CAROLINAS STONE MARBLE & GRANITE

Protecting your investment: In order to ensure the beauty and integrity of your natural stone, proper care and maintenance is recommended.

 

Care and maintenance of your natural stone countertops is very simple and will enhance and lengthen the life of your countertops. ​

 

Carolinas Stone Marble & Granite, Inc recommends the use of professional stone cleaners, which are available at our locations. Additional household cleaning products that are designed specifically for natural stone may also be used. If a stone cleanser is unable to be used, a mild, pH-neutral dish detergent, and water is recommended for daily cleaning. Abrasive cleaners should not be used under any circumstances. Avoid using cleaners with ammonia, bleach, acids, or other all-purpose cleaners. ​

 

Natural stones have the characteristic of being porous which simply means water, oils, and chemicals can penetrate it; therefore granite should be sealed in order to minimize staining. Resealing your countertops is a quick and simple process and should be done annually. After the countertops are clean and dry, wipe the sealer on the surface with a cloth, allow the sealer to dry for at least 30 minutes, and you are done. Additionally, the build-up of dust, dirt, and sand are abrasive to natural stone. Regularly dusting and/or mopping your natural stone areas will help prevent scratching from dirt. Placing mats at entryways will also help trap dirt and sand in high traffic areas. ​

 

It is important to clean all spills and avoid leaving unwrapped foods on granite surfaces. Using coasters under glasses, especially if they contain citrus juices or alcohol will also help with the prevention of staining. Use a paper towel to blot up spills as quickly as possible, and avoid wiping a spill since it will spread the spill. Use a soft cloth to dry the area completely. If a stain remains, it is important to determine the type of stain since different types of stains have various removal processes. The most common types of stains are organic (coffee, tea, food, cosmetics), biological (mold, fungus, mildew), metal (rust), ink (pens, magic markers), and oil (grease, cooking oil). Poultice powders can be used for the safe removal of specific stains. Poultice powders are designed to re-absorb a stain out of a stone that cannot be removed with a liquid cleaner. Follow the directions on the labels of the products you purchase for the correct usage of these cleaners. You can find these cleaning products at most home improvement stores.

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General Care for Your Stone

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DO Dust/Mop floors frequently
DO clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone cleanser
DO thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing
DO blot up spills immediately to help prevent staining
DO protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats
DON’T Use vinegar, lemon juice or other acidic cleaners on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces
DON’T Use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners
DON’T Use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers
DON’T mix bleach and ammonia
DON’T Ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so