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Granite Countertop Care & Cleaning
Natural stone cleansers are the best
for every day cleaning; these products can be purchased at Lowes, Home Depot and select tile stores. Additionally, a variety of other
stone care products are sold at many home improvement centers. An excellent brand is the Stone Care International
brand. Three of their cleaning products are listed below and available on-line.
STONE GLIDE COUNTERTOP WIPES
are perfect for cleaning all countertop surfaces. Disposable. Simply wipe and throw away.
MARBAMIST COUNTERTOP STONE SPRAY CLEANER
is a Ready to use spray formula for stone countertops, vanities, walls, table tops, bar tops and even statues. Simply spray and wipe. Use daily.
CLEAN EnCOUNTERS COUNTERTOP SPRAY CLEANER cleans natural stone surfaces, solid surfaces, laminate surfaces and engineered stone. Spray and wipe formula.
Ready to use. Use daily.
If a stone cleanser
is not used, a mild, pH neutral dish detergent, such as Ivory Dish Liquid and water is recommended for daily cleaning. As with all countertop
surfaces, stone should be wiped down with a clean, smooth cloth after contact with
food or other substances to prevent staining and bacteria growth. Paper towels and
other disposable cloths are considered ideal since they will not harbor and spread bacteria from previous uses. A mixture of 50% water and bleach may be used
occasionally as a disinfectant; repeated use may cause etching.
Wiping spills immediately
, especially those substances that are acidic (citrus juices, vinegar, wine) or oil-based (cooking oils, cooking grease, butter and margarine
) is a must to keep your countertops in the best possible condition. If left to sit on
stone, these substances could have the affect of either staining your countertop (to see ally stone granite counter top)or compromising the finish.
Do not use caustic or harsh chemicals on your countertops, including tile cleaners, window cleaners, degreasers, anything abrasive, or anything containing ammonia
.
Plumber's putty
is also particularly damaging to stone countertops and should not be allowed to come in contact with the surface. Be sure to let your plumber know
about this potential hazard. Cosmetics such as shaving cream, lotion, makeup and perfumes can also damage the surface and stain countertops. Standing on stone
countertops, especially on or near overhangs, is strongly discouraged to preserve the structural integrity of your countertop and prevent cracking.
When to apply a penetrating sealer:
Many natural stone countertops are sealed with a penetrating stone sealer. Consult with your project manager to determine
whether a sealer will be applied to your countertop before installation. This substance is absorbed into the surface of the stone and assists in preventing other
substances from doing the same and thus causing stains on your countertop. Stone countertops should be periodically re-sealed with a penetrating stone sealer, also
called an impregnator, according to the specific manufacturer's directions. The
frequency of use, the staining tendency of the particular stone, and the time lapsed between sealing will determine when your countertop should be resealed.
See Sealing Granite Countertops
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