Caring For Your Countertops

You had new countertops installed and they are everything you dreamed they would be. Now it is important that you know how to care for them so they will always look beautiful in your home. We hope you find this advice helpful.

Care and Precautions

Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.  Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the surface of many stones. Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface.  Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under China, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface.

Cleaning Procedures and Recommendations

Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available at hardware stores or from your stone dealer) or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results.  Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.  Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone.  Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

Bath and Other Wet Areas

In the bathroom or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use.  To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water).  Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.

Vanity Top Surfaces

Vanity tops may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations.  A good quality marble wax or non-yellowing automobile paste wax can be applied to minimize water spotting.

Food Preparation Areas

In food preparation areas, the stone may need to have a penetrating sealer applied.  Check with your installer for recommendations.  If a sealer is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use on food preparation surfaces.  If there are questions, check with the sealer manufacturer.

Outdoor Pool & Patio Areas

In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.

Stains

Spills and Stains

Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately. Don’t wipe the area, it will spread the spill. Flush the area with plain water and mild soap and rinse several times.  Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth.  Repeat as necessary.

Stain Removal

Identifying the type of stain on the stone surface is the key to removing it.  If you don’t know what caused the stain, play detective.  Where is the stain located?  Is it near a plant, a food service area, an area where cosmetics are used?  What color is it?  What is the shape or pattern?  What goes on in the area around the stain?  Surface stains can often be removed by cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product or household chemical.  Deep-seated or stubborn stains may require using a poultice (will be discussed in a later article) or calling in a professional.  Stay tuned for the types of stains that you may have to deal with and appropriate household chemicals to use and how to prepare and apply a poultice to remove the stain.

Next article will cover:

• Types of Stains and First Step Cleaning Actions
• Poultices
• Cleaning Agents or Chemicals
• Applying the Poultice