Maintenance Of Natural Stone

Date Posted: 16th January 2019

Taking care of your natural stone can ensure that it looks great and lasts for years to come.   But how you look after natural stone depends on the type of stone you have fitted. 

Quartz

Quartz is a natural stone that is mixed with resins and polymers.   This makes it a durable and flexible material to use.    As it is non-porous it does not need sealing. Typically quartz makes a great material to be used in kitchen countertops, other work surfaces, tables, dressing tables, fireplaces and bathrooms.   Although it can be used almost anywhere. 

• You should wash your quartz with a wet cloth and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals.   
• Do not scrub your quartz with harsh scrubs or use abrasives. 
• Direct sunlight can make quartz fade over time. 
• Avoid placing hot items directly onto your quartz kitchen countertops.
• Using trivets and chopping boards is recommended to protect the natural stone. 
• Do use coasters and placemats to protect your quartz countertop. 

Granite

Granite is a porous natural stone.  That means that it can absorb and stain more easily than other natural stones.  Granite will often need sealing ever so often.  Our experts can recommend how frequently each piece of granite we supply should be sealed.   However, not all granites will need sealing, but it is often done to prevent future staining.   

Granite is one of the most heat resistant countertops on the market, so whilst it is recommended to you a heat protector, like a trivet, it is unlikely to damage the granite unless the heat is applied for a long period of time.    Granite is also scratch resistant, however, it is recommended that you still use a chopping board as the granite countertop will dull your knives. 

Granite the perfect stone for kitchen worktops, bathrooms, fireplaces, staircases, wall displays, shower trays and bathrooms, as well as many other uses. 

• You should mop up any spills immediately to avoid staining. 
• You should wash your granite countertop with water and antibacterial soap and avoid using harsh detergents like bleach. 
• Speak to you stone fabricator to ensure that the granite you choose is sealed if appropriate and the frequency of resealing required. 
• Call you stone fabricator if you damage your granite countertop for an expert repair. 
• If an oil stain is on your granite countertop, use flour or baking soda to absorb the stain. 
• Do use coasters and placemats, whilst granite is scratch resistant, it is good practice to protect your granite. 

Marble

A marble kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity unit is something that many homeowners aspire too.  The luxury look of marble can really transform any bathroom, kitchen, fireplace or stairwell. 

Protecting marble from stains and scratching can take some work too.   Marble kitchen counter are very luxurious, they do require more work than other surfaces. 

• Sealing does not make marble stainproof.  Our stone fabricators will give you advice on how to look after your marble including the best way to seal it.  A rule of thumb is when liquid no longer beads on to of the marble it is time to reseal it. 
• You need to treat marble much more carefully than other natural stones.  All spills should be wiped up immediately and coasters, placemats and trivets are a must. 
• You should avoid using harsh cleaning materials and chemicals.  Even vinegar, citrus and tomato could damage marble.   The best way to clean marble is to sweep up crumbs and use a damp microfibre cloth to clean. 

Our expert fabricators and staff members are on hand at our showroom or by the phone to ensure that you choose the right material for you. 

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Read more about quartz work surfaces.