Care Tips for Natural Stone Surfaces

Whether in your bathroom, kitchen or any other area of your home, natural stone surfaces add beauty and personality. Items like cultured marble and granite can turn a previously bland bathroom space into a beautiful, unique area, and can last a lifetime if they’re properly cared for. At Sand and Swirl, we have a huge range of Carrara cultured marble and cultured granite products. We also have significant expertise when it comes to the care of these natural stone products, which is vital for ensuring they bring you the value and beauty you pay for. Here are some essential areas to keep in mind when caring for your natural stone surfaces on a regular basis.

Drips and Spills

Natural stone surfaces are durable, but they’re susceptible to damage from certain liquids, particularly those with high levels of acidity. The primary care method here will be to avoid these kinds of liquids, or really any liquids, contacting the surface – this is best accomplished by keeping coasters and similar items handy, and getting into the habit of using these and asking guests to do the same. Down similar lines, always use placemats if eating on a natural stone surface, in case of drips or spills of any kind. Most kinds of basic food spills can be cleaned quickly without issue, but again, high-acid types may cause further damage you don’t want to deal with.

Heat Protection

Like with liquids discussed above, natural stone countertops can handle high temperatures for short periods of time in nearly all cases, However, you’re best off avoiding constantly exposing them to this kind of heat – we recommend using pot holders and trivets for various pots and pans instead of just placing these directly on stone. The occasional set-down of a hot pan won’t ruin the surface, but too much exposure over time may wear it down faster.

Cleaning and Sealing

Countertops should be sealed regularly to prevent the presence of dirt, debris, liquids or other elements that may seep in through porous surfaces. Before sealing, however, you should carefully clean the surface to make sure none of these elements are trapped below the seal. In addition, these cleaning tasks should be performed regularly. A few basics to consider in this area:

• Use warm water and mild soap, such as dishwashing liquid.
• Avoid Comet, Soft Scrub or other abrasive cleaning products that may scratch the stone. Down similar lines, do not use scouring pads, which may contain silicon carbide that scratches stone easily.
• Don’t use harsh chemical disinfectants like bleach, ammonia or even vinegar, which is highly acidic. You should also generally avoid baking soda and other similar alkaline cleaners. Unless the product you’re using is a mild soap or specifically contains a label noting that it’s safe for natural stone, you’re best not using it.

For more on caring for your natural stone surfaces, or to learn about any of our marble or granite countertops, speak to the pros at Sand and Swirl today.