Daily Care for Stone Countertops

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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.

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