GUIDE
Stone Care Guide
Stone countertops are a long-term investment in your home. With a few simple habits, you can keep quartz and granite looking beautiful for years. Use this guide for everyday cleaning tips and what to avoid on each surface.
Preventing Other Damage
Granite is scratch-resistant but cutting directly on the countertop is not recommended; always use a cutting board. Avoid contact with strong chemicals and solvents such as paint removers, oven cleaners, bleach, nail polish remover, permanent markers, and inks. Highly alkaline cleaners should also be kept away. If contact occurs, flush the area immediately with water.
Removing Stains
Baking soda is a reliable solution for most granite stains. For water stains, mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda and apply to the affected area. For oil-based stains, create a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and leave overnight. Afterward, clean the area with soap and water as usual.
Sealing
Granite countertops should be sealed periodically to maintain their durability and shine. Apply a penetrating sealer a few times a year, depending on use. To check if your countertops need sealing, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If it beads up, your granite is protected. If it absorbs into the stone, it’s time to reseal.
Granite Countertop Care
While granite is known for its strength and durability, it can be damaged by cleaning products that are safe for other surfaces. Following the proper care routine will keep your granite countertops looking beautiful for years.
Regular Cleaning
Use mild dish soap and water with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Wring out excess water, as standing water can stain granite, and wipe the entire surface. To prevent streaks and water damage, dry your countertops with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Preventing Heat Damage
While granite can withstand normal cooking temperatures, it’s best to minimize direct heat exposure. Use heat trivets or hot pads when placing hot objects like pots, pans, griddles, crock pots, coffee makers, or toaster ovens on your countertops to protect the surface.
Quartz Care and Maintenance Guide
Caring for your new quartz countertop is quick and easy. Your new countertop can provide you with many years of beauty and functionality with minimal maintenance. While quartz countertops are very durable, you can protect your investment by following these guidelines:
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Regular Cleaning
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For normal cleaning of your quartz countertop, use a soft cloth, soap/mild detergent and water. After cleaning, wipe the surface dry with a soft cloth. Wipe up spills as soon as possible, preferably before they dry.
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Abrasive pads and powders can damage the finish of the surface. To avoid damaging the quartz surface, only use non-abrasive cleaners, pads and sponges.
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DO NOT USE: bleach, oven cleaners and abrasive pads or powders.
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Heat Resistance
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Quartz countertops are extremely heat resistant; however, all surfaces can be damaged by extreme temperature changes. Quartz countertops are heat-resistant, but a trivet or hot pad should always be used under hot pots, pans, electric skillets, crockpots, other heat-generating small appliances, etc.
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DO NOT place hot cookware directly on any Stonehaus Quartz surface.
Durability
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Quartz surfaces are extremely durable but are not indestructible. The tops are scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof, so a cutting board should always be used. You should never cut directly on the counter surface. Like any surface, excessive pressure on the surface with a sharp object can damage it.
General Stone Maintenance Tips
- Do use soft cloths or non-abrasive sponges for everyday cleaning.
- Do wipe up spills quickly, especially oils, wine, coffee, and acidic foods.
- Do use cutting boards, trivets, and coasters on all stone surfaces.
- Don’t use vinegar, bleach, oven cleaner, or other harsh chemicals on your countertops.
- Don’t use steel wool, scrub pads, or abrasive powders that can scratch or dull the finish.
- If you’re unsure about a cleaner, test it on a small hidden area first.