Here are some tips and recommendations regarding the cleaning and general maintenance of your stone surfaces.
Whether it is a natural, engineered or sintered stone, it is important to follow these guidelines to ensure that your surfaces will retain all their beauty for years to come. We recommend the use of products from the Quebec-based company Saniten. Their unique formulas are mostly water-based and are certified EcoLogo. Their products use nanotechnology and proprietary recipes to ensure the best possible outcome while remaining easy to use.
Granite and quartzite
- Clean your stone surface with a few drops of neutral PH cleaner such as Saniten’s All Purpose Cleaner (N313) or dish detergent and warm water using a soft clean cloth.
- Rinse after washing and dry with a soft clean cloth.
- Use acetone to remove ink stains on dark stones. For light colored stones, use hydrogen peroxide. This also works for wine stains.
- Apply a non-toxic sealer every year on food preparation areas.
Consider using a disinfectant cleaner designed for stone such as Saniten’s All Purpose Cleaner (N313) - Consult a professional if you need to remove or repair a scrape or scratch on your stone.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners such as powdered cleaners or scouring pads.
- Call your stone supplier, installer or restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat.
Marble
- Use the same information as listed for granite and quartzite.
- Keep in mind that marble is softer and more porous than granite.
- Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.
- We recommend to place a plastic protector under permanent decorations.
- Seal your marble every 4 months with a penetrating sealer such as Saniten’s Microtech Penetrating Sealer (PS400).
- Do not use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on your marble.
- Do not use cleaners such as bathroom cleaners, grout or tile cleaners because they contain acids.
Soapstone
- For everyday cleaning, use a damp cloth with a stone cleaner such as Saniten’s All Purpose Cleaner (N313) and dry it well.
- Soapstone has traditionally been sealed using mineral oil. This accentuates the color of the stone and removes scratches. The initial treatment to seal the mineral oil should be repeated 2-3 times per week over a period of five to six weeks. Subsequent coats of mineral oil should be applied monthly.
- Because of its unique mineral composition, Soapstone can also be left unsealed. Remember, this stone has a minimum level of absorption. Over time, soapstone darkens around the surfaces that are most frequently used. If you leave soapstone untreated it will add a patina over time that many people love. If you change your mind, you can always oil the stone at any time.
Sanding scratches: Most scratches disappear with a little mineral oil applied directly on them. To permanently remove deeper scratches, apply moderate pressure on the scratch with a 80 grit sanded paper. The use of a sanding sponge is recommended.
Slate
- Use the same guidelines as for marble.
- Wipe up any spills as soon as possible. If these spills are not removed, the stone could be marked.
- Wipe with a damp cloth and a stone cleaner such as Saniten’s All Purpose Cleaner (N313). Rinse and dry the surface with a soft clean cloth. This is very effective on dark stones to get rid of the streaks.
- We recommend that you do a periodic deep cleaning and sealing your slate every 6 months using a sealer such as Saniten’s Microtech Penetrating Sealer (PS400).
Quartz
- SantaMargherita® quartz feature high scratch resistance, low water absorption and high chemical resistance. Kitchen substances of everyday use will not leave surface stains. Our polished finish is exceptionally stain resistant and does not retain dirt, making it easy to keep clean.
- SantaMargherita® quartz surfaces don’t hold stains nor halos. For daily use, a damp cloth and a mild detergent is all that’s needed to maintain its beauty. Always thoroughly rinse with water and a soft cloth or paper towel. You can also use products specifically designed for natural stone surfaces such as Saniten’s All Purpose Cleaner (N313).
- Quartz features a high scratch resistance and is very durable. However, no surface is indestructible. To preserve surface aesthetics from alterations, we recommend protecting it with a cutting board when using knives or sharp objects.
- The polished surfaces of a SantaMargherita® quartz are nonporous and highly resistant to liquids and acids such as coffee, wine, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, and makeup. Every-day cooking substances don’t affect our polished surfaces
- SantaMargherita® Quartz is tested to withstand high temperatures for occasional and short contact with hot food or liquids. However, it is not heat proof. We recommend the use of trivets or other heat resistant pads and to avoid direct contact with heat sources such as saucepans, frying pans, or deep-fat fryers, pots, irons and open flame. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as drain cleaners, paint removers, oven cleaners or bleach on your quartz countertop.
Concreto series (quartz)
- The Concreto series by SantaMargherita® is unique due to its matte finish and its irregular texture. All recommendations and advice for quartz also apply to the Concreto series. However, we recommend to apply a penetrating sealer such as Saniten’s Microtech Penetrating Sealer (PS400) after a thorough cleaning of the surface with Saniten’s All Purpose Cleaner (N313). Although quartz has an extremely low absorption level, the use a sealer on the surface of the Concreto quartz will make the regular cleaning of its textured surface much easier.