ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & LINKS
CLEANING A NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOP
With the proper care, your granite or marble countertop will stay new-looking for years. Stone is one of the easiest surfaces to maintain. And granite, being 7 on the Mohs hardness scale of 1-10, is virtually unscratchable. (A stainless steel knife blade is a 6 on the scale.)
Reseal the countertop every year or two years. Check with the installer for recommendations. Use a non-toxic sealer on food preparation areas.
TIPS
Consider using a new disinfectant cleaner made specifically for granite.
Call your professional stone supplier, installer, or restoration specialist.
Ask a professional to remove or repair a scratch in granite.
Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface.
Do NOT place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under chins, ceramics, silver or other objects that could scratch the surface.
WARNINGS!
1. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Strong detergents or corrosive liquids can dull the polished marble/granite surface and should not be used.
2. Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers, scouring powders, or “soft” cleansers.
3. Do not mix cleaning products such as ammonia and bleach together- the result is toxic.