These are THE ONLY products that we recommend:
General Guidelines
- Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Do not place hot items right off a stove or out of an oven directly on the stone surface.
- Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver, or other objects that can scratch the surface. For calcareous stones, many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface.
Cleaning
- Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available from Korkan Granite), or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water.
- Use a clean soft cloth for best results.
- Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.
- Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids on marble or limestone.
- Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth.
- Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.
Bath and Other Wet Areas
Soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.
Protecting Your Natural Stone
Although stone is stain & scratch resistant, it is a very porous material. It must be properly sealed to protect its natural beauty from water, oil, and/or other liquids that otherwise may penetrate leaving stains. Protective sealers are used on all types of stone, leaving an invisible seal.
General Guidelines for Stain Removal
- Remove any loose debris
- Blot spills; wiping the area will spread the spill
- Flush the area with plain water and mild soap and rinse several times
- Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth
- Repeat as necessary
- If the stain persists or for problems that appear too difficult to treat, give us a call. We’re here to help!
Should I Seal My Stone?
In some cases it makes sense to seal the stone. Once properly sealed, the stone will be protected against everyday dirt and spills. In other cases, it is best to leave the stone untreated. Topical sealers can alter the surface texture and finish as well as build up on the surface, creating a layer that is less durable than the stone. Generally, topical sealers are not recommended in exterior applications because they can trap moisture within the top layer of the stone, which may lead to surface deterioration during freeze/thaw cycles.
Korkan Granite is your ultimate resource to help you maintain the beautiful look and feel of your stone countertops. We stock the cleaning and sealing products you need to keep your stone looking just as gorgeous as the day it was installed.