🏠 Stone Benchtop Care and Maintenance
Stone benchtops, including granite, quartz, and marble, offer a luxurious and durable addition to any kitchen or bathroom. While stone is highly resilient, proper care and maintenance are essential to preserve its beauty and functionality. Follow these tips to keep your stone benchtops looking their best for years to come.
🧼 Cleaning and General Maintenance
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Regular Cleaning: 🧽To maintain your stone benchtop’s appearance, clean it regularly using a soft cloth or microfiber towel with warm, soapy water. Avoid using abrasive sponges or cleaning pads that can scratch the surface. For light spills or daily cleaning, this simple solution should suffice.
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Avoid Harsh Chemicals: 🚫Never use harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners (such as lemon or vinegar) on your stone benchtop. These can cause permanent damage, dull the surface, or strip away the protective sealant. Stick to gentle, stone-safe cleaners that are specifically formulated for your type of stone.
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Wipe Spills Immediately: 🍷While stone is resistant to staining, it’s important to clean up any spills—especially acidic substances like wine, coffee, or citrus—immediately. Prolonged exposure to these liquids can damage the surface. A quick wipe with a soft cloth is all it takes.
🛡️ Protecting the Surface
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Use Coasters and Mats: 🍽️To prevent scratching or staining, always use coasters for glasses and mugs, and mats under hot pots, pans, or appliances. Stone can handle heat to some degree, but extreme heat can cause damage, especially if the stone is not properly sealed.
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Cutting Boards Are a Must: 🔪Never cut directly on your stone benchtop. Even though stone is hard, cutting directly on the surface can lead to dull knives and may cause minor scratches or chips. Always use a cutting board to protect your benchtop.
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Use Sealant: 🔒Most stone benchtops require periodic sealing to maintain their protective layer. This is especially important for porous stones like marble or granite. We recommend applying a stone sealer every 1-2 years (or as advised by the manufacturer) to protect against stains and spills.
🧴 Stain Removal
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Tackle Stains Promptly: 🧴If a stain does occur, clean it immediately with a gentle stone cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water (make a paste and apply it to the stain). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping away with a damp cloth. Always avoid harsh chemicals, which can damage the surface.
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Deep Stains: For more persistent stains, you may need to apply a stone-specific stain remover. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product carefully. If in doubt, consult with a professional stone care provider to avoid further damage.
🔧 Maintenance Tips
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Regular Sealing: 🛠️Sealing your stone benchtop helps prevent staining and maintains its lustrous finish. If your stone starts to look dull or starts absorbing liquids more quickly, it’s a sign that it may need to be resealed.
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Avoid Acidic Substances: 🍋Avoid placing lemon, vinegar, or acidic cleaning products on your stone. These can cause permanent damage by etching or dulling the surface.
🔧 Reporting Issues
If you notice any issues with your stone benchtop, such as scratches, chips, or cracks, or if it starts losing its shine or protective seal, please contact Client Care immediately. Timely reporting helps us address any issues promptly, and if under warranty, repairs can be arranged to restore your benchtop’s condition.
📧 Email: clientcare@theultragroup.com.au
Proper care and maintenance are key to ensuring your stone benchtops remain in excellent condition. By following the recommended cleaning practices, protecting your surface from heat and spills, and regularly sealing your stone, you can enjoy your benchtop’s beauty and durability for many years to come.