Natural stone is beautiful, elegant and versatile, as it can be used in many areas of the home. Granite, marble, quartz and soapstone are some examples of natural stone and with the proper care, it can keep its exquisite look for many years to come.
It is important to know how to care for your natural stone surfaces in your home however, otherwise certain cleaning agents and liquids can damage the stone causing it to etch, chip or look dull and worn. Cleaning it is very simple and does not require expensive products but you need to know which natural stone cleaners to use and which ones to steer clear of.
Natural stone countertops are especially good at withstanding a great amount of daily wear and tear while still looking fabulous, thus their appeal and popularity. To keep your natural stone looking glamorous for many years, just follow these simple rules.
#1: Never clean with vinegar or citrus
While vinegar and lemon have been touted as excellent, antimicrobial cleaners, they are bad for natural stone surfaces. While these liquids clean nicely other other surfaces, they are very hard on stone surfaces. Over time, they wear down and etch these areas causing them to take on a lifeless appearance. They begin to lack the lustrous sheen they had the day they were installed.
#2: Clean up acidic liquid spills immediately
If orange juice, cola soda pop or other acidic liquid spills on your natural stone countertops, clean it up immediately. If it is allowed to sit there, over time it can deteriorate the stone, causing it to develop pock marks or etching.
#3: Avoid powdery or creamy cleaners
When it comes to natural stone cleaners, any powdered or cream cleaning supply is not recommended for your natural stone surface. These products have tiny, abrasive agents which can cause micro scratching of your stone surface. And while your stone countertops can withstand a lot of abuse, they are not impervious to damage and extremely tiny abrasive agents. These cleaning supplies can make your stone look cloudy rather than shiny and dazzling.
#4: Use a soft cloth when wiping natural stone
When cleaning your countertops or stone, a soft cloth is perfect to keep your surface shiny and beautiful. Using a scratchy sponge can wear down the sealer on some stone surfaces as well as dull the look of the stone. A microfiber cloth is a great idea to buff and shine your stone and make it gleam.
#5: Clean with mild natural stone cleaners
The perfect natural stone cleaner is warm water with mild dish soap. This kills most bacteria on the surface and since most natural stone surfaces are sealed, they do not have pores where bacteria can hide. Cleaning natural stone is very simple. For complete sterilization, adding a solution with a 50:50 ratio of water and isopropyl alcohol is a good idea. You can also use natural stone cleaners found at your local store but take care to make sure it is specifically used for natural stone surfaces.
Arch City Granite specializes in granite, marble, soapstone and quartz countertops. We have a large selection of slabs you can look at up close. Our educated and friendly staff can answer all the questions you have about care for the natural stone surfaces in your home as well as installation and costs between all types of natural stone countertops. If you are considering upgrading your countertops, this is the best decision you can make for not only beauty and aesthetics, but to increase the value of your home. Stop by today, we look forward to helping you.