Care and Maintenance for Marble and Granite Countertops

All granite projects are sealed prior to installation with a “non-toxic” solvent based penetrating sealer.  The granite will then need to be re-sealed in approximately 1 year.  At this time there are several products available for re-sealing which can be purchased at any home center store, such as Lowe’s, or any tile center store.  Custom Granite and Marble, Inc. also carries bottles of sealer for purchase.  If you are interested in the product we carry please ask us to tell you more about it.

Granite Care Products require different procedures for sealing, some require yearly applications, while others can last up to 7 years before re-sealing, therefore the consumer must read the directions carefully on the product selected and select a product suited for food preparation surfaces.  Check with the sealer manufacturer if there is a question. 

                                                             DAILY MAINTENANCE 
Clean the countertop with warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent or antibacterial detergent or antibacterial detergent.  Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.  Too much detergent may leave streaks or a film on the surface.  Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids and don not use abrasive cleansers.  Spills should be blotted up immediately with a paper towel.  Don’t wipe the area because this will spread the spill.  Some stains may require the use of a “poultice” to remove the stains.  For information on stain removal and the use of poultice materials, you can contact the Marble Institute of America for a full brochure or visit their web site for more on care and cleaning information.
 

                                                     MARBLE INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

                                                       28901 Clemens Road, Suite 100

                                                          Cleveland, Ohio 44145 USA

                                                               Phone: 440-250-9222

                                                           www. marble-institute.com

                                                       
                                                          STONE DO’S AND DON’TS

• DO Clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap
• DO Rinse and dry the surface after washing
• DO Blot up spills immediately
• DO Use trivets or mats under ceramic objects that can scratch

• DON’T Use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids
• DON’T Use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleaners or soft cleansers
• DON’T Stand on your granite countertops; areas around sinks, cook-tops
              and seams are fragile
• DON’T Cut on granite, use a cutting board
• DON’T Set hot pots or dishes directly on the countertops