Expert Tips for Cleaning and Caring for Stone Surfaces
Stone surfaces, whether they’re kitchen worktops, flooring, or fire surrounds, add a touch of elegance and timeless appeal to any home. However, to maintain their beauty and durability, they require proper care and maintenance. At Natural Stone Sales Ltd, we understand the value of your investment and want to help you keep your stone surfaces looking their best. Here are some expert tips on how to clean and care for your stone surfaces.
Understanding Your Stone Surface
Before you start cleaning, it’s essential to understand the type of stone you have. Stone surfaces can be made from various materials, including granite, limestone, silestone, and dekton. Each type of stone has its unique characteristics and cleaning requirements.
- Granite: Known for its durability and resistance to heat and scratches, granite requires a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner to avoid damaging its sealant.
- Limestone: This porous stone needs a non-acidic cleaner to prevent etching or dulling the surface.
- Silestone: A composite material, silestone is resistant to stains and scratches. It can be cleaned with a mild detergent and warm water.
- Dekton: This ultra-compact surface is highly resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. It can be cleaned with most household cleaners.
General Cleaning Tips
Regardless of the type of stone, there are some general cleaning tips that you should follow:
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.
- Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge for cleaning.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the stone.
- Regularly dust and sweep to prevent dirt and grit from scratching the surface.
Deep Cleaning and Maintenance
While regular cleaning is essential, your stone surfaces also need periodic deep cleaning and maintenance. This includes resealing the surface to protect it from stains and damage. At Natural Stone Sales Ltd, we recommend professional cleaning and sealing every one to two years, depending on the usage and type of stone.
Preventing Damage
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent damage to your stone surfaces:
- Use coasters under glasses, especially those containing alcohol or citrus juices.
- Use trivets or mats under hot dishes or cookware.
- Don’t drag heavy objects across the surface.
- Avoid standing or sitting on your countertops.
Repairing Minor Damage
Despite your best efforts, your stone surfaces may still get scratched or chipped. Minor damage can often be repaired using a colour-matched epoxy or resin. However, for more significant damage, it’s best to consult a professional.
Conclusion
Caring for your stone surfaces doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right knowledge and a little effort, you can keep your stone surfaces looking as good as new for years to come. Remember, the key to maintaining your stone surfaces is regular cleaning, proper care, and timely maintenance.
At Natural Stone Sales Ltd, we offer a wide range of stone surfaces, including kitchen worktops, Mandale limestone flooring, and limestone fire surrounds. We also provide gritstone building materials for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their construction projects.
For more information about our products or to get expert advice on caring for your stone surfaces, feel free to visit our showroom at Old Station Yard, Rowsley, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2EJ. You can also reach us at 01629 735 507 or send an email to enquiries@naturalstonesalesltd.co.uk. We look forward to helping you maintain the beauty and durability of your stone surfaces.