The materials listed in the " marble care and use" are to be cared for in a specific manner. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in damages to the countertop. Following these simple guidelines your Natural Stone countertop will provide years of service while maintaining its natural beauty and luster.
Natural Stone countertops are most prone to damage during the manufacturing and installation stages; however, it is important to follow an appropriate care and use regiment to maintain the beauty of your natural stone marble countertop. Below is a list of things to avoid, helping prolong the splendor of your natural stone countertop
- Do not sit, stand or kneel on a stone countertop
- Do not cut directly on the surface. Use cutting boards whenever possible
- Do not drop heavy items onto the surface
- Do not use aerosol cleaning products
- Do not spray cleaners directly onto the surface
- Clean up spills immediately. Foods and beverages containing acids will etch the surface.
- Hot plate are recommended when long term exposure to extreme heat is present
- Do not use abrasive cleaners, cleaners formulated for tile and grout or drain cleaners
- Do not forcefully scrub any area of the countertop. For aggressive cleaning pre-wet the affected area and wipe clean.
- Do not allow water to pool around sinks and faucets areas for prolong period of time
Daily Cleaning: Marble countertops should be wiped clean after each use and spot cleaned as necessary. It is suggested to use cleaners specifically formulated for natural stone. The use of glass and window cleaners are not an acceptable method for caring for marble countertops, cleaners other than dedicated natural stones cleaners will mar the surface resulting in a cloudy dull, appearance.
Avoiding Hard Water Stains: To avoid unsightly hard water marks, wipe down the countertop after each use paying extra attention around the sink and faucet. Keeping these areas dry will prevent the lime build up.
Removing Hard Water Stains: Using a plastic putty knife at a 450 angle, gently remove all topical residue and wipe clean with a dedicated stone cleaner. Pre soaking the area with a solution of warm water and a drop of PH neutral dish detergent will help remove the residue.
Disinfecting your Countertop: Natural Stone countertops are not known to harbor bacteria. Following the recommended guidelines for daily cleaning will effectively remove the source which supports the grown of bacteria. For more thorough cleaning a solution water (90%) and bleach (10%) can be used to help disinfect your countertops.
Stubborn Residue: Pre soak the affected area with warm water for approximately 5 minutes. Using a plastic putty knife or spatula at a 450 angle, gently remove all topical residues and wipe clean with a dedicated stone cleaner.
Absorption Stains: water absorption marks will dry out naturally over time. Using a hair dryer 6-8" above the surface will help expedite the drying. If your countertops darken after exposure to water, a reapplication of an impregnating sealer is necessary.
Water Penetration: water testing your countertop from time to time is a good way to tell if your countertop sealer is still working. Water left soaking on a natural stone countertop should stay on the surface for approximately 15 minutes before showing signs of permeation. If your countertops darken relatively quickly or stays dark around the sinks and faucets area it may be time to reseal your countertop.
Sealing your Marble Countertop: As a rule of thumb natural stone countertops should be sealed 1-2 times per year. This process should take only 15-30 minutes depending on the size of the countertop. For further details regarding a specific sealant regiment please contact your Caayu representative
Step by step instructions:
These instructions are intended as a guide. Always follow the instructions listed on the intended product and test in an inconspicuous area to determine its effect.
- Clean the entire countertop with a dedicated Stone Cleaner.
- Do not pour the sealer directly onto the surface.
- Pour the sealer onto a microfiber or terry cloth towel. Immediately distribute the sealer evenly to the desired areas working smaller, manageable areas at a time.
- Allow the sealer to penetrate for 5 minutes.
- Using a microfiber or terry cloth towel redistribute the sealer re-covering the working area.
- Allow the sealer to penetrate for an additional 5 minutes. Adding new sealer when necessary to achieve complete wetness
- Apply a small amount of sealer to the desired area and immediately remove using a new dry cloth.
- After 10 minutes buff the countertop with a clean microfiber or terry cloth towel to remove any residue.
- Keep countertop dry for a minimum of 6 hours.