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HINTS & TIPS - Care & Maintenance
STONE GENERAL CLEANING INFORMATION
What we are really talking about here is protecting your investment!
Regular cleaning is important to guard against the build up of potentially damaging influences. It is advisable to reserve cleaning cloths and mops exclusively for use on your stone finishes - residue from other cleaning products can work against our best efforts. We recommend the use of clean white (or colourless) cloths for bench tops etc, and cotton mops for cleaning floors. There is no problem using synthetic sponges, but they do tend to leave streaks on a highly polished surface. Discard cleaning cloths when they become soiled. Check your mops from time to time discard them if the strands are worn, or starting to become dirty or discoloured. Similarly, check all metal components for signs of corrosion - we sight the example of one instance where flakes of rust coming loose from an old mop left small but noticeable stains on a new marble tiled floor. A little extra attention to these small details will pay dividends over the life of your marble or granite finish.
Floor Areas
If you have a marble or granite floor area and choose to vacuum, please take extra care to avoid metal components of the suction head coming into contact with the floor - these have the potential to scratch marble tile surfaces. It’s also advisable to fit felt or rubber under chairs or heavy furniture. Generally, we recommend the purchase of a commercial fringe mop for day to day removal of dust and grit. A fringe mop is a fast, easy to use alternative, there is little weight on the mop head and just a couple of minutes at a time will be enough for the average feature floor area. A vigorous shake outside to remove grit and you have just completed a large part of your preventative maintenance program. Of course, you will have to be extra careful if you have gravel outside your entrance make sure there are good mats both inside and out to remove as much of the offending grit as early as possible.
Bench Tops
Entertaining? With crowds of people in your house the potential for spills increases proportionally, and your granite kitchen bench top is directly "in the line of fire". Cooking oils, exotic recipes, sauces, wines, fruit juices and soft drinks all present in abundance at any family gathering or party. It is important at any time to clean up spills as soon as they are detected, the longer they are left unattended the greater the risk of a mark occurring. This is sometimes easier said than done with a house full of people, so take a few minutes before you retire to check your stone finishes. As effective as Marble & Granite Sealers are they can not guarantee to protect every natural stone from every spill, in every situation - especially if it has been left to stand overnight. So take a little time, and wipe up spills as soon as possible.
General cleaning information - Stone Care
Bathrooms and Toilets
Marbles, Limestone’s and Travertine are usually chosen for these areas because their colourings tend to be "softer" and more elegant. However, compared to granite, the polished surface is also softer, so a little extra care and attention is warranted. Sealing a vanity top will protect against everyday spills and staining, but there are some influences found in the bathroom that will attack the stone itself - which will manifest itself by etching or removing the polish. Be careful with perfumes, toothpaste and nail polish solvents - just as you use a soap dish it’s advisable to find a suitable glass or ceramic tray to stand your toiletries in.
We also recommend that you - if you choose to "blue" the loo, be mindful of spills and wipe them immediately.
Don’t use harsh alkaline or acid based cleaners. Similarly, don’t use abrasive cream cleaners or scouring products of any type.
Warm water with a mild detergent is all that is required - dry with a soft white cloth.
Caring for your stone installation
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do dust and mop floors frequently
- Do clean surfaces with a small amount of mild detergent or stone soap.
- Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing
- Do clean up spills immediately
- Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats
- Do test any cleaning/sealing product on a small, less obvious area for etching or discolouration prior to using any product on your stone surface
- Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on granite, marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces
- Don’t use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners
- Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleaners ( powder ajax etc.) or soft cleaners ( jif )
- Don’t mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
Please note that this is a general guide only and we recommend that professional assistance be sought in regard to repairs, stain removal, repolishing etc.
Project Stone Care & Maintenance
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Quantum Quartz Bench Tops:
Quantum Quartz® Solid Surface products are easy to care for, as their composition makes them resistant to acids, alkalies, chemicals and solvents. Quantum Quartz® is also highly resistant to heat, scratches, chips, stains, mildew and mould, and immune to freezing and thawing. Its high-gloss finish and extremely low moisture absorption eliminate the need for sealing, while its low absorbency greatly reduces the potential for bacterial growth.
As it contains pure natural quartz, kitchen utensils, including sharp knives, won't harm the Quantum Quartz® Solid Surface. Quartz has a hardness of seven on the Moh's Hardness Scale. (Diamond has a hardness of 10).
Stain removal and care instructions
Stains caused by fruit juices, liquid food colouring, caffeinated and carbonated drinks, wine, grapes, paints, nail polish and remover, automotive fluids, or permanent markers should be immediately wiped off with a multi-purpose cleaner or detergent, then rinsed with water.
Food, chewing gum, nail polish or paint stuck to the surface can be scraped off with a sharp blade. Any residual metal marks can be easily removed with a scouring pad, before washing and rinsing with water.
Precautions
Constant exposure to strong chemicals and solvents can permanently damage Quantum Quartz® surfaces. Avoid contact with paint stripper, hydrofluoric acid, and any products containing trichlorethane or methylene dichloride.
Quantum Quartz® Solid Surface is structurally more heat resistant than other natural stones. However, sudden temperature changes can damage the surface. Always place a heat pad or trivet beneath cooking units such as electric frying pans, crock pots, or roaster ovens.
Low Maintenance
The combination of extremely dense structure and high quartz content makes Quartz SmartStone a non-porous surface with low moisture absorption, thereby creating essentially a low maintenance product for your enjoyment.
After use simply wash with warm water and liquid detergent to keep your SmartStone clean.
Quartz SmartStone does not require any sealing.
Stain Resistance
Quartz SmartStone’s low moisture absorption provides maximum resistance to staining and fully eliminates the need for any sealing. Quartz SmartStone has been tested by CSIRO and is resistant to stains caused by wine, fruit juices, liquid food colouring, tea and spices with strong colours.
- · Stubborn Stains and Dried Spills For dried spills, remove solids first. A wet cotton cloth or green scouring pad is recommended, for any stubborn stains. Any multi-purpose cleaner or detergent can be used. Avoid any aggressive cleaning products like oven cleaners that have a high alkaline/ph level. Household bleach and Gumption can be used effectively, dilution with water is recommended. Ensure that products are rinsed off sufficiently with water.
- · Heat Resistance Quartz SmartStone is specifically designed for everyday kitchen use, but it is recommended that hot pots and pans never be placed directly onto your SmartStone surface. Always use a pot stand. Although SmartStone is highly resistant to heat and heating, excessive localized heat may result in damage to your SmartStone.
Direct Sunlight
SmartStone is not suitable for exterior applications. SmartStone when exposed to direct sunlight may result in slight colour changes and it is therefore preferable to limit exposure to direct sunlight on an ongoing basis.
Common Sense
Quartz SmartStone is designed to offer high performance with low maintenance. Common sense however is required in caring for your SmartStone.
- · Avoid exposure to products with high ph levels such as oven cleaner. Rinse immediately to neutralise the effect.
- · Avoid exposure to paint strippers and paint removers ie products containing trichlorethane or methylene chloride. Rinse immediately with clean water to neutralise the effect.
- · Avoid exposure to high impact, especially on the edges.
- · Avoid excessive weight being placed on your benchtop, such as tradesmen standing on your benchtop when doing other work in your home such as painting or electrical work.
Marble SmartStone
Marble SmartStone is made from 91-95% natural marbe. Marble
composites are more delicate compared to the quartz composites
and therefore correct care and maintenance is vital to ensure that
you get the best out of your Marble SmartStone.
Everyday Cleaning
To clean your Marble SmartStone simply wipe down the surface using
any common pH neutral household cleaning detergent followed by a
rinse with clean water. Dirt is marbles greatest enemy; so clean it regularly to stop an abrasive film forming.
Whenever a stain is made, clean it before it has time to dry. Some greasy stains can be removed with solvents, such as alchohol or acetone with subsequent removal of the excess solvent.
6 - 12 Monthly Maintenance
Every 6-12 months (depending on usuage), following washing a neutral liquid wax designed for stone surfaces diluted with water should be evenly applied onto the surface and left to dry. Once dry, polish the surface by hand using a clean, dry wool rag or by machine using felt brushes. The addition of liquid wax to the washing water prevents dust build up thereby protecting the original shine.
Acids, Alkalines and Abrasives
It is adviseabe not to use cleaning products that contain acids or
abrasives as they will deteriorate the surface.
Marble SmartStone can be damaged by acids from food products such as lemon juice or vinegar.The resin used in Marble SmartStone is
susceptible to discolouration from alkaline substances.
Restoration
Marble SmartStone can be reground and polished to completely restore the original shine.
High Traffic Applications
Honed finish is recommended for these area's. Machine applied acrylic waxes form a good protective layer and is recommended for high traffic applications.
Deep Stains
The resin content of Marble SmartStone drastically reduces the permeability compared to natural marbles and therefore its susceptibility to deep staining.
Sealing (liquid waxes)
Sealing is recommended for Marble SmartStone.
Dried Food or Other Substances
To remove dried food or other substances from your Marble SmartStone use a sharp blade.
Heat Resistance
Localised heating must always be avoided and can result in discolouration or cracking. For this reason a hot plate rest or trivet must always be used.
Grain Structure and Colour
Scratches or damamge is more visible in dark mono-toned colours than light large grain colours. This may be a factor in making your stone selection.
Direct Sunlight
SmartStone is not suitable for exterior applications. SmartStone when exposed to direct sunlight may result in slight colour changes and it is therefore preferable to limit exposure to direct sunlight on an ongoing basis.
Common Sense
Marble SmartStone is designed to offer high performance with low maintenance. Common sense however is required in caring for your SmartStone.
- · Avoid exposure to products with high ph levels such as oven cleaner. Rinse immediately to neutralise the effect.
- · Avoid exposure to paint strippers and paint removers ie products containing trichlorethane or methylene chloride. Rinse immediately with clean water to neutralise the effect.
- · Avoid exposure to high impact, especially on the edges.
- · Avoid excessive weight being placed on your benchtop, such as tradesmen standing on your benchtop when doing other work in your home such as painting or electrical work.
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Choosing Your Stone
FAQ
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