Care & Maintenance

Tips for stone surfaces

Your new stone surface is a work of art and an investment. It is worth your while to learn the proper way to care of it so that it gives you a lifetime of beauty and use. A number of the following general guidelines are from the Marble Institute of America: www.marble-institute.com.

• Dust your surface regularly to remove loose debris that could scratch the surface.

• When selecting a cleaning product for regular use, avoid scouring powders/creams, grout cleaners, acids (vinegars, citrus), ammonia, and rust removers (hydrofluoric acid). Great Lakes Granite Works recommends Method Daily Granite Cleaner: http://methodhome.com/products/daily-granite-28oz/ as a good all-purpose neutral cleaner for stone surfaces.

• Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available at hardware stores or from your stone dealer), or a mild dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean soft cloth for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.

• After washing with a soap solution, rinse the surface thoroughly and dry with a clean, soft cloth.

• If you have a spill, blot it with a paper towel immediately. Don’t wipe the area; it will spread the spill. Flush the area with a mild soap and water mix and rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary. If the stain persists or you have a stain that is too difficult to treat, call Great Lakes Granite Works.

• To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover, or ½ cup of ammonia to a gallon of water. Ammonia can be used occasionally, but frequent use can dull surfaces.

• Follow any additional care and maintenance guidelines you receive from your stone manufacturer, or visit the product’s website for more information.

• Man-made and engineered surfaces do not require sealing, and can be cleaned with a mild cleaner and soft cloth.