STONE CARE

Your new natural stone purchase is an investment in lasting beauty that will give you many years of enjoyment. This care guide gives you a few tips on how to properly care for your natural stone and help extend its life and beauty. Following some simple procedures, and using the correct cleaning methods and products, will insure you a lifetime of use from your natural stone. SEALING OF YOUR STONE Natural stone has been formed over millions of years but improper care can ruin nature’s beauty. Although we usually think of stone as “hard”, it is a porous material that can absorb spills and stains if left untreated. Sealing your stone is a vital part of the installation process. At MarbleWorks we apply a quality impregnating sealer to all the stone we install which will prevent most spills from damaging your investment. Once sealed properly, your stone is protected against everyday dirt and spills. Also proper cleaning methods are vital to help the sealer last longer and keep your stone protected without damaging your stone’s natural beauty.

CLEANING PROCEDURES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Using a neutral cleaner specially formulated for natural stone will help remove soils that normal dusting or damp cleaning leave behind. We recommend Revitalizer Cleaner with Protector. This cleaner is developed especially for natural stone and tile care. Its unique blend of neutral cleaning agents makes it gentle on your stone while leaving behind an impregnating protective shield every time you clean.

Do not use general purpose cleaners or you may damage your stone or break down the sealer. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids as these may etch the stone surface and damage the polish. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

Use Revitalizer on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch or dull the stone surface. In the bath area some common spills are hairspray, cosmetics, toiletries(e.g., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash). These may contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A SPILL OCCURS

No matter how careful you are, spills are going to happen. A quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging your stone or the sealer. We recommend that you only use the cleaning products recommended in this care guide.

FOOD SPILLS - Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Blot with dry, white cloth. Spray area with Revitalizer. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

LIQUID SPILLS — Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth; turning the cloth frequently. Spray area with Revitalizer. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

OILY STAINS — If you identify the stain as having an oil base (from foods like salad and cooking oils, butter, or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. We recommend EXTRACT OIL STAIN REMOVAL PASTE. This easy to use poultice is designed to slowly remove oily stains from natural stone surfaces. This product may be purchased from us. Follow the directions on the label.

MUD — Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with Revitalizer. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, contact a professional cleaner.

CARE OF STONE

A patina refers to the smooth sheen that is produced by the aging and use of natural stone over time.

Bacteria, like any other living organism, needs something to eat in order to live. Bacteria cannot eat granite. Unclean, unkempt countertops can harbor bacteria regardless of what countertop material is used. Granite has performed extremely well in testing; performing second only to stainless steel in its ability to resist bacterial growth.

The only things that could scratch granite are typically not found in the kitchen. Marble, on the other hand, is a calcite which will react with acidic liquids, etching the polish. Proper sealing and maintenance is more crucial with marble countertops.

Some granite if not properly sealed can absorb liquid into the pores. This may appear at first to be a stain; however in many instances a dark area on the countertop will dry and disappear over time. If discoloration occurs, there are products on the market to remove them. Consult your stone professional or retail store specializing in stone.