Tips and Tricks for Easy Stone Worktops Cleaning

Stone countertops are effective ways to add a touch of sophistication to ones home. They can be seen making use of in the kitchen, and baths etc. It proves to be an outstanding durable choice. There are various materials to choose from, like concrete, soapstone, Limestone, granite, marble, quartz. It is essential to understand the care required for each category of stone and proper maintenance that is needed to deter deterioration.

Here are several ways how to clean stone worktops with reasonable maintenance of every particular category of stone countertop, although there are few general maintenance advice that can be used for all types:

1.Concrete

Same as the concrete flooring, the best method of maintenance for concrete countertops is to understand the technique of sealant used for it. The sealing material which needs to be in acid, resistive of scratches and temperature. The careful understanding of the specifications on the frequency of the reapplication and usages of the sealant.

Everyday Cleanup

for daily Cleanup, all you have to do is use the mixture of one teaspoon of dish detergent immersed in four cups of lukewarm water and conserve it in a convenient bottle. You can use wipes to clean the counters after preparing food or cooking. Stave off from the usage of rough, harsh cleaning products or even using pads for scrubbing.

Removing Stains

Stains appearing due to harsh acids, e.g. citrus juice, can particularly smudges where the surface has deteriorated or damaged. It occurs as the acid eats away at the surface and creates carbonate residues. Any staining and discolouration due to food item, e.g. coffee may be removed effortlessly with the help of chlorine bleach.

A direct application of this bleach on the stain using a cotton ball dipped in it, or a paper towel will help in clearing any spots. It is easier for oily substances to penetrate the surface of the sealant and any of the smudged concrete. It requires a solvent and oil absorbent.

A well made sufficient cleaner made at home for removing oil stains on concrete is a mixture of baking soda with acetone for the formation of a dense paste. After removing the plastic wrap on the paste covered concrete surface, let the mixture dry and afterwards wipe out the surface after a whole day.

2.Granite

There is a wide range of variety when it comes to granite slabs having numerous hues and structures that make it one of the most wanted stone worktops. Every piece is one of its kind. As it is antibacterial, along with a capable sealant, much simpler care for the smooth surfaces.

Everyday Cleanup

When it comes to knowing how to clean stone worktops and keep them shining, everyday Cleanup including a mix of dishwasher detergent along with water. A teaspoon of this mixture in four cups of lukewarm water stored in a convenient bottle can work wonders. The usage of harsh cleaners, e.g. bathroom cleaning foam, citrus juice, or vinegar, may end up damaging its smooth surface. The usage of chopping boards and cutters helps in preventing scratches and smudges.

Removing Stains

The removal of difficult stains, e.g. red wine, the usage of a stone poultice or maybe a creative mixture made of household items of baking soda along with hydrogen peroxide for the formation of a dense paste-like consistency. Layer this mix around one-fourth inch over the smudge and after covering it with plastic wrapping. After removal of the wrap and drying off the paste, wiping it off will reveal a smooth and glazed surface

3.Limestone

Usually, Limestone is available in shades of white and off-white with swirling and naturally beautiful patterns on the surface. The only shortcoming of having limestone worktops is their requirement of more maintenance and care compared to the other kinds of worktops. The material is permeable, and any smudges and discolourations are absorbed easier than other surfaces. It can be adequately maintained with the correct sealant and specific care, and these worktops can last you a lifetime.

Everyday Cleanup

Deter from the usage of any tough or citrus-based cleaners on these limestone worktops. Choose a commercial based solvent for Limestone or dishwashing detergent along with lukewarm water. Daily cleanups after cooking are mandatory, and it is best done with a soft cloth. Cleaning is best-done cloth rather than using sponges and scrubbing material as they may end up damaging the surface.

Removing Stains

The removal of stains with a mix of baking soda along with hydrogen peroxide like a dense paste. After applying it in a thick layer and covering it up in a plastic wrapping for a whole day, wipe it off clean and get the area resealed. In case some scratches might not be too deep, one might be able to smooth it out with the usage of steel wool of excellent grade. Resealing the area after Cleanup is mandatory.

4.Marble

The shortcomings of having a marble worktop are the permeability and porousness of the stone that absorbs any smudges and stains with ease. The usage of a proper sealant will help in deterring stains, but acidic substances can easily affect the marble surface

Everyday Cleanup

The best way of ensuring the longevity of the marble surface is preventing any stains from occurring. All food stains and spill of drink should be wiped as they occur. The usage of mild detergent on a soft cloth helps in keeping the surface smooth. Any harsh substances like vinegar or rough material may and up damaging its smooth surface. Skip the scrubbing sponges as well. The resealing of marble worktops have to be done between six months for the prevention of smudges.

Removing Stains

For the removal of any smudges and stains made by food or drink can be easily removed by the help of a mixture of baking soda along with hydrogen peroxide. It has to be applied generously and dried properly before being wiped away.

5.Quartz

The primary advantage of having quartz worktops is the non-permeability and non-porous nature of the material. Any kind of regular resealing is not required. The shortcoming of quartz worktops is the fading of the colour on being exposed to direct and severe sun rays. It would be best if you tried avoiding to place any heated materials which might end up damaging the resin.

Everyday Cleanup

The maintenance of a quartz worktop if one the simplest as it does not show any effects against citrus or acidic substances. For a daily cleanup, the usage of a glass cleanser and any mild household cleaning substance is suggested instead of any harsh scrubbing pads.

Removing Stains

There are very few substances that can harm the surface of the quartz. The usage of a plastic knife may help in the removal of dried up paint.

6.Soapstone

Soapstone is well known for its being non-permeable and does not stain easily. It also has an impressive resistance against heat. The limitation of soapstone worktops lies in the fact that it may not be as severe as the other materials but might be damaged because of scratches and chippings made by more massive objects.

Everyday Cleanup

These worktops which recently mined is usually light coloured. The hues of the stone darken with its exposure to elements of water and oily substances. Mineral oils are frequently utilised to improve the hues of these worktops. Everyday Cleanup is very simply done with cleanser along with water. The usage of harsh materials and rough substances have to be avoided.

Removing Stains

Due to the non-permeability of the material, the stains made by food and citrus-like substances are ineffective on its surface. Mineral oil helps in lightening any smudges, scratches and discolouration on the surface.