Natural Stone Countertop Care

To protect your natural stone countertop investment and maintain its beauty and longevity, follow these tips;

• Damage prevention – the #1 treatment recommended by experts for longevity of natural beauty with minimal upkeep and expense. Although natural stone countertops are considered hard and durable, surfaces can scratch. 
• Regular cleaning – keep countertop clean at all times; blot up liquid spills immediately. 
• Avoid harsh scrubbing - use a sponge or soft cloth when cleaning, preferably with a stone cleaner specially formulated for that particular type stone. 
• Avoid common cleaning products – such as bleach, glass cleaners, soaps, tub and tile cleaners, and degreasers; vinegar, ammonia, or citrus cleaners. These products can contain chemicals and acids that can etch or damage the sealant or countertop surface. A product with a relatively neutral pH is safer; especially those that are stone-specific formulated.
• Avoid placing toiletry products directly on the bare countertop surface – including hair products, colognes, nail products, lotions and creams. These can damage or stain the surface, etch the polish, and leave a ring.
• Weekly applications of a specially formulated stone cleaner or cleaner/sealer – to help keep the natural beauty of the stone.
• Use stone specific polishers and color-enhancers – four to five times a year to keep the stone’s natural beauty and luster alive.
• Annual resealing with a quality sealant – a must for granite and marble especially. Reseal twice annually if stone is considered extra porous, or if the countertop gets lots of use and shows signs of wear. Unless, of course, stone type should not be sealed.