Stone worktops can make a kitchen or bathroom look impressive, but natural stone needs the right care to prevent staining, dulling or surface damage. Granite, marble, slate and other types of stone can all react differently to cleaning products, so it is important to use gentle methods and avoid anything that could damage the surface or its protective seal.
For everyday cleaning, start by wiping the worktop with a soft cloth or microfibre cloth and a small amount of mild washing-up liquid diluted in warm water. Remove spills promptly, particularly from wine, coffee, oils and strongly coloured foods. Once cleaned, rinse away any soapy residue and dry the surface thoroughly.
When a mark has become more stubborn, a poultice can sometimes help draw the staining material out of porous stone.
Method 1: Baking Soda Poultice
A simple poultice can be made using bicarbonate of soda mixed with water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste directly over the affected area, making sure the stain is completely covered.
Leave the poultice in place until it has dried, then gently remove it with a soft cloth. Wipe the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.
Older or deeper stains may require more than one application. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, as abrasive action can scratch some stone surfaces or affect a polished finish.
Method 2: Hydrogen Peroxide for Organic Stains
Some organic stains, including marks from wine, ink and other strongly coloured substances, can be particularly difficult to remove from porous stone.
A small amount of hydrogen peroxide can be used cautiously for suitable surfaces. Dampen a clean absorbent material with the solution and place it over the affected area for a period of time, allowing it to work into the stain.
Always test the treatment first on a small, hidden area. Hydrogen peroxide can lighten or alter the appearance of some materials, particularly darker or more sensitive stones.
Cleaning Products to Avoid
Natural stone should not be treated like an ordinary kitchen worktop. Strongly acidic cleaners can etch calcium-based stones such as marble and limestone, while harsh abrasive products can scratch or dull polished surfaces.
Bleach and other aggressive cleaning chemicals should also be avoided unless the stone manufacturer's care instructions specifically recommend them. Vinegar and other acidic household cleaners are particularly unsuitable for many types of natural stone.
If you are unsure what type of stone you have, or whether it has been sealed, test any cleaning product in an inconspicuous area first.
Keep Your Stone Worktop Looking Its Best
Regular gentle cleaning is usually much safer than trying to tackle heavy staining with increasingly aggressive products. Wiping up spills quickly, using suitable stone-safe cleaning products and maintaining the protective seal can help preserve the appearance of the worktop.
For established staining, etching, dull patches or a surface that has lost its original finish, cleaning alone may not be enough. Professional stone cleaning and restoration can often bring the surface back to a much better condition without replacing the worktop.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
