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Cleaning Supplies Layout

Cleaning & Care Tips

Natural Stone Care

Routine Care   

  1. Wipe up spills and dirt as soon as they happen with a dampened cloth

  2.  For more stubborn stains and weekly cleanup, use a combination of dawn dish soap and warm water with a microfiber cloth, wipe down, wring out the cloth, wipe it down again with plain water and dry thoroughly.

  3.  NEVER USE CHEMICAL CLEANERS, VINEGAR, ABRASIVE CLEANERS, BLEACH, OR ACIDIC/CITRUS CLEANERS.

  4. NEVER allow your countertop to come in contact with drain cleaners, paint strippers, acetone or products containing hydrofluoric acid, ammonia, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, or any product with a very high or very low Ph level.

  5.  DO NOT allow spills to sit on the stone - clean up right away.

  6.  DO NOT wipe up stains – instead, blot up spills that may cause staining, so you do not further spread the problem area.

  7.  DO NOT put hot pots or pans directly on the countertop surface. Sudden or rapid change of temperature, especially near edges and cutouts, may create enough thermal expansion to cause your countertop to crack. Simply place hot pads, trivets, or potholders underneath hot pots and pans and your countertop will be completely protected. Additionally, it is recommended that a cutting board be used to protect the stone and surface from scratches.

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Sealing Your Countertops

Stone & Steel will seal your natural stone countertops after installation. For annual sealing, please contact us to schedule. Sealer protects the stone from staining due to pigments in liquids, juices, and sauces that may spill on the countertops. Be sure to wipe up the spill right away – the sealer buys you time before the spill penetrates the stone and becomes a stain.

  1. There are two types of sealant: 1) topical 2) impregnating

  2. The difference is the way they're administered, as topical sealants create a barrier on top while impregnating sealants fill up the pores of the stone. However, they'll both need to be reapplied every couple of years as they wear down. 

  3. You'll know that your sealant is working if you spray water on the surface and notice that the water is beading. If the water isn't beading on the surface, this is a good indication that you need to reapply. 

  4. Reapplying your sealant is as simple as reading the manufacturer's instructions on the product you purchase. Make sure that your natural stone countertops are completely dry and clean before you begin. Rub the sealant in with a clean microfiber cloth, let it sit for at least ten minutes, then wipe away the excess. 

Quartz Care

Routine Care   

  1. For every day cleaning use a soft sponge (e.g. Scotch-Brite non-scratch pad) or dishcloth with warm water

  2. For stubborn or greasy clean-ups use a pH neutral liquid cleaner such as Mr. Clean, 409, Simple Green, etc. or Dawn dish soap.

  3. For persistent staining issues use Barkeepers Friend (liquid only) or Soft Scrub products without bleach. Apply to a wetted sponge or dishcloth, and then apply to the countertop. Please note that an aggressive use of more abrasive non-chemical cleaners can results in the dulling of the Quartz surface.

  4. NEVER USE BLEACH, CHLORINE-BASED PRODUCTS, DEGREASING AGENTS, WATER REPELLENTS OR SEALANTS

  5. NEVER allow your countertop to come in contact with drain cleaners, paint strippers, acetone or products containing hydrofluoric acid, ammonia, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, or any product with a very high or very low Ph level. These types of chemicals may etch or discolor the quartz surface.

  6. DO NOT allow spills to sit on the stone - clean up right away.

  7. DO NOT wipe up stains – instead, blot up spills that may cause staining, so you do not further spread the problem area

  8. DO NOT put hot pots or pans directly on the countertop surface. Although Quartz is heat resistant, we recommend protecting your countertop by using a hot pad or trivet for extreme heat protection. Hot pans, pots or small electrical appliances should not be used directly on top of your Quartz surface as this can cause scorching, dull areas, and cracks. Do not use crock pots, electric skillets, or griddles directly on your surface. Additionally, it is recommended that a cutting board be used to protect the stone and surface from scratches.​

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