QUICK SCAN DO's AND DON'Ts

DO

• Do dust granite finishes frequently.
• Do blot up spills immediately as many foods and drinks contain acids that damage stone surfaces.
• Do protect countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats to avoid heat damage or scratching.
• Do use a cleaning solution that is PH balanced as minerals in granite and stone may react negatively to acidic solutions.
• Do clean surfaces in warm water using a mild detergent or stone soap.
• Do add rubbing alcohol if there are concerns about bacteria.
• Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing.

DON'T

• Do not place hot items directly on a stone surface.
• Do not use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners that contain acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces (see PH above).
• Do not use ammonia.
• Do not use CLR as it damages granite surfaces and may dull the color.
• Do not use cleaners with abrasive granules like dry cleansers.
• Do not use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub and tile cleaners.
• Do not use scratch pads.
• Do not use glass-cleaning products like Windex products which rub off the granite sealant. Windex appears to give a shine but will damage the surface over time.

GENERAL TIPS

• Special care must be taken in areas like Calgary that have hard water. Spilled water often leaves surface water stains. To remove, use a micro fiber cloth. Micro fiber cloth is available in leading grocery or home supply stores.
• Calgary Granite carries the complete line of Stonetech non-toxic products designed for all stone surfaces including food preparation areas.
• If you must wax, use ONLY a stone wax. Granite can be sealed even when the wax is on.

SEALANT

• Calgary Granite applies sealant to all tops after they are installed. For home use, the sealant should be good for up to a year.
• To test sealant resilience, drop water on the granite surface. If the drops bead, the sealant is still active. If it seeps in quickly, it is time to re-seal.
• Seal granite tops once a year with a penetrating or impregnating sealant like Stonetech Sealant.
• Calgary Granite carries Stonetech Revitalizer that cleans and seals granite while giving it a shiny lustre. Revitalizer can be used daily or more often if necessary.