Negro Marinachi with Pebble Backsplash
Natural stone, whether it is in the form of tile or a beautiful slab on your counter tops, should be treated gently. Use a small amount of detergent when necessary, and avoid any harsh or acidic cleaners. These can eat away at the resined surface, or scratch and dull any polished finishes. Avoid moving pots and pans directly from the oven to your natural stone surface – rocks don’t burn at those temperatures, but the resins and finishes which give your stone that beautiful shine can and will scorch if misused. Don’t drop anything heavy on your tile or countertop, because sufficient force might cause it to chip or crack, depending on the material and thickness.
Not all granite is created equal. Some stones are much denser than others, and the type and finish (polished, honed, flamed, antiqued) will affect how sturdy and maintainable your particular countertop or vanity is. Natural surfaces should be re-sealed every year to a year and a half; travertines and limestones are especially susceptible to absorbing various liquids. Don’t skimp on your sealer. Good, regular maintenance could make the difference between enjoyable stone for a year, and remarkably vibrant stone for a lifetime.
For more exhaustive care and cleaning instructions, you can visit the Marble Institute of America’s Natural Stone Care and Cleaning guide.
Natural quartz products, such as Cambria, LG Viatera, Zodiaq, Caesarstone, and Silestone, should be used indoors only, as ultraviolet rays break down the resins used to hold it together. Sunlight from a window is fine, but direct UV light can cause damage, including spotting, fading, and weakness.
Quartz does not need annual or semi-annual resealing, however, and is pretty much completely non-absorbent. Clean your quartz in the same manner as granite, with the same care about acidic and abrasive cleaners. Please refer to the Cambria USA Care and Maintenance Guide for more specific information.
Heidi Blodgett
Schumacher Tile & Stone
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