Content: Proper care and maintenance are essential to keeping your marble, granite, or quartz surfaces looking their best. Here’s a detailed guide to help you extend the life of your stone countertops, flooring, and other surfaces, while maintaining their beauty and durability.
General Maintenance Tips:
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Avoid Harsh Chemicals: When cleaning your stone surfaces, always avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners (such as vinegar or lemon). These substances can damage the stone by stripping away the protective sealant, causing discoloration, or even creating permanent stains.
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Regular Cleaning: For daily cleaning, use a soft cloth or microfiber towel to wipe down the surface. A mild, non-abrasive cleaner or a mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap is ideal for removing everyday dirt and grime.
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Sealing: Granite, marble, and some quartz surfaces need to be sealed periodically to maintain their resistance to stains and water damage.
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Preventive Measures: To prevent scratches, stains, or heat damage, use cutting boards, coasters, and trivets. Always cut food on a cutting board instead of directly on your stone countertops to avoid etching.
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Polishing and Restoring Shine: Over time, natural stone surfaces like marble and granite may lose their original shine due to wear. To restore the luster, you can use a stone-safe polish or buffing cream designed for the type of stone you have.
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Dealing with Stains: Different types of stone require different methods for dealing with stains. For organic stains like coffee, wine, or oil, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied to the affected area.
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Cleaning Stone Floors: Stone floors should be swept or vacuumed regularly to remove dirt and debris that could scratch the surface. After sweeping, mop the floor with a solution of warm water and a stone-safe cleaner.
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Addressing Cracks and Chips: If you notice a small chip or crack in your stone surface, it’s important to address it immediately. For minor chips, a stone repair kit can often be used to fill in the damage.
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Professional Maintenance: While regular cleaning and sealing are essential for maintaining the look and durability of your stone surfaces, there may come a time when professional maintenance is required.
Conclusion: With proper care, your stone surfaces will maintain their beauty, functionality, and longevity. By avoiding harsh chemicals, cleaning regularly, sealing as needed, and using preventive measures, you can ensure that your marble, granite, or quartz surfaces continue to impress for years to come. At Century Marble and Granite, we provide high-quality stone materials, and our team is always available to guide you on the best practices for keeping your stone surfaces in pristine condition.
