What we are really talking about here is protecting your investment! Regular cleaning is important to guard against the build-up of potentially damaging influences. It is advisable to reserve cleaning cloths and mops exclusively for use on your stone finishes – residue from other cleaning products can work against your best efforts.
Cleaning
We recommend the use of clean white (or colourless) cloths for bench tops etc. There is no problem using synthetic sponges, but they do tend to leave streaks on a highly polished surface. Discard cleaning cloths when they become soiled and mops as they become worn or dirty.
Never use harsh cleaners on stone surfaces. A diluted mixture of Methylated Spirits and water (70/30) and paper towel is a great and cheap everyday cleaner.
Bench Tops
It is important at any time to clean up spills as soon as they are detected; the longer they are left unattended the greater the risk of a mark occurring.
As effective as Marble & Granite sealers are, they cannot guarantee to protect every natural stone from every spill, in every situation – especially if it has been left to stand overnight. So take a little time, and wipe up spills as soon as possible. With this, it is important to always place coasters, trivets and/or placemats underneath hot pots and pans etc., to reduce the risk of thermal shock and fracturing on your benchtop.
Never use harsh cleaners on stone surfaces. A diluted mixture of Methylated Spirits and water (70/30) and paper towel is a great and cheap everyday cleaner.
Bathrooms and Toilets
Sealing a vanity top will protect against everyday spills and staining, but there are some influences found in the bathroom that will attack the stone itself – which will manifest itself by etching or removing the polish. Be careful with perfumes, toothpaste and nail polish solvents – just as you use a soap dish it’s advisable to find a suitable glass or ceramic tray to stand your toiletries in.
Don’t use harsh alkaline or acid based cleaners. Similarly, don’t use abrasive cream cleaners or scouring products of any type. A diluted mixture of Methylated Spirits and water (70/30) and paper towel is a great and cheap everyday cleaner. Or else seek advice through your benchtop manufacturer for a suitable cleaning product.
Dos and don'ts
- Do dust and mop floors frequently
- Do clean surfaces with a diluted meths-and-water or a small amount of mild detergent
- Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing
- Do clean up spills immediately
- Do protect floor surfaces with non–slip mats or rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats
- Do treat natural stone with a penetrating stone sealer for easier maintenance
- Do test any cleaning/sealing product on a small, less obvious area for etching or discoloration prior to using any product on your stone surface
- Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on granite, marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces
- Don’t use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners
- Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleaners (powder Ajax etc.) or cleaners (Jif). Heavy use of abrasives can dull the polish on all stone surfaces.
- Don’t mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas
Please note that this is a general guide only and we recommend that professional assistance be sought in regard to repairs, stain removal, repolishing etc.
Most importantly! Seek professional advice from your benchtop manufacturer about a suitable cleaning product for day to day use on your stone.
Further Support