Stone Benchtops are a gorgeous addition to your kitchen or bathroom, but to ensure they stay in top condition for years to come they do need to be taken care of.
Don’t worry though, there’s just a few simple things to do to keep them looking new.
First, be aware of what type of stone benchtop is to know how much maintenance it will need. Engineered stone/ Recon stone are some of the most non-porous materials and will be more resistant to stains. But on the other hand, something like Marble or Granite will be more prone to soaking up those stains.
Sealing your natural stone is the best defense against stains and scratches. It will be sealed when first installed, but will need to be reapplied to ensure it stays in top condition and doesn’t wear off. The timing between reapplying varies depending on the material, so check with your installer for the best practice.
DO
For everyday cleaning, all you need to do is wipe down the surface using a cloth with water and a mild detergent. For more stubborn marks, use a specialised stone cleanser with warm water, like the Stone Ambassador creme cleanser.
Clean up spills immediately. Before wiping the spill, use a paper towel to blot and soak up as much of the liquid as possible. This ensures that the spill doesn’t spread and possibly widen a stain area. Once you’ve done that you can wipe that area with soapy water to remove the remaining spill.
Use trivets, cork mats, and coasters under pots & pans, oven trays, and glasses. This prevents stains and rust marks on the bench. Extremely hot items also cause the bench to crack or discolour, so always place some under them to avoid damage.
Use a cutting board. When preparing your meals, always use knives on a cutting board and not directly on the stone to avoid damage and scratches to both the benchtop and the knife.
DON’T
Don’t use any steel utensils or scourers on the stone. While the benchtop may be scratch resistant, it won’t be scratch proof. These sharp tools would run down the sealing faster than necessary.
Don’t use any non-approved stone cleaners or harsh chemicals. Avoid any products that constrain trichloroethane or methylene chloride, such as paint remover, vinegar, bleach, or lemon juice. If you are unsure if a cleaner is suitable, contact your supplier to check with them. Also avoid using boiling water. Keep cleaners at lukewarm or below.
Don’t sit or stand on the stone counter. While the stone itself may be quite strong, the counter below may not be. While the benchtop is fine for appliances and decorations, the weight of a human may be too much. Make sure you or any workmen use a chair, stool, or ladder.
Don’t use your washing up dishcloth to clean your bench. Oils and residual food from your dishes can stay on the dishcloth and transfer those oils to the benchtop and could stain. Always use a separate cloth for cleaning your counter.
If you discover any chips, scratches, and unremovable stains on your stone benchtop call in a professional to repair the surface. An experienced stone restorer can repair your stone and have it looking good as new!
Stonaa Is The Best Place For Advice On Caring For Your Stone in Melbourne
With more than 20 years of experience as stone wholesalers in Melbourne, we ensure you’re given the right advice to care for and clean your stone benchtops. Don’t hesitate to give Stonaa a call on 0472 563 482 for friendly advice!
