Stone Care Guide
Just Installed
If your project is still under construction, cover your granite counter tops with a drop cloth. Workers should not step on the tops or place tools on them. A dropped hammer in just the right place can chip or crack your top. No weight should be applied to the seams for 24 hours after the installation. Avoid using petroleum-based adhesives and putties like “Liquid Nails” and plumber’s putty. The oils in these products can seep into the stone and may leave a grease spot. To avoid rust, your contractor should use stainless or galvanized fasteners and supports in any application where the stone will be installed in a wet area.
General Care
Clean with a cloth and mild dish soap. We suggest using a product such as Ivory dish soap because it is made without animal fats and is free of dies. Do not use colored glass cleaners such as Windex, or lime dissolving products. Don’t use polishes, waxes, or similar oil based products. Dried foods can be cleaned with 0000 steel wool.
Stain Removal
To avoid stains on your counter tops, wipe up spills promptly. Baking soda can remove many stains and it is easy to use. Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Place plastic wrap over the paste and let it sit for 24 hours before removing it. There are pre- mixed poultice products available for stain removal. Try out any cleaner or stain remover on an inconspicuous place to make sure it won’t discolor the stone.
Stone Impregnator
We apply a coat of impregnator on your counter tops and this helps the stone resist most stains. For darker stones we use Impregnator Pro and this should last up to three years. We use Bullet Proof for lighter stones and this should last up to five years. For more information, go online at www.stonetechpro.com. To apply the impregnator, spread a thin coat of the liquid on the counter top with a lint free cloth and let it seep into the pores for 15-20 minutes. Apply a second coat and repeat the above procedure. Wipe up excess impregnator until it feels dry, and don’t put anything on the counter tops for 6-8 hours. If you have any questions about caring for your new granite counter tops, please call Dvorak Natural Stone at 608.274.0557.
