 Marble is a beautiful, elegant and timeless stone. If you’re in love the look of marble, there’s probably no substitute. However, to retain marble’s beauty, a little extra care is required. Don't let that frighten you, it's worth it. First, preventative maintenance is key. Don’t let spills sit. Clean up any messes immediately, this reduces the risk of staining and etching. Don’t use abrasive scrubbers or rough cloths when cleaning, they can scratch the stone. For big messes and deeper cleaning, follow the steps below. Use cutting boards, trivets and coasters. Mable is by no means fragile, but it is susceptible to damage from extreme heat, sharp edges, wet spots and a number of chemical reactions. Cutting boards, hotpads, coasters etc. aren’t always needed, but they are a simple precaution that will help prevent damage. Lastly, never use vinegar or citrus solutions such as lemon or orange for cleaning marble. In fact, avoid contact with these substances altogether. Marble is very sensitive to acids. They can eat into the surface leaving discoloration and rough spots. You’ll hear the term, “etching” a lot when learning about marble. Etching is a corrosive chemical reaction that occurs when an acids interact with the stone. If cause physical damage to the stone. You can more in our Marble FAQ. Here are a few other items you should NOT use on marble countertops:
Cleaning Marble The best way to clean marble is with non-abrasive dish soap and warm water. Make sure it’s not an acidic soap, it should be pH neutral. A spray bottle can be used to evenly distribute the soap solution (also useful for rinsing with plain water). Apply a thorough covering of the soapy water. You can gently scrub the stone with a soft cloth. Don’t use rough sponges or scrubbing cloths, just a nice soft towel. Next, use a different wet cloth to wipe away the soap. You may need to repeat this step a few times. Make sure you get rid of all the soap residue. After wiping away all of the moisture, a final pass with a chamois or microfiber cloth with add some shine. Don’t leave any water behind. Marble is porous, so standing water and liquids that penetrate unsealed areas could lead to stains or etching. There are a number of marble specific cleaning products and polishes available in stores. Many of these products are fine, just make sure the products is for marble and not some other stone. Also, make sure you have reviewed your stone manufacturer/installers guidelines for cleaning your specific stone, methods may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The best way to keep your marble clean, and retain it’s natural beauty is through regular cleanings and preventative maintenance. Seal your marble regularly, make frequent cleaning a habit, and follow preventative maintenance suggestions. A little TLC will help your stone last a lifetime.   Cleaning a Quartz Countertop Quartz is non-porous, which makes it one of the easiest countertop surfaces to maintain and clean. With any stone countertop it’s a good idea to clean up spills right away. Even though Quartz is non-porous and stain resistant, it is not stain proof. Spills left to sit for long periods of time can cause discolorations. Plus, the longer a stain sits, the harder it becomes to clean. Here are the dos and don’ts of cleaning Quartz countertops: Do
Many people use Windex® or similar cleaners to help shine their countertops, while this is okay for most Quartz, you should avoid cleaners with bleach or ammonia. Windex® for example come in an ammonia-free version. Don’t Use harsh chemicals (avoid very high or low pH levels) Use bleach or ammonia Use bleach wipes Clean with rough scouring pads or stiff-bristled brushes Clean with vinegar (some say it is okay, but vinegar is acidic and can cause discoloration) The real key is to be gentle. Don’t use any harsh chemicals or cleaning tools that can scratch the surface. Long-term that’s the real goal, avoid scratches. The resins used to seal quartz protects the stone. Scratches allow food and other substances to reach the stone, which can cause damage and stains. If you avoid cleaning with sharp or abrasive products and/or harsh chemicals, you’ll help prolong the life and beauty of your Quartz. Quartz is an engineered stone, so it’s not 100% natural. Companies manufacture it. Different brands of Quartz may have slightly different instructions for care, so check with your manufacturer or installer to make sure you know the best methods for cleaning your countertops. If you have questions, give us a call at:316-946-0530  Quartz Countertop  Granite Countertops can be cleaned with mild dish soap and warm water. Sealed granite countertops are easy to clean, but there are a few things you should know before cleaning to help you protect your countertops. First, granite requires sealing about once a year to protect the stone from stains and scratches. The sealing lasts different amounts of time depending on how often use your countertops, how hard you use them, and the type of sealing used. It’s important to know the state of your seal before cleaning. Unsealed granite, or a countertop where the seal has worn off will allow the stone to absorb liquids and spills, potentially creating stains. To test your seal put a couple of drops of water in a few spots of you countertop and wait a couple of minutes. If the water soaks into the stone, it is probably time to reseal. If the water remains beaded on the surface of the granite, the seal is good. To clean granite, the number one rule is be gentle. Here are the dos and don’ts: Do
Don’t
While some commercial cleaners are okay, they may break down the seal faster. It’s best to use only dish soap and water. Cleaning granite is simple, just mix warm water and a mild dish soap and wipe the countertops gently until clean. After cleaning, dry with a microfiber cloth or terry cloth towel cloth to get rid of streaks. It's that simple. Preventative maintenance goes along way with granite. If you clean up spills quickly, seal regularly, and avoid using anything abrasive on the countertop, you can expect your granite to retain its beauty for a lifetime. If you have questions about caring for you granite, or about new countertop installations or repairs give us a call at 316-946-0530. We provide service for homeowners and contractors in the Wichita area.  |
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