Stone tops last for decades with very little effort, as long as you use the right cleaner and avoid a few things that damage them. Here's what each material needs.
For every stone
- Wipe up spills quickly, especially oil, wine, coffee and anything acidic.
- Use a chopping board. Cutting straight on the top blunts knives and can mark the surface.
- Put hot pots, pans and appliances on a trivet or stand.
- Skip abrasive scourers and harsh cleaners. A soft cloth does the job.
Granite
Clean with warm water and a mild, pH-neutral soap. Granite is sealed to slow down staining, and the sealer wears over time. To check it, drip a little water on the surface: if it beads, the seal is fine; if the stone darkens as the water soaks in, it's time to reseal.
Marble
Clean with warm water and a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Never use vinegar, lemon or acid-based bathroom cleaners on marble: acids etch the surface and leave dull marks that sealing can't prevent.
Use coasters under glasses and wipe up wine, juice and sauces straight away. Reseal regularly to slow down staining. Light etch marks on polished marble can often be polished out by a stone professional.
Caesarstone
Caesarstone's care guide is simple: water and a mild detergent, or a spray-and-wipe cleaner, on a soft cloth or non-abrasive scourer. It doesn't need sealing.
What to avoid, according to Caesarstone: oven cleaners, dishwasher polishing agents, lye, caustic soda, acetone, paint strippers and other strong acids or alkalis. Always use trivets under hot cookware and appliances like electric frying pans and slow cookers, as sudden or long direct heat can damage the surface, especially near the edges. For limescale around taps, Caesarstone suggests white vinegar left for a short while, then a gentle scrub.
General information only. Natural stone varies from slab to slab, so ask us about the specific stone and colour you choose. Caesarstone is a registered trademark of Caesarstone Ltd.