General Guidelines on How to Take Care of Your Stone Surfaces 

Following a few simple tips and using the right products can keep your stone looking beautiful for years.

Natural Stone

Seal Your Stone

  • Imagine Stoneworks will initially seal your stone as part of the installation. We suggest that all types of natural stone be sealed annually. Sealers fill in the pores, hindering the stone’s absorption of stains.
  • Resealing is a fairly easy process – it can be done with an inexpensive sealer in a matter of minutes. However, if you prefer to have a professional do it, we are available to reseal your stone for a nominal fee.

Clean Your Stone

  • We recommend cleaning your stone with a stone safe daily cleaner that reinforces the sealer, or warm water and a mild dishwashing detergent (not lemon). Dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. The stone cleaner should be used periodically to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills.
  • General all-purpose cleaners should NOT be used on your stone, especially if they contain lemon, vinegar, bleach, ammonia or any other acids. They will break down the sealer that is protecting your stone.
  • Using the wrong cleaners or abrasive cleaners could etch the surface and may leave a dull area on the stone. Professional refinishing is the only way to repair etch marks. We recommend a conservative, common sense, approach to all stone. If it is acidic, or abrasive, don’t use it.

If something spills on your countertop or floor, immediately blot the spill with paper towels. Never wipe, or the spill will spread! Wash the area with Revitalizer or warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse several times and dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.

Use coasters or mats under glasses and cups, especially if they contain alcohol, soft drinks or citrus juices. Trivets or mats should be put under your hot dishes or cookware. Place mats should go under china, ceramics, silver or any other objects that may scratch the surface of your stone.

Engineered Stone

Quartz, Porcelain, and other recycled stone products are virtually maintenance free. The process of making these slabs eliminates any micro-pores and fissures that are present in natural stone. These stones don’t require annual re-sealing to resist stains.

However, maintenance free does not mean “care” free! 

We recommend that you follow the same general daily cleaning procedures as you would for natural stone – as described above. This means staying away from acidic, abrasive or harsh cleaners and products.

Do’s and Don’ts

Follow our simple tips to keep your stone surface a dream and not turn it into a nightmare.

DO

  • Do reseal your natural stone annually.
  • Do use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
  • Do use trivets or mats under hot dishes or cookware.
  • Do use place mats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that may scratch your stone.
  • Do use a cutting board when slicing bread, meats or veggies.
  • Do dust countertops, islands, vanities and floors frequently with a soft, clean, lint-free mop or cloth.
  • Do use a separate mop or cloth for your stone. Change water often as you clean or mop.

DON’T

  • Don’t use wet or dry abrasive cleaners or soft cleansers.
  • Don’t use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general purpose cleaners.
  • Don’t use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for natural stone.
  • Don’t wait to clean up spills. Wipe up immediately to minimize damage to your stone.
  • Don’t use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub and tile cleaners. Check the labels for acid content.
  • Don’t use floor wax on your natural stone. If you want your stone to shine, have your stone professionally polished.
  • Don’t stand on your stone countertop.

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