How to Care for Stone Benchtops: Do’s and Don’ts

Stone benchtops are beautiful, expensive and unique. Nothing can match the natural shine and beauty of a stone benchtop. However, keeping those benchtops looking beautiful is not easy. You need to learn proper techniques to take care of and clean natural stone. 

Treat it like you would any luxury product and it will retain its natural shine and beauty for years to come. Ignore a few things and you might be forced to spend a decent chunk of money to restore its shine and bring out its flawless surface.

What Makes Stone Benchtops Dirty?

Stone benchtops are sturdy but it’s not that difficult to stain the surface. Some stones are more prone to staining than others, especially those with porous surfaces. Here’s a list of some of the common food items capable of staining a stone surface:

• Red wine
• Pasta sauce
• Permanent markers
• Turmeric
• Curry
• Pumpkin
• Beetroot
• Oils
• Fruit and vegetable juices
• Berries

How to Clean Stone Benchtops?

Everyday cleaning plays the most important role in keeping a stone benchtop clean. Use a soft cloth or a sponge and dip it in a mix of warm water and a mild household cleaner to clean the surface. Make sure to avoid abrasive surfaces, acidic chemicals, harsh detergents, bleach or oil-based cleaners. Do not ever use boiling water for cleaning. 

There will always be a time when something spills. Don’t let the spill remain there for long. Use a paper towel or a soft cloth to soak it up immediately. Do not wipe it. Instead, put a paper towel or cloth on the spill and let it soak up the residue.

In case you didn’t have the opportunity to clean the spill right away and it has hardened, don’t scratch the stone as it will do more damage. Take a plastic knife or a spatula or a spoon to gently remove the stain. Patience is the key.

If you are unable to remove a particular stain, use a poultice to get rid of it.

When nothing works, it is time to call a real professional with plenty of experience in the professional cleaning of stone benchtops.

How to Take Care of Stone Benchtops?

A stone benchtop is expensive and it’s not something you should replace quickly. If you plan to keep enjoying it for many years, you need to take proper care of the benchtop. Here are a few tips to help you achieve this goal:

• Clean the spills right away
• Use a paper towel to blot the spill
• Avoid wiping before blotting
• Use the right cleaners
• Avoid using harsh scrubbers

The key to keeping your stone benchtop clean is to ensure that nothing is left on the surface for long. As soon as something is spilt, take a soft cloth or a paper towel to absorb the liquid before wiping it off. Do not wipe the liquid immediately. If you wipe the liquid, it will just spread across the surface and make things worse.

It’s natural to think that strong cleaners are right to keep your stone benchtop clean and shiny. However, using strong detergents or harsh chemicals such as bleach or other acidic cleaners can cause extensive damage to the stone surface. Make sure to check the label of the product before using it. If you have any doubts, check with a professional first.

Final Thoughts

Overall, stone benchtops are exquisite and capable of retaining their natural beauty for a long time with proper care. Make sure you do not put any food items that are likely to leave a stain on the surface. In case something is spilt, it is important to clean it right away. Also, always read the label of the cleaner before using it on a stone surface. In case the stone benchtop surface looks dirty, call a professional to clean it thoroughly and bring it back to its original glory.

Quality Tile Cleaning & Restoration Services

Stone benchtops are a perfect choice for your kitchen or bathroom. No matter how much effort you put in, there are always going to be spills and the benchtop surface will stain. That’s where a professional marble cleaning service comes into the equation.

Slique offers professional tile cleaning and restoration services. If you have any issues with general dirtiness, staining, etching, dullness, scratches, fading, wear and chip marks, give us a call.

For all your tile cleaning and polishing needs in Sydney, please call SLIQUE today on 02 9648 0395, or you can leave an inquiry.