Care and Maintenance
The Natural Stone you have purchased for your home or office is an investment that will give you many years of beautiful service. Simple care and maintenance will help preserve your stone's beauty for generations to come.
Cleaning Products
Natural stone countertops are an investment that can last a lifetime. Simple care and maintenance will keep your investment looking new for years to come. Architectural Stone Works, Inc. can provide you with all the tools you need to keep your countertops looking their best. From color enhancing sealers to stainless steel sink cleaners, our helpful staff can guide you to the correct care and maintenance product to meet your needs. Click Here to Learn More.
Natural stone countertops are an investment that can last a lifetime. Simple care and maintenance will keep your investment looking new for years to come. Architectural Stone Works, Inc. can provide you with all the tools you need to keep your countertops looking their best. From color enhancing sealers to stainless steel sink cleaners, our helpful staff can guide you to the correct care and maintenance product to meet your needs. Click Here to Learn More.
Care and Precautions
Caring for your natural stone properly will ensure that your investment looks beautiful for as long as you own your home. We carry a full line of products to help you care for your stone, and offer the folllowing tips for stone care.
Caring for your natural stone properly will ensure that your investment looks beautiful for as long as you own your home. We carry a full line of products to help you care for your stone, and offer the folllowing tips for stone care.
Cleaning Procedures and Recommendations:
Dust-mop interior floors frequently as abrasives like sand, dirt and grit can do particular harm to your surface. The average person takes about eight steps on a surface before removing sand or dirt from their shoes. Mats and area rugs placed on either side of the entrance to your home or office will greatly reduce sand and grit. Do not use old or worn vacuum cleaners. The vacuum's wheels and attachments tend to damage your stone surface. When cleaning your surface, use something neutral, a stone soap or mild liquid dishwashing detergent with warm water. Avoid cleaners containing lemon, vinegar or other acids, as well as scouring powders or creams. A clean rag mop or soft cloth yields the best results. But remember to go light on the cleaner. Too much soap streaks and leaves a film. In any area where water is used, like a bathroom or kitchen, minimize soap scum and residue with a squeegee after every use. If build-up occurs, use a non-acidic cleaner specific to soap scum. In a pinch though, a simple solution of ammonia and water (1/2 cup ammonia to 1 gallon of water) will do, but avoid frequent or over-use.
Many vanity countertops are protected by a penetrating sealer. Your installer will offer a recommendation, but be sure it is safe for food preparation surfaces. If you have questions, check with the sealer manufacturer.
Dust-mop interior floors frequently as abrasives like sand, dirt and grit can do particular harm to your surface. The average person takes about eight steps on a surface before removing sand or dirt from their shoes. Mats and area rugs placed on either side of the entrance to your home or office will greatly reduce sand and grit. Do not use old or worn vacuum cleaners. The vacuum's wheels and attachments tend to damage your stone surface. When cleaning your surface, use something neutral, a stone soap or mild liquid dishwashing detergent with warm water. Avoid cleaners containing lemon, vinegar or other acids, as well as scouring powders or creams. A clean rag mop or soft cloth yields the best results. But remember to go light on the cleaner. Too much soap streaks and leaves a film. In any area where water is used, like a bathroom or kitchen, minimize soap scum and residue with a squeegee after every use. If build-up occurs, use a non-acidic cleaner specific to soap scum. In a pinch though, a simple solution of ammonia and water (1/2 cup ammonia to 1 gallon of water) will do, but avoid frequent or over-use.
Many vanity countertops are protected by a penetrating sealer. Your installer will offer a recommendation, but be sure it is safe for food preparation surfaces. If you have questions, check with the sealer manufacturer.
With outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas flush with clear water and use, again, a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss build-up.
Spill and Stains
In the unfortunate case of a spill, immediately blot with a paper towel. Do not wipe the affected area. It will only spread the stain. Flush the area with plain water and mild soap. Rinse several times with plain water, and then dry the area with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary. Stain Removal: Identifying the type of stain on the stone surface is the key to removing it. If you don't know what caused the stain, play detective. Where is the stain located? Is it near a plant, a food service area, an area where cosmetics are used? What color is it? What is the shape of or pattern? What goes on in the area around the stain?
In the unfortunate case of a spill, immediately blot with a paper towel. Do not wipe the affected area. It will only spread the stain. Flush the area with plain water and mild soap. Rinse several times with plain water, and then dry the area with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary. Stain Removal: Identifying the type of stain on the stone surface is the key to removing it. If you don't know what caused the stain, play detective. Where is the stain located? Is it near a plant, a food service area, an area where cosmetics are used? What color is it? What is the shape of or pattern? What goes on in the area around the stain?
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