Care & Maintenance
Quartz
Quartz surfaces are high-quality, solid, non-porous products that resist scratches, heat, and stains. However, quartz surfaces are not heat, stain and scratch proof. Quartz surfaces require minimum care and maintenance, and the following guidelines will help you keep your quartz surfaces in immaculate condition for years.
REGULAR CLEANING
Quartz is strongly resistant to stains caused by fruit juices, liquid food coloring, coffee, tea, wine, grapes, soft drinks, paints, nail polish and polish remover, automotive fluids, and permanent markers. If any of these accidentally come into contact with your quartz surface, immediately wipe the area with any commonly available multi-purpose cleaner or mild detergent, then rinse off with clean water. A mixture of one (1) part mild detergent to five (5) parts warm tap water (50°C-60°C/122°F-140°F) is ideal for normal cleaning of quartz surfaces. The surface should be cleaned daily to avoid the build-up of dirt and any chance of staining.
CLEANING STUBBORN STAINS
For stubborn spills and stains, apply a mild, non-abrasive household cleanser with a neutral pH (between 6 and 8) to a damp soft cloth or nonabrasive sponge, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Note: It is possible that some of the stubborn stains may leave a light mark or very slight discoloration on the surface. Before trying a more powerful cleaning agent, please test on a small, less conspicuous area of the surface. If there is no negative reaction, then proceed to clean the affected area. The same testing should be done for any cleaning agents that have been kept for a long time without use.
DRIED RESIDUE
For food, chewing gum, nail polish, paint or any foreign materials that are strongly adhered to any quartz surfaces, simply scrape them away with a sharp blade or sharp plastic scraper. If a metal blade is used in scraping, it may leave grey marks on the surface which an ordinary scouring pad will easily remove. Wash and rinse the surface with clean water.
RESISTANCE TO SCRATCHING
Quartz surfaces are highly resistant to scratching but are not scratch proof. To keep the surface in immaculate condition for years, always use a cutting board for food preparation. Never cut directly on a countertop surface.
RESISTANCE TO HEAT
Quartz surfaces are designed and manufactured to withstand moderate heat but it is not heat proof. Thermal shock resistance increases with the thickness of quartz. Like any composite material, quartz may be damaged by a sudden or protracted exposure to high temperatures, mainly at the edges and cutouts, resulting in cracks. To prevent thermal shock, discoloration or other damage, it is necessary to use insulating pads when placing hot objects on the surface. Do not expose the surface to open flames and avoid prolonged contact with very hot cooking appliances. We always recommend using a hot pad or trivet when using cooking units such as electric frying pans, crock pots or roaster ovens.
RESISTANCE TO IMPACT
One of the characteristics that makes these surfaces stand out is their high impact resistance. However, users are recommended to avoid standing or putting excess weight on the surface, especially areas that due to fabrication, may be slightly weaker (pointed corners, fine edges, etc).
EXPOSURE TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT
When quartz is exposed to direct sunlight, it may result in color change and warping. It is advisable to avoid direct sunlight over a prolonged period on the surface.
EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS AND SOLVENTS
Quartz surfaces can be permanently damaged by prolonged exposure to strong chemicals and solvents. It is advisable not to use hydrofluoric acid, paint strippers or any product containing trichloroethane or methylene chloride.
MAINTENANCE FOR SPECIAL FINISHES
Surfaces in special finishes (including honed and brushed finishes) require additional daily maintenance and care compared to polished surfaces. The area exposed on a special finish is more than that of the polished surface; hence any dirt, markings and scratches will be more obvious on a special finish surface. These markings can be removed by using non-abrasive cleaning products.
Natural Stone
The best advice for the care and maintenance of natural stone countertops encompasses several key principles:
REGULAR CLEANING
Clean your countertops regularly with a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.
IMMEDIATE SPILL CLEANUP
Promptly wipe up spills to prevent staining. Even with sealed countertops, acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar can cause etching if left sitting for too long.
SEALING
Depending on the type of stone, sealing may be necessary to protect against staining and etching. Follow your fabricator’s recommendations for sealing frequency and product selection.
USE CUTTING BOARDS AND TRIVETS
Avoid cutting directly on natural stone surfaces as it can dull knives and potentially scratch the stone. Use cutting boards and trivets under hot pots and pans to prevent heat damage.
AVOID ACIDIC CLEANERS
Acidic cleaners can damage certain types of stone, so it’s best to stick to pH-neutral options.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Regularly inspect your countertops for signs of wear, such as scratches or dull spots. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from worsening over time.
AVOID IMPACT DAMAGE
Be mindful of heavy objects that could potentially chip or crack the stone surface. Take care when moving appliances or other heavy items on or near the countertops.
KNOW YOUR STONE
Different types of natural stone have unique characteristics and maintenance requirements. Educate yourself on the specific needs of your countertop material to ensure proper care and longevity.
Precioustone
MAINTAINING PRECIOUSTONE IS EASY
Precioustone like most porous natural stones needs to be sealed on a regular basis. Due to their porosity many natural stones are susceptible to staining and sealing them on a regular basis greatly reduces the chances of stains. Cleaning precioustone can be done with soap and water. Common name brand cleaners that state natural stone as one of their applications are also acceptable. Bleach and heavy-duty cleaners are not recommended and can damage the Precioustone if used for cleaning.
Neolith
Wash the surface with a cotton cloth and warm water. A mild soap may be used if desired. Food particles cannot penetrate the stone guaranteeing good hygiene. Stains from lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, wine and coffee can be removed easily, and even strong cleaning agents do not affect Neolith countertops. Neolith is heat resistant, and pots and pans do not damage or discolor the surface.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION WITH THE CERAMIC KNIVES:
A Neolith surface can be scratched with ceramic knives so please use careful consideration when utilizing this cutlery.
EVERYDAY CLEANING
- A microfiber cloth may be utilized to remove dust from the stone, and Neolith surfaces can be cleaned daily if necessary.
- Rinse with warm water and dry with a cloth or similar. Wash Neolith countertops with warm water and mild soap. Avoid using cleaners with hydrofluoric acid and its derivatives.
- Please dry surfaces immediately if liquids are spilled. Stains are easily removed when you clean and dry them promptly.
- Application of waxes, impregnating agents, and oily soaps, are not advisable nor are they necessary. Please read ingredients of detergents as some contain polishing additives and waxes that will leave an oily film on the surface of Neolith after several washes.
- The edges of a Neolith surface are the most sensitive to damage. Please do not hit surfaces with blunt or heavy objects that could cause the surface to chip or break.
TIP:
Apply treatment to spots and stains and examine closely. If the spot is lighter or reduced the treatment is working and continue to apply until the stain is completely removed.
SUGGESTED DETERGENTS TO CLEAN GENERAL STAINS
Some stains may not be removed by general cleaning and specific procedures will need to be used. Clean the surface as soon as possible as the amount of time a substance stays on the surface is very important.
Below are some agents are utilized for specific stains:
