Making sure that your stone surfaces continue to look as good as the day they were installed may seem challenging.
How to care for your stone differs according to the type you have chosen. There is a great deal of variety within natural stone, from relatively soft stones such as limestone to naturally hard stones like granite.
We speak to Steve Vanhinsbergh, director of stoneCIRCLE in Basingstoke, about the different requirements of certain stones and how to care for them.
Granite
As one of the hardest stones on the market, granite is especially popular for kitchen worktops and construction materials. Whilst granite is naturally resistant to wear and tear, kitchen surfaces in particular see a lot of use. This makes it just as important to take proper care of your granite.
“Clean up any spillages promptly using warm water and a gentle cleanser,” shares Steve. “This avoids the liquid being absorbed into the stone and possibly staining it. If spills have already begun to dry, avoid using abrasive cleaners, use of a scotch pad to wipe them up is fine. "Sealers are a fantastic way to prevent staining on your granite. We stock Lithofin sealers and cleaners, as they are an excellent product and help to preserve your stone for many years.”
Hot pots and pans can also damage granite if they are left on the worktop for too long, and the granite gets too hot. It’s a good idea to use pan stands.
Marble
Marble has been seen as a symbol of luxury for centuries. The stunning array of colours available in marble are due to minerals and other elements in the metamorphic stone with the veins caused by running water as it was formed.
"In comparison to granite, marble is a relatively soft stone, so you have to take more care of it, unless you like the timeworn look," Steve tells us. "Avoid spilling acidic substances on your marble – orange juice, wine and vinegar, as well as cosmetic products such as citrus-based shampoos, can cause etching."
Acid etching can be particularly challenging to remove from marble. If you’re looking to furnish your bathroom with marble, make sure you reapply sealants twice a year to protect the stone. For unsealed marble, do not leave wet objects on your surfaces and use coasters for mugs, cups and bottles.
Quartz
Quartz is a man-made material that is durable and non-porous, making it ideal for kitchen worktops. It is almost as hard and stain-resistant as granite, and is quite a low maintenance choice of stone. However, there are quite a few tips and tricks that can help remove stains and keep your quartz looking stylish.
“For stubborn stains on quartz, use soap and water or a mild detergent,” recommends Steve. “The main thing to remember is to avoid strong chemicals and solvents, as well as highly abrasive cleaning agents such as oven cleaners and polishing agents.
"The high alkaline PH levels in these products can damage your surfaces, and cleaning products with oils and powders in them can leave residue.
“If your stone comes into contact with any of these substances, quickly rinse the surface with warm water to neutralise the effect.”
For more information on caring for your surfaces or to browse their selection, visit stone-circle-home.co.uk or call 01256 850 380.
