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Cleaning Your Granite Counter Tops
Polished granite is a very durable stone, much harder than marble. Granite will withstand almost any element it comes up against including heat and cold. Granite itself is approximately 95-98% stain resistant although, we use a sealer on all our natural stone products to insure lasting life and beauty.
- When you spill something, clean it up - the surface can be fairly absorbent.
- You don't need expensive cleaners - just use soap and water. It's that easy.
- If you do use chemicals, the seal will break down and the surface will be easier to stain. Again, just soap and water will do the trick.
- Use a cutting board - otherwise you will damage both the surface and you knives.
- Avoid putting meat directly on stone surface - bacteria can get into the pores of the stone.
- Oils may discolor your granite counter top - it's best to place cooking oils and salad dressings on another surface.
- Continue using a trivet for hot pans so as to avoid scratches and pitting.
- Keep diamond jewelry off of your granite counter top - it can scratch the surface. -
Cleaning Your Marble Counter Tops
Another reason for marble’s popularity is for the ease of general cleaning. Avoid products containing acid, including lemon juice and vinegar. Though you can buy non-abrasive stone cleaner specifically tailored to marble, still read labels carefully to avoid damaging your surface. You can also use a mild, non-abrasive, pH neutral (non-acidic) soap mixed with water, which is all you really need to clean marble counter-tops.
STEP 1
If not using marble cleaner, mix a squirt of gentle, non-abrasive dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle and spray the counter generously. Scrub gently and wipe soapy solution off with a clean wet cloth. Repeat process until all soapy residue is gone.STEP 2
Rub the counter-top dry, and buff with a soft absorbent towel. -
Cleaning Your Quartz Counter Tops
Once installed, quartz usually only requires a simple wipe-down to keep it clean and maintain its elegant appearance. With a modest amount of maintenance, you can keep your quartz counter tops looking new for years. Perform everyday cleaning tasks with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth or sponge, and steer clear of harsh scrubbers and cleaners that may compromise the sealed surface.
- Basic spills: Wet a washcloth with warm, soapy water. To keep your quartz counter-tops clean use a gentle soap solution. Generally, it’s best to use a mild dish detergent that doesn’t contain any astringents or harsh chemicals. Warm water is more effective for releasing resilient messes than cold water.
- Clean up spills as soon as they happen: Quartz is non-porous, which means it won’t absorb and lock in stains. However, it’s still a good idea to address spills, crumbs and other messes before they have a chance to set up. This will save you the trouble of employing more intensive measures later on.
- Rinse your quartz counter-top with fresh water regularly: Soaps and soapy water dry into a scummy residue. Wring out and re wet your cloth or sponge with fresh water, then go back over the quartz countertops until last traces of soap are cleared away. Soak up standing water with a paper towel and allow the quartz to air dry. Once your countertop is dry, because the pattern of your quartz may hide crumbs, wipe it down with your hands to make sure that no food remains.
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Granite, Marble and Quartz Surfaces Throughout Greater Cleveland