Cleaning your home is easy when you do it often enough to prevent a serious buildup of grime. Some of your bathroom and kitchen surfaces require special care, especially when it comes to avoiding harsh chemicals.
There are other ways to safely get rid of tough stains in natural stone, quartz, and engineered stone without causing damage. Our stone maintenance tips will help you keep countertops, sinks, and tiles in great shape for many years.
Natural Quartz
It’s common to find quartz installed in the kitchen because it is naturally a very hard material. When a combination of natural quartz, resin, and pigment are mixed in the production, it results in a stone that is resistant to stains and scratches. Sealing is not required, but some homeowners choose to have it added for a greater level of protection.
No stone is completely resistant to chipping if they are damaged by force, and this does include natural quartz.
Always use a soft cloth to clean up with a mixture of mild dish detergent and warm water. Since liquids do not absorb into the surface, you will not have to deal with any tough stains. However, you should never expose the surface to bleach or other abrasive products.
Natural Stone Countertops
All natural stone falls into one of two categories that will help you decide which cleaning products are safe to use. A siliceous stone that is made from quartz or silica particles include slate, sandstone, quartzite, and granite.
Any of these can be safely cleaned with a mildly acidic solution if soap and water are not enough. The calcareous stones, such as travertine, onyx, marble, and limestone each contain calcium carbonate and cannot stand up against acidic foods and cleansers.
It will cause a dulling reaction and also create a rough texture from the acid etching. Always blot spills rather than wipe because it will cause the spill to spread across the surface. If you prefer to use mild soap and water over special cleansers, make sure that you always use a soft cloth.
Engineered Stone Countertops
A combination of polymers and natural stone are combined to manufacture a very durable product that is resistant to stains and scratches. The only real concern with engineered stone is exposure to high heat that can easily damage the binding polymers.
It’s safe to clean with most detergents and multipurpose cleaners because it is a very durable surface. Tough stains can be scrubbed with a tough scouring pad without ruining the appearance. As with most countertops, always avoid ammonia, bleach, and any other harsh chemical that are unnecessary for an adequate cleaning.
An education in proper cleaning techniques and the composition of any stone surfaces featured in your home is absolutely necessary. Complete the contact form so that we can help you learn the best ways to care for your natural and engineered stone.
