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Maintenance Tips

What NOT to Use

Vinegar
Lemon Juice
Acidic Cleansers
Grout & Tile Cleaners
Abrasive cleaners
Steel Wool

What you CAN Use

For Algae, Mildew & Moss: 1/2 Cup of Ammonia, Bleach OR Hydrogen Peroxide per gallon of water (do not use Bleach on marble)
Coffee, Tea & Food Stains: 12% Hydrogen Peroxide and a few drops of mild dish soap
Ink: For light colored stones, use hydrogen peroxide or bleach (do not use bleach on marble). For dark stones, use acetone or lacquer thinner
Grease, oil, cosmetics: Clean gently with bleach or ammonia

WARNING! Never Mix bleach with ammonia - it can create a toxic and lethal gas
Test all cleaning solutions and materials in a small inconspicuous area before complete application

Countertops & Vanities

Immediately blot spills with paper towels
For everyday care, all you need is water and a microfiber cloth or sponge. Mild liquid dishwashing detergent may also be used
To remove soap scum, a solution of 1/2 cup ammonia to 1 gallon of water can be used occasionally
Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads and avoid spray cleaners which contain ammonia or vinegar.
We recommend the use of a cutting board during food preparation to prevent scratching.
Using pads and coasters under kitchen appliances and drinks will also help prevent deep scratches.
Avoid setting hot pans and dishes directly on the stone, use of trivets or mats are recommended.

For stubborn stains such as grease or light oil: You can purchase a stain lifter in our office.
To clean, condition and restore your countertops: we sell 113M 3-in-1 spray cleaner.
For countertops that need to be sealed: we offer 314P Premium Impregnator

Natural stone is the most durable and functional hard surface available, but proper care is required to maintain its maximum beauty.

Marble Countertops

Marble is a porous stone, so it is susceptible to staining. Acidic products like lemon, vinegar, cooking oil and wine may dull, stain or etch the stone. It's important to reseal marble countertops once or twice a year to make it more resistant to staining. Do not use bleach on marble surfaces

Granite Countertops

Granite is easy to care for. Initially, it will be sealed with a protective silicone impregnator which we apply at our shop. This is a simple procedure that the homeowner may continue as preventative maintenance.

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite is very durable and can withstand high temperatures , but it can be chipped and dented. Initially, it will be sealed with a protective silicone impregnator which we apply at our shop. This is a simple procedure that the homeowner should continue once or twice annually to protect against stains and spills.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz surfaces are non-porous and do not require sealing. Quartz is highly resistant to chemicals, stains, heat and moisture. To clean topical stains we recommend Windex, Greenworks, 409, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or SPRAY FOAM Barkeepers Friend. Do not use Barkeepers Friend in a liquid or powder or other forms of this product.

Cultured Stone

Do not pressure wash cultured stone

To clean cultured stone, lightly wash to remove dust or dirt. Do not use acid, abrasives or high pressure water.

Outdoor Patios

First try to pressure wash the stone. You can use a mixture of clorox and water to kill algae.

Limestone & Bluestone

Interior: Bluestone & Limestone should be cleaned with a mild, non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner diluted with warm water. Use a soft cloth for best results. Do not use a wire brush. Too much cleaner may leave a haze or streaking. Rinse thoroughly after washing, changing rinse water frequently.

Exterior: bluestone & limestone should be flushed with clean water. A mild solution of bleach and water can be used to remove algae or moss. We recommend Bluestone and Limestone be sealed with a Silicone Impregnator to protect it from stains.

Flooring

Sand, dirt and grit will damage natural stone due to their abrasiveness. Dust interior floors frequently using a clean, dry dust mop. Do not use vacuum cleaners, the wheels may scratch the stone. Clean with a mild detergent or PH Neutral stone cleaner and thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing.

The suggestions mentioned above are for general practice. In the case of a particular project, please call our office.