If you’re a proud owner of a stone benchtop in Perth, you know that its elegance and durability are unmatched.
Stone benchtops not only add a touch of sophistication to your home but also serve as a centrepiece in many kitchens.
However, with great beauty comes the responsibility of maintenance, especially when it comes to addressing accidental spills. Whether it’s the accidental spill of beetroot juice or the splash of a bolognese sauce, such mishaps can quickly mar the beauty of your stone surface.
But don’t stress. With a bit of know-how and some elbow grease, you can tackle these issues effectively.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for maintaining your stone benchtop’s splendour. Understanding your stone’s unique properties, responding swiftly to spills, and using the right cleaning techniques are all crucial steps.
Whether you’re dealing with a sensitive marble, a robust granite, or a sleek engineered stone, this guide has got you covered.
So, let’s dive into the world of stone benchtop care and ensure your kitchen remains the gleaming heart of your home.
With our tips and tricks, you’ll be equipped to handle any mishap that comes your way, keeping your Perth home’s stone benchtop looking as pristine as the day it was installed.
Understanding Your Stone Benchtop
First off, it’s vital to understand what type of stone your benchtop is made of.
Common types include granite, marble, and engineered stones like quartz.
Each type has its characteristics and cleaning requirements. For instance, marble is a calcium carbonate and more prone to marking than granite.
Daily Care and Immediate Attention
For daily care, a simple wipe with a damp cloth and a mild detergent is usually enough or a wipe with MB Stonecare’s MB5 ‘Stone & More’ will give the perfect, streak-free clean every time. But when it comes to bad spills, time is of the essence. Immediate action can prevent a bad spill from becoming a permanent mark. Blot the spill with a paper towel or a soft cloth – remember, don’t rub, as this can push the spill deeper into the stone, use MB Stonecare’s MB5 ‘Stone & More’ and clean up the mess.
Deeper Insights into Stain Types and Treatments
How to Remove a Stain – Poulticing Method.
Definition of a Poultice.
What’s a poultice? It is the combination of a very absorbent medium (it must be more absorbent than the stone) mixed with a chemical, which is to be selected by the type of stain to be removed. The concept is to re-absorb the stain out of the stone. The chemical will attack the stain inside the stone, and the absorbent agent will pull them both out together.
It’s intuitive that while the absorbent agent can be the same all the time, regardless of the nature of the stain to be removed, the chemical will be different, by the nature of the staining agent, since it will have to interact with it.
The absorbent part of a poultice could be, talc powder(Baby powder), paper towel or baking soda.
As we said before, the chemical must be selected by the nature of the staining agent. There are five major classifications of stains:
- Organic Stains (i.e. coffee, tea, colouring agents of dark sodas and other drinks, gravy, mustard, etc.)
- Inorganic stains (i.e. ink, colour dies, dirt – water spilling over from flower and plant pot, etc.)
- Oily stains (i.e. any type of vegetable oil, certain mineral oils – motor oil, butter, margarine, melted animal fat, etc.)
- Biological stains (i.e. mildew, mould, etc.)
- Metal stains (i.e. rust, copper, etc.)
The chemical of choice for both Organic and Inorganic stains is Hydrogen Peroxide (30/40 volumes, the clear type – available at your local beauty salon. The one from the chemist is too weak, at 3.5 volumes). Sometimes, in the case of ink, Denatured Alcohol (rubbing alcohol) may turn out to be more effective.
For Oily stains, our favourite is Acetone, which is available at any hardware or paint store. (Forget your nail polish remover: some of them contain other chemicals, and some other ones contain no acetone whatsoever.)
For Biological stains, one can try using regular household bleach, but we recommend our MB stonecares MB9 It represents a much more complete and effective formulation for these kinds of stains.
For Metal stains, our favourite is a white powder (to be melted in water), which is available at fine hardware stores all over the country under the trade name of “Iron-out.”
Professional Help
If the issue is stubborn or if you’re unsure about the type of stone or the appropriate cleaning method, it might be wise to call in a professional. Perth is home to many stone care experts who can provide tailored solutions.
Preventive Measures
Prevention is always better than cure. Use coasters under glasses and place mats under dishes to prevent spills. Avoid placing hot pots directly on the stone surface as they can cause discoloration. Also, use cutting boards to prevent scratches.
Sealing Your Stone Benchtop
Many stone benchtops are sealed to protect against markings. However, this seal can wear off over time, so it’s a good idea to reseal your benchtop every one to two years. This process can be done by yourself or by a professional.
The No-No List
Avoid using acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice, especially on marble, as they can etch the surface. Similarly, harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can damage the stone. Always opt for pH-neutral cleaners like MB Stonecare’s MB5 ‘Stone & More’
Dealing with serious damage? Here’s How to Replace a Kitchen Benchtop
Special Care for Different Stone Types
Marble
Being Calcume Based, marble is susceptible to acid etching and scratches. It’s advised to clean spills immediately and use coasters under all glasses, especially those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Regular polishing can help maintain its shine. MB Stonecare Tips & Tricks
Granite
Granite is more durable but can still suffer from stains and dullness over time. Avoid using vinegar, bleach, or ammonia on granite. Instead, opt for warm, soapy water or PH-balanced cleaners specifically formulated for granite. MB Stonecare Do’s and Don’ts
How to Clean Your Granite Benchtop
Engineered Stone (Quartz):
Quartz is non-porous and resistant to most stains. However, it’s not indestructible. Avoid high pH cleaners and excessive heat. Use a soft cloth and gentle cleaner for everyday cleaning. MB Stonecare’s MB5 ‘Stone & More’
Deep Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance can significantly reduce the likelihood of staining. Here are some tips for keeping your benchtop in prime condition:
- Regular Sealing: Depending on the stone type, sealing every one to two years can prevent stains from penetrating the surface.MB Stonecare’s MB24
- Deep Cleaning: Occasionally, a deeper clean is required. Use a stone-specific cleaner for this. Avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent surface damage.MB Stonecare’s MB5 ‘Stone & More’
- Polishing: For added shine, especially on marble and granite, use a stone polish. This can also help in filling in minor scratches. MB Stonecare’s MB13 Stone Polish
- Professional Resurfacing: If your benchtop has suffered extensive damage or staining, professional resurfacing may be necessary. This process involves grinding down the surface and re-polishing it.
Conclusion: How to Keep Your Stone Benchtop Stain-Free
Issues with your stone benchtops in Perth are not the end of the world.
With a bit of knowledge and the right approach, you can address them effectively. Remember to clean spills immediately, use the right cleaning methods, and protect your surfaces to maintain their beauty for years to come.
So next time there’s a spill, keep calm and clean!
Granite Warehouse stocks the full range of MB Stonecare Marble, Granite cleaning products