Maintenance
and Cleaning Tips in Common Stone Locations
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|
| General
Stone Care Tips |
Use
coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing
alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks
contain acids that may etch or dull the surface of many
stones. Do not place hot items directly on the stone
surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and place
mats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects
that can scratch the surface. |
|
| Countertops
and Vanities |
Use a neutral, pH-balanced cleaner like Granite
Gold Daily Cleaner that is specially formulated
to be used on stone on a regular basis to remove residues
from cooking oils and everyday food spills, as well
as hairspray or other cosmetics. Be careful with common
foods and drinks that contain acids that may etch or
dull your stone’s surface. Also, some common toiletries
(i.e., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash, hairspray) contain
acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone
surface or degrade the sealer. |
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Floor
Surfaces
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We
recommend that you frequently dust mop or sweep interior
floors using a clean, non-treated, dry dust mop. Sand,
dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces
due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside
and outside an entrance will help to minimize the potential
damage from these particles. In addition, be careful
when using a vacuum cleaner as the metal or plastic
attachments or wheels may scratch the surface. Damp
mop the stone floor with a diluted solution of a neutral
cleaner designed for stone. Granite
Gold Stone & Tile Floor Cleaner is
ideal for this use. Be careful and keep off floor until
it is completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.
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|
| Bath
and Other Wet Areas |
| Periodic
use of a neutral stone cleaner will remove any soap scum
or hard water deposits that may have formed. In the bath,
or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can
minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup. Around
the sink, spilled water may leave deposits. This is why
it is important to use Granite
Gold Sealer at least once every 12-18 months
as it will protect your stone from permanent damage from
these abrasive minerals. Then, simply use Granite
Gold Daily Cleaner to clean on a regular
basis to keep stone looking new and full of luster. |
|
| What
to Do When a Spill Occurs |
| Accidents
and spills are a fact of life, no matter how careful you
are they are going to happen. A quick response and the
right solutions can keep spills from damaging your stone
or degrading the sealer. Always try to blot the spill
and be careful not to spread it around as you wipe up
the spill. Use Granite
Gold Daily Cleaner as soon as you have removed
the spill. And, remember to seal your stone surface at
least once every 12-18 months….this will help keep
spills from turning into stains. |
|
| Etch
Marks |
Highly
acidic substances such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar,
wine, tomato products, mustard, urine and many soft
drinks will “etch” most marble, limestone
and travertine. Sealing allows you time to wipe up a
spill, but it cannot stop the chemical reaction that
may leave a dull mark.
General
household cleaners not specifically designed for natural
stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish,
discolor the surface, scratch the stone or degrade the
sealer. Professional refinishing, by a reputable company
like Pellegrino
Marble Company, is the best way to permanently
remove etch marks and restore your natural stone’s
even finish. |
|
| Food
Spills |
| Scoop
up the food with a plastic spoon. Try not to spread it
around with a towel but rather blot with dry, white cloth.
Spray the area with a neutral stone cleaner such as Granite
Gold Dailey Cleaner and wipe off excess with
a clean cloth. |
|
| Liquid
Spills |
| Blot
away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth while turning
the cloth frequently. Spray the area with a neutral stone
cleaner such as Granite
Gold Daily Cleaner and wipe off excess with
a clean cloth. |
|
| Mud |
| Let
the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a
soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with
a neutral stone cleaner such as Granite
Gold Daily Cleaner or the Granite
Gold Stone and Tile Cleaner. Wipe dry with
a clean cloth. If the stain remains, contact a professional
cleaner like Pellegrino
Marble Company. |
|
| Oily
Stains |
If
you identify the stain as having an oil base (from foods
like salad, cooking oils, butter or some cosmetics)
you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice.
A poultice will wick up the stain from deep within the
stone. |
