use coasters between marble and any glasses, especially ones containing acidic compounds like fruit juices, wine, or coffee.

FLOORS

On Stone floors, the best preventative measure is regular cleaning. The movement of dirt and grit as it is ground into marble or granite tiles can wear away the finish.

• Use a dust mop regularly to keep dirt off the floor and preserve the finish;
• Use mats at all entry points to further ensure the long life of your floor’s beautiful finish;
• Wet mop regularly with very hot water, and change the rinse water frequently;
• If the floor is particularly dirty, the use of a neutral stone cleaner or a mild dish detergent (one that is not oil-based) is perfectly acceptable.

BATHROOM COUNTERTOPS, WALLS AND FLOORS

In bathrooms, marble and granite tend to attract soap scum, just like manmade tile. Keep a squeegee handy for shower walls, and rinse vanities and natural stone sinks with hot, clean water regularly. Then towel them dry.

FOR EVERY STONE SURFACE IN YOUR HOME 

The use of sealers is a powerful preventative measure. Generally, dealers seal countertops before installation, be sure to ask. If not, get a recommendation for a high-quality, food-grade sealer and apply it according to the manufacturer’s directions. You will need to reapply this sealer periodically. The frequency of applications will depend on the sealer, and on the type of stone. Penetrating sealers are also available for flooring and bath areas. Likewise, the application of additional coats of sealer will depend on the type of stone, the frequency of use, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

STAINS AND SCRATCHES

If stains and scratches do occur, there are many things you can do on your own to remove them.

• On granite countertops, remove oil-based stains with acetone, mineral spirits, diluted bleach, or diluted ammonia. (NEVER mix ammonia and bleach!) Hydrogen peroxide, combined with a few drops of ammonia can usually remove food stains like coffee, tea, or fruit juices.
• On marble countertops, avoid harsh cleaners and acidic cleaners, including vinegar.
• For stubborn soap scum in the bath that will not wash away with a mild, neutral detergent and hot water, sparingly use ammonia. Ammonia will, over time, dull the finish on marble.
• You can gently buff out water spots, rings, as well as small nicks and scratches with 00 steel wool. Larger scratches, nicks, and pesky stains may require professional help – your local stone dealer will have a recommendation.

If you have further questions, please give us a call at (925) 827-3000 or visit our showroom in Concord, CA.