Care and maintenance of your Granite worksurface
Granite worktops provide a durable, hygienic worksurface which when used with care will last a lifetime.
It should be appreciated however that granite is a natural material which does need proper care and attention to ensure maximum serviceability. The following care and maintenance guidelines should therefore be observed.
Your granite worksurface has been treated with a proprietary sealer in the workshop as the final part of the production process, prior to delivery and installation. This sealer impregnates deep into the surface of the stone to prevent staining problems occurring.
We also issue all customers with this care booklet together with a triple action refresher spray which cleans, seals and polishes in one single application. Along with the routine cleaning described later, use this as part of your weekly maintenance regime. When it runs out simply visit our website to order another bottle!
Routine Cleaning
On a day to day basis granite simply requires a wipe down with warm soapy water, then buff dry with a soft, clean cloth to restore its natural beauty.
Contrary to popular belief all granite is porous to some degree and whilst it has been sealed it is still important to wipe up all spills immediately. Cooking oils, red wine, lemon juice, dark fruit juice, beetroot etc. can all cause staining if left on the worksurface for any length of time - so be diligent and wipe up quickly should spills occur.
Stubborn marks
In the event of any stubborn marks appearing, firstly wipe the granite surface clean with warm soapy water and then try the triple action refresher spray. For hardened substances, such as food etc. remove by gently scraping the material off the granite with a blunt plastic blade, then wash off with warm water.
Heat Resistance
Granite is extremely resistant to heat and can withstand moderately high temperatures for a brief period of time without causing surface damage. Do not however put very hot objects directly onto the worksurface, as extreme sudden heat changes can damage the granite beyond repair. Always use a pan trivet to protect your surfaces from extreme heat of this kind.
Chemicals to avoid
Avoid exposing your granite to strong chemicals, solvents and aggressive / abrasive oven cleaners e.g. neat bleach, caustic soda, scouring powders, paint stripper, nail polish remover, concentrated disinfectants and any chlorine based products. If any of these solutions are spilt on the granite, rinse off immediately with plenty of clean water to minimise their effect.
General precautions
Although your granite worksurfaces are extremely scratch and heat resistant, we recommend that you protect them by using chopping boards at all times during food preparation / cutting operations.
Do not use grease removers on your granite as these can dull the polish and cause staining.
It is possible to chip granite, particularly on the more vulnerable edges, so avoid any hammering operations and try not to let heavy or pointed objects strike the top of your granite worksurface.
If you do have an accident and chip your granite, all's not lost - just give us a call and we can price you for doing an 'invisible' repair using state of the art 'stonelux' LED blue-light technology. Not all damage can be repaired successfully, but 95% of the time it can - in less the 10 minutes to a brilliant finish.
Annual maintenance
Your granite should be treated annually using a specialist Care Kit - available to mail order on our website www.stoneconnection.co.uk
The kit contains all you need to clean, re-seal and polish the granite just by following the simple instructions provided.
