CARE & MAINTENANCE
Caring for Your Natural Stone Surfaces
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
Every Day
Heat
Scratches
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
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.