Maintenance

Care and maintenance of engineered stone benchtops
Engineered stone is virtually non-porous. 

However, while it is certainly highly resistant to stains, scratches and heat, this does not mean it is stain, scratch and heat proof.
  • Protecting against stains Engineered stone needs no sealing and is highly resistant to most stains caused by fruit juices, liquid food colouring, coffee, tea, wine, grapes, soft drinks, curries and paints. However, if any of the above are accidentally spilled on the surface it is advisable to wipe off the stained area as soon as possible using any commonly-available multi-purpose cleaner or household detergent. (We particularly recommend glass cleaner or a cream cleaner.) After wiping, rinse immediately with plain water.For stubborn spills and stains the procedure may need to be repeated several times and a non-abrasive nylon household scouring pad may need to be used to gently remove the stain. It is possible that some stubborn stains may leave a light mark or very slight discolouration on the stone.
  • Protecting against heat, Engineered stone is designed to be heat-resistant and can withstand exposure to normal cooking temperatures for brief periods of time without damage. Although quartz-based stone surfaces withstand heat better than most other benchtop materials on the market, all surfacing materials, including stone, can be damaged by extreme temperature changes, whether prolonged or sudden, particularly in vulnerable areas such as edges or cut-outs for sinks.It is advisable to not place hot skillets, pans, crock-pots, electric frying pans or other heat-generating kitchenware directly onto the stone surface. Protect the stone by using a trivet or insulating pad.

    It should also be noted that the stone’s resistance to thermal shock is increased with an increase in the thickness of the stone slab. In other words, a 40mm benchtop will withstand extreme temperature change better than a 20mm slab.

  • Using cutting board on stone benchtop to chop vegetablesProtecting against scratches Engineered stone’s durable surface is designed to withstand normal use. While it is resistant to scratches, cuts and chipping, cutting directly on the stone surface with sharp knives and other common kitchen tools should still be avoided as continued use can dull the polished surface. Use cutting boards.Care should also be taken not to drop or slide heavy objects on the surface.
  • Protecting against chemicals. As with any surface your engineered stone benchtop can be permanently damaged by exposure to strong chemicals and solvents that can undermine its physical properties. Paint remover, paint and stain strippers, nail polish removers, bleach, furniture cleaners, oil soaps, permanent markers or inks, oven cleaners, drain cleaners and chemicals with high alkaline pH levels are examples of products that could damage the surface.Should the surface be accidentally exposed to any of these damaging products, rinse immediately with plenty of water to neutralize the effect.
  • Protecting against sticky substances. To remove sticky residues like food, chewing gum and nail polish, first gently scrape away the excess with a plastic scraper, then follow normal cleaning procedures.Note: Should paint spots or stains persist after following the above procedures then, as a last alternative, the spot use of acetone may be successful. However, it is recommended that you test first in an inconspicuous area.
  • Protecting against direct sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight may result in colour change and warping. It is advisable to avoid prolonged periods of direct sunlight on the stone surface.
Care and maintenance of natural stone benchtops – marble and granite

Natural stone does need a little more care than engineered stone. Generally, prevention will save a great deal of time and money spent on cures and remedies, especially since damage to stone is often irreparable. Polished stone should receive the same care and consideration that is given to a fine wood finish.

  • Cleaning natural stone benchtops. Regular cleaning involves only washing with clean tap water and neutral (pH-7) cleaners. “Soap-less” cleaners are preferred because they minimize sticking and filming. However, mild phosphate-free, biodegradable dishwashing liquid, soap flakes or powders which contain no aromatics are acceptable if rinsing is thorough.First wet the stone surface with clean, hot (not boiling) water. Then, using the cleaner solution, wash in small overlapping sweeps. Rinse thoroughly with clean tap water to remove all traces of soap or cleaner solution. Change the water in the rinse pail frequently. Dry with a soft cloth or cotton-flannel and allow to thoroughly air-dry. Chamois skin may be used instead of cotton cloth.
  • Stain preventionWine spill on natural stone kitchen countertop. Coasters and placemats should be used to prevent staining for all drinking glasses and dishes, including water glasses, as marble is susceptible to stains including water rings. To reduce staining, avoid leaving spillage on marble for any period of time. Items such as coffee, red wine, cooking oils, butter, lemon juice, tomatoes and anything else acidic should be wiped off the bench top as soon as possible. Take care to use the proper cleaning agents – ammonia-based products can etch the surface and dull the shine.On installation, natural stone is sealed with a penetrating sealer to help prevent the absorption of stains into the stone. It is recommended that natural stone benchtops be resealed periodically (every 3-6 months) with a penetrating stone sealer.

    For removing stains from your stone benchtop, do not use chemical products such as Jif, window cleaner or other acid-based cleaners, as this can cause a scum build up, eventually taking away the high gloss finish of granite and marble. If in doubt there are various cleaning and maintenance products specially designed for cleaning natural stone.

  • Protection against heat. Marble has the potential to scorch and, although granite is heat resistant up to between 150 and 200 degrees Celsius, if direct heat is applied regularly, over time hairline cracks may appear reducing the strength of the product. Therefore, it is always advisable to use trivets, potholders and placemats to protect stone surfaces against heat.
  • Protection against scratching. While cutting directly on granite surfaces will not affect the large majority of granites the use of a cutting board is recommended. The repeated use of a knife in the same place on a granite bench top will eventually wear down the polish and blunt your knives.
  • Protection against weight. Although natural stone is a solid and strong material it will not expand or contract to any measurable degree. Therefore, it should not be subjected to excessive weight or stress or be used as a workbench. Kneeling, sitting or standing on your stone benchtop can cause the surface to fracture or crack. Be particularly careful of the weak part of kitchen benchtops, for example the front and rear of the sink and cook top. Downward pressure to these areas can cause cracking or breakage.
18 Sunderland Street,
Moonah Tasmania 7009

Ph: 03 6122 1839
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