Step 4 : Stone Bench Top Maintenance and Care
ENGINEERED STONE
Engineered stone is highly stain, scratch and heat resistant; however it is not completely stain, scratch or heat proof. Therefore, following the correct stone bench top maintenance and care guidelines will ensure your engineered stone will retain its original quality for many years.
General Care & Maintenance Tips
For routine cleaning, we recommend using small quantities of cleaners that are non-bleach and non-abrasive together with warm water and a damp cloth or sponge. Liquid spills such as fruits, vegetables, food colourings, curries etc, should be wiped up and cleaned with a mild detergent and water immediately after detection.Preventing Damage
Although engineered stone has been designed as heat resistant and to withstand exposure to moderately hot temperatures, care should always be taken to avoid excessive localised heat causing thermal shock and permanent damage. We recommend using trivets or heat pads when placing cookware such as hot pots, saucepans or any heat generating appliances onto the benchtops.- DO NOT use strong chemicals and solvents with high alkaline PH levels such as paint remover, paint, stain strippers, nail polish removers, bleach, furniture cleaners, oil soaps, permanent markers, inks, oven cleaners or drain cleaners that could damage the surface. Should the above come in accidental contact with the benchtop – rinse immediately with water followed by normal cleaning procedures.
- AVOID excessive weight such as human weight standing on benchtop.
Removing Difficult Spills or Stains
For extra stubborn dried spills and stains, we recommend using a non-abrasive cleaning pad e.g. Household sponge with a common mild cream cleanser (available to purchase in our showroom) or glass and surface cleaner. Should substances such as chewing gum or nail polish accidentally adhere to the surface, a plastic scraper or putty knife can be used to gently scrape off the substance following by the routine cleaning procedure.Stone Protection
Engineered stone is non-porous keeping its natural gloss and smooth surface without polishing or the need for sealing.GRANITE & MARBLE BENCHTOPS
General Care & Maintenance Tips
Clean regularly with common household cleaning products to help retain the natural beauty of the stone. We suggest using clean hot water and methylated spirits (10 parts water to 1 part methylated spirits) wiping the surface dry with a soft cloth afterwards to remove any streaks.- DO NOT use abrasive cleaners or cleaners containing grit.
Preventing Damage
- DO clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap.
- DO thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing.
- DO blot up spills immediately.
- DO protect countertop surfaces with coaster, trivets or placemats.
- DO NOT use abrasive cleaners or cleaners containing grit.
- DO NOT expose stone counter to strong chemicals such as oven cleaners, paint removers, oil, vinegar, fruit juices or any other acidic liquid.
- DO NOT use the counter top as a cutting board as it can cause permanent deep scratching.
- DO NOT use oil-based cleaners e.g. Turpentine, Kerosene etc.
- DO NOT place excessively hot items on counter tops.
- DO NOT drop heavy or sharp objects on the counter as chips and crack cannot be easily repaired.
Removing Difficult Spills or Stains
Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately. Don’t wipe the area, it will spread the spill. Flush the area with water and neutral cleaner or stone safe cleaner and rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary.Stone Protection
Natural stone benchtops have been specially sealed prior to installation to protect your benchtops. It is recommended to continue this procedure every 6-12 months to maintain the beauty of your natural bench top.Note: Sealing does not make the stone stain proof; rather it makes the stone more stain resistant. Sealing does not prevent acid etching.
For any further protection assistance for Marbles, Granites, Limestones and Travertine’s, Regency Stone stocks a variety of stone maintenance products for Stone Cleaning, Enhancing, Polish, Protection, Sealing and Oil / Stain Removers, or you can visit www.lithofin.com.
If you have any additional questions regarding care and maintenance please feel free to give us a call where our friendly staff can assist you.
SINTERED PORCELAIN
Sintered Porcelain is a high performance slab, which is lightweight, waterproof, easy to clean, hygienic, resistant to high temperatures, resistant to wear/tear, resistant to bending and environmentally friendly. Therefore by following the correct care and maintenance guidelines will ensure your Sintered Porcelain will retain its original quality for many years.General Care & Maintenance Tips
Sintered Porcelain is resistant to staining and it is strongly recommended that you clean spills as they occur. The more days that a stubborn stain sits on the surface the (potentially) harder it may be to remove.For routine cleaning, use a microfiber cloth to remove dust from the surface and then clean your sintered porcelain countertops with warm water or a diluted household detergent such as dishwashing liquid, which is enough to restore the surface to its original condition. Rinse with warm water and dry with a cloth or similar.
- AVOID products containing hydrofluoric acid and its derivatives.
Preventing Damage
- DO clean surfaces with mild detergent or cream cleanser.
- DO thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing.
- DO protect countertop surfaces with coaster, trivets or placemats.
- DO NOT use abrasive cleaners or cleaners containing grit.
- DO NOT expose stone counter to strong chemicals such as oven cleaners, paint removers, oil, vinegar, fruit juices or any other acidic liquid.
- DO NOT use oil-based cleaners e.g. Turpentine, Kerosene etc.
- DO NOT use the counter top as a cutting board as it can cause permanent deep scratching.
- DO NOT hit your countertop with blunt and heavy objects. It could chip or even break (the edges are the most sensitive to physical damage).
- DO NOT place excessively hot items on counter tops, this could result in thermal shock & permanent damage.
- DO NOT drop heavy or sharp objects on the counter as chips and crack cannot be easily repaired.
- DO NOT sit or stand on your bench top and always AVOID excessive weight being placed on your bench top.
The performance of the sintered porcelain will rely on the strength of your substrate supporting the bench.
It is NOT advisable to use waxes, oily soaps, impregnating agents or other treatments (hydro-oil repellent) on the product, because its application is not necessary at all. Some of the detergents currently on the market contain waxes or polishing additives that, after several washes, can leave an oily film on the surface.
Removing Difficult Spills or Stains
For stubborn stains or dried spills, we recommend using a non-abrasive cleaning product such as a common mild cream cleanser or surface cleaner which is available to purchase from our showroom. Use a non-abrasive cleaning pad such as a household sponge or 3M scotch pad and dilute with warm water and rub gently in a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly and remove any residue. It is important that you follow your cleaning product’s instructions. Test the cleaning product on an inconspicuous part of the stone if you are unsure.Stone Protection
Sintered Porcelain is non-porous and is highly resistant to everyday domestic stains, spills and chemical agents. Therefore no sealing is required. For any further protection assistance for Sintered Porcelain, Regency Stone stocks a variety of stone maintenance products for cleaning your bench tops.If you have any additional questions regarding care and maintenance please feel free to give us a call where our friendly staff can assist you.
