Stone Maintenance
Cleaning Tips For Granite
Clean granite with a soft white cloth and Hanafinn Rejuvenata or a household cleaning product. Household cleaning products including Windex, Dawn, Lysol Disinfectant and 409 can be used, but may leave a film. A solution of vinegar and water (1:10 vinegar to water) works great to remove streaking, smudges, and body oil on granite.
Spills should be wiped up immediately. Blot the spill with a clean paper towel. Use the flat side of a razor blade for removing stuck on tape residue, dried paint, glue, dried food, etc.
Use #0000 or finer steel wool to remove dried water spots, smudges, hazy areas, and for general cleaning to bring out the shine. Do not use the steel wool wet. Use a pencil eraser to remove aluminum trails.
Cleaning Tips For Other Natural Stone
Marble, limestone, travertine, soapstone and onyx should be cleaned using products specifically designed for natural stone such as Hanafinn Rejuvenata. Always test products in a small, inconspicuous area first to see how it reacts with the stone. Using household cleaning products on these stones will damage them. Do NOT use vinegar and water on any of these stone.
Sealing Granite and Other Natural Stones
Granite countertops are generally sealed at the time of fabrication. Resealing is up to the individual. If you use a superior sealant, such as the DryTreat line, sealants can last 15-25 years.
Stones like marble, limestone, travertine and soapstone need to be sealed more often within the first 6 months to year of installation. Use a Stain Proof or Stain Proof Plus for better protection. Contact your installer for more detailed information relating to your specific stone.
The best way to see if your material needs to be resealed is to do the simple water test. Pour a small amount of water in various spots, letting it sit for 30 minutes and then wiping it up. If the stone darkened where the water was, the stone should be resealed.
For more detailed information on how to seal your natural stone, please contact your fabricator or Stone Holding.
things to avoid
- Do not use cleaners with a pH value less than 7.
- Do not use strong abrasive cleaners such as Comet or SoftScrub.
- Do not leave spills on the countertop for prolonged periods of time.
- It's always best to be proactive and use cutting boards and trivets.
Stains
If you have stained your stone, don't worry. Typically, stains can be easily removed. Please contact your fabricator for further help.