After Care, Tips and Cautions

Natural stones are porous. In general Granite is least porous, followed by Slate, the Marble. It is not unreasonable to expect differing performances per surface. Even Granite surfaces are not impervious to staining and damage. For lasting results they must be properly cared for.

Granite is generally stronger and more scratch, stain and chip resistant. Slate, Limestone and Marble offer less resistance in this respect. It is always advisable on work surfaces to use chopping boards in heavy use areas.

Like all natural material, Marble, Granite, and Slate require care to preserve their beauty. Strongly coloured foodstuffs, such as blackcurrant and beetroot, can stain surfaces. Care should be taken to reduce the amount of continual contact acidic liquids such fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, and soda have with these surfaces as they may etch them. Spills should be cleaned immediately with warm soapy water.

Avoid leaving excessive moisture on these surfaces. Granite must not be rubbed with abrasive cleaning materials; scouring powders, coarse steel wool, metal brushes etc.
Never use chlorine based cleaners, acids, photographic development equipment, alkalis and concentrated biological disinfectants, on stone surfaces.

Wash with clean warm water to which a non-abrasive light neutral detergent may be added. Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a chamois leather or similar. Polish lightly using a cleaner, certain glass cleaners are effective. Drainage flutes can be cleaned using fine wire wool and wax. For normal cleaning, wipe Marble, Granite, and Slate surfaces with a damp cloth. Dirt and fingerprints can removed with a clean, soft cloth and warm water.

It is not advisable to use kitchen cleaners that contain bleaches or antibacterial agents, nor anything more powerful than washing up detergent unless they are specifically intended for use on natural stone. If any of these come into contact with stone, clean them off immediately, otherwise surface damage will occur. Do not allow surface deposits to build up on stone worktops, e.g. powder detergents, salts and water.

Marble is a more porous stone that requires special care. It can be scratched by grit, and it absorbs moisture, so wipe any spills immediately. Clean Marble regularly by using a soft cloth or sponge with a solution of mild, liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Do not use vinegar, lemon, or any other acidic cleaner, it will mark into the marble.

Should it be necessary to remove surface stains, rub them with a Marble polishing powder, such as tin oxide (available at most hardware and home improvement stores). Carefully follow the products directions.