Frequently Asked Questions

NATURAL STONE

What is Natural Stones?

Based on its composition there are two types of natural stone: Siliceous and Calcareous. Knowing your type of stone will help you make an informed decision when selecting maintenance and cleaning products. Stones that are composed of silica or quartz are siliceous. This type of stone is more durable and easier to clean compared to calcareous stone. Granite, slate, sandstone, quartzite, brownstone and bluestone are of siliceous stone. Calcium carbonate is the main component of calcareous stones. Calcium carbonate is very sensitive to acidic juices and cleaning products. Example of calcareous stone are marble, travertine, limestone and onyx.

Natural Stone Finish Types:

1. Polished finish is a stone with a polished finish has a glossy surface.
2. Honed smooth surface with little or no gloss. This type of finish is used for locations where heavy traffic occurs.
3. Brushed stone is brushed with a rotary type wire brush to achieve this type of finish with coarse surface.
4. Flamed rough textured surface that exposes grains of stone.

How to Clean Natural Stone Countertops?

Instructions How-To Steps

Step 1: Blot up spills immediately, before they penetrate the surface.
Step 2: Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available in hardware stores or from a stone dealer), or mild dishwashing liquid and warm water.
Step 3: Use a soft, clean cloth to clean the granite. Rinse after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft, clean cloth.
Step 4: Remove a stain on granite, basing the method on the type of stain. Mix a cup of flour, 1-2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid with water to make a thick paste. Put it on the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight.
Step 5: Scrape away the mixture with a wooden utensil and rinse. If the stain is oil-based (e.g. grease, oil, milk), use hydrogen peroxide in the paste instead of dishwashing liquid – or try ammonia on it.
Step 6: Try a mixture of 12 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with a couple drops of ammonia for an organic stain (e.g. coffee, tea, fruit).
Step 7: Use a lacquer thinner or acetone to remove ink or marker stains from darker stone. On light-colored granite, use hydrogen peroxide to these stains. This also works for wine stains.
Step 8: Mix molding plaster and pure bleach into a paste and spread over a wine, ink or other non-oil stain. Leave on for 30 minutes, then remove and rinse.
Step 9: Paste a mix of molding plaster and water over an oil-based or fat-based stain. Mold it into a bird’s-nest shape and allow to stand for 3 hours. Remove and rinse.
Step 10: Reseal the countertop every year or two years. Check with the installer for recommendations. Use a non-toxic sealer on food preparation areas.
Step 11: Consider using a new disinfectant cleaner made specifically for granite.
Step 12: Call your professional stone supplier, installer, or restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat.

Tips:

• Ask a professional to remove or repair a scratch in granite.
• Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface.
• Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that could scratch the surface.
• Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Strong detergents or corrosive liquids can dull the polished marble/granite surface and should not be used.
• Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers, scouring powders, or ‘soft’ cleansers.
• Do not mix cleaning products such as ammonia and bleach together – the result is toxic.