Here are a few tips to help better care for your stone countertops!
Stain removal
▪ Stains on stone countertops can come from oil, wine, and all kinds of condiments and drinks. Whatever the nature of your spill, the key is to wipe it up as soon as possible. This will prevent the liquid from penetrating into the stone, thus causing damage.
▪ Household acids, Drano and nail polish remover should not come near your stone countertops. The chemicals can cause some serious damage to the countertops!
▪ If your countertops are properly sealed, oil stains are less of a problem. Often oil can be easily wiped off, thanks to the beading effect of a good sealant.
▪ The worst stain for stone counters is melted lard, since it spreads and penetrates quickly and can often ruin tile grout. To remove melted lard, place down several layers of cheesecloth soaked in water and a soft mass known as poultice. Leave these layers on the spill area for a couple of days. The stained area should be only slightly lighter than the non-stained area. Due to the necessity of poultice, you may need to reseal your countertops.
▪ When it comes to rust, poultice will do the trick. For soap scum or mildew, try a half cup of ammonia and a gallon of water. Always check your countertops to see if they need to be resealed after stain treatment.
▪ Hydrogen peroxide and water with a couple drops of ammonia will help remove coffee or juice stains.
Regular maintenance
When it comes to everyday wear-and-tear, use an extra fine dry steel wool also known as “grade 0000” to buff out minor scratches. In addition to this, use cutting boards when you are working in your kitchen. This will keep your countertops scratch-free and your knives sharp.
Sealing your countertops
Although you can seal your countertops yourself, it is still best to contract a professional to seal your stone countertops. This will ensure that your countertops are treated with the correct sealer for your particular stone. Once your stone countertops have been installed, get your supplier to seal the stone. The stone countertops have been sealed properly when water forms droplets or beads on the surface. As part of your countertop maintenance, have your stone countertops sealed once a year.
Cleaning stone countertops
When it comes to cleaning your stone countertops, be sure to use warm water and a mild soap. Any chemicals with bleach or a strong PH can harm your beautiful countertops!
