CARE & MAINTENANCE

Caring for Your Natural Stone Surfaces

Now that you’ve had your granite or quartz surfaces professionally installed, you’ll want to keep them looking just as new for a lifetime. Luckily, natural stone surfaces don’t require much upkeep. The biggest thing to remember is not to use harsh cleaners, or cleaners with abrasive materials in them. These can damage the surface of your granite or quartz, dulling and diminishing its beautiful, flaw-free finish. We’ll go into the details below, but please remember that if you ever have a question about a stain, a mark, or just general care for your granite or quartz surface, we’re happy to answer. Feel free to give us a call, we’d be happy to help, no matter the issue.

Quartz Care

Quartz is a highly durable material that requires very little maintenance. It is naturally nonporous, and meets very high sanitation requirements for restaurants and kitchens. Because of its unique structure, quartz is scratch and heat resistant, and it also resists stains. To keep your quartz surfaces looking as great as the day the were installed, follow these simple instructions:

In the Event of a Spill or Stain

It’s best to clean liquid spills and dried foods as soon as possible, but we know that some accidents are inevitable. In the event of a stain or mark, use a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner to remove the residue, and rinse and dry thoroughly. For any hardened marks, use a plastic putty knife or non-abrasive Scotch-Brite pad to gently scrape the surface. Then use a damp cloth to help lift and remove any residual marks or stains.

Every Day

Each day, just take a minute to wipe your quartz surface with a clean, soft cloth or sponge soaked in a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Once you’ve given the surface a once-over with warm, soapy water, rinse it thoroughly with clean water, and then dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. This will help prevent spotting.

Heat

Though highly heat resistant, do your best to protect your quartz surfaces by using a hot pad or trivet with rubber feet when placing hot pans and dishes on the counter. This will lengthen your quartz countertops’ lifespan.

Scratches

Again, quartz is highly resistant to scratching, but you’ll want to do your best to protect your surfaces anyway, so they can last as long as possible. Do not use knives or any other sharp object directly on your countertops or other surfaces. Always use a cutting board when preparing foods.

In the event that a scratch does occur, very lightly scrub the area in a small circular motion, using a wet sponge and a very light abrasive cleanser. Don’t scrub too aggressively, as you may reduce the gloss level.

This is the only time an abrasive cleanser should be used on quartz, and in this instance, it must be used with great care.

In addition to abrasive cleansers, you should avoid bleach cleansers and cleansers with Pine Oil. Bleach can alter the appearance of your quartz surfaces, while Pine Oil leaves behind a filmy residue that can build up and attract dirt, altering the appearance of your surfaces over time, and reducing their cleanliness.

Granite Care

Much like other stone surfaces, granite requires little upkeep, as it is a durable, hardy material. While you should refrain from using harsh and abrasive cleaners, granite care and maintenance is relatively straightforward. If you have a question at any point of your granite surface’s lifespan, don’t hesitate to call Kowalski Granite and Quartz. We’re always here to help.

Do

Clean your granite surfaces daily with warm soapy water. Always rinse and dry granite surfaces after cleaning.
Use a clean, soft rag or mop on floors and other surfaces on a regular basis to maintain that characteristic gloss.
Use mild, non-abrasive cleansers
Blot up spills and stains immediately
Use coasters, trivets, cutting boards and place mats. Though granite is tough, you want to extend the lifespan of your surfaces as best you can.

Don’t

Use harsh chemicals like bleach, vinegar, or lemon juice.
Use cleaners that contain acid, like grout cleaners and bathroom cleaners.
Mix chemicals together. You should never mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so.
Use abrasive cleaners like scouring powders or creams. They will abrade your granite surfaces.

Sealing Your Natural Stone Surfaces

Whether you have granite, quartz, or marble surfaces, sealing is always something our customers inquire about. You can seal any natural stone surface, but the process is different for every material, and every use. For example, granite floors would require a different sealant than quartz countertops might. In some cases, sealant may not be necessary. It’s important to ask a natural stone professional about your unique stone, and how to seal it properly.

If you have questions about sealing your stone, Kowalski Granite and Quartz is happy to help. We’ll come out to assess your surfaces, and from that assessment, we’ll be able to tell you what type of sealing, if any, is necessary. If it seems like the right move for your unique stone surface, we’ll go ahead and finish the job. We always encourage clients new and old to talk to a professional before sealing natural stone — because the process really does vary on a case-by-case basis.