Owner Manual

6
7
Cleaning:
•  Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone
soap, or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and
warm water.
•  Similar to any item cleaned in your home, an
excessive concentration of cleaner or soap may
leave a film and cause streaks. Follow manufa-
turer recommendations.
•  Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth
for other surfaces for best results.
•  Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with
the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth.
•  Change the rinse water frequently.
•  In the bath or other wet areas, soap scum can be
minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To
remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum
remover or a solution of ammonia and water
(about 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water).
Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may
eventually dull the surface of some stone types.
•  In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush
with clear water and use mild bleach solution to
remove algae or moss.
Cleaning Products:
•  Many suppliers offer products used for stone
cleaning.
•  Products containing lemon, vinegar or other
acids may dull or etch calcareous stones.
•  Scouring powders or creams often contain
abrasives that may scratch certain stones.
•  Many commercially available rust removers
(laundry rust stain removers, toilet bowl cleaners)
contain trace levels of hydrofluoric acid (HF).
This acid attacks silicates in addition to other
minerals. All stones, including granite and quartzite,
will be attacked if exposed to HF.
•  Do not mix ammonia and bleach. This combination
creates a toxic and lethal gas.
Sealing
Sealing is a common step taken on some stones
as an extra precaution against staining. In fact, the
sealing products used in the stone industry are
“impregnators” which do not actually seal the stone,
but more correctly act as a repellent rather than a
sealer. Sealing does not make the stone stain proof,
rather it makes the stone more stain resistant.
When consulting with your stone supplier, you may
find that many stones do not require sealing.
However, applying an impregnating sealer is a
common practice.
When considering sealing, remember that sealing
the stone does not make the stone stain proof, it
makes it more resistant to staining.
If a sealer is applied in a food preparation area, be
sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use.
Consult with your supplier or sealing manufacturer
specific to the type of sealer and frequency of use
recommended.
Stain Identification Tips
Identifying the type of stain on the stone surface
is the key to removing it. Stains can be oil based,
organic, metallic, biological, ink based, paint based,
acid based. If you don’t know what caused the stain,
consider likely staining agents that may have been
present. Here are some questions you consider:
Where is the Stain Located?
•  Is it near a plant, a food service area, an area
where cosmetics are used?
•  What color is it?
•
What is the shape or pattern?
•
What occurs in the area around the stain?
Stain Removal Steps
Surface stains can often be removed by cleaning with
an appropriate cleaning product or household
chemical.