Care & Cleaning
Cleaning
Clean the countertop with warm water and a few drops of dish washing detergent or antibacterial detergent using a soft cloth. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
Heat/Spills
Use care and precaution when placing hot pots or pans and acidic base fluids on your granite countertop. Hot cooking pots will not damage the granite surface, however you should avoid leaving hot pots and pans sitting on the counter for long periods of time. Always use a trivet or mat under hot surface. Use drink coasters and wipe away any spills immediately to prevent stains on the stone.
More on cleaning
Products to avoid
Be sure to avoid the following cleaning products as they may cause damage to your cabinetry:
- Harsh detergents, strong soaps, abrasive cleaning products such as tub and sink cleansers, scouring powder/pads, steel wool or self polishing waxes.
- Sponges or dish cloths. They may contain food or oil residue, remnants of harsh cleaning solutions or particles that could scratch your cabinets.
- Solvent-based or petroleum-based products such as mineral spirits, nail polish removers or paint thinners.
- Ammonia or cleaning products that contain ammonia.
- Bleach or cleaning products that include bleach.
- Silicone based cleaning, wax or polish products.
Expert tips
1. Moisture is the worst enemy for all wood. Be sure to wipe away any excess moisture or liquid immediately.
2. Try to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible in order to avoid discolouration.
3. Countertops should be protected against heat as well as wet or coloured objects to avoid staining. Always protect the surface when using sharp tools.
4. Do not use generic glass cleaners like bleach, glass, acidic cleaners or degreasers on the countertop surface.
Annual maintenance
For granite countertops, annual re-sealing is a good idea, not all stone countertops require a seal but may benefit from a quality sealer product. Select a penetrating sealer for natural stone. Only use products specifically designed for natural stone, and ideally for granite specifically. Re-sealing every year will ensure that your stone countertops are well protected and will be more resistant. It is a must for marble, travertine and limestone.
