To keep stone worktops, clean on a daily basis you can simply wipe them down using a lint free cloth and water. For tougher stains, we would recommends using warm soapy water with a non-scratch cleaning pad and finish with a dry cloth to remove any residue. You should avoid using any hard chemical or abrasive cleaners as excessive use of these can cause discolouration and erosion of the worktop over time. It is worth investing in a neutral pH stone cleaner, especially for Marble surfaces, though on Granite and Quartz a light solution of water and vinegar or readily available glass sprays can work just as effectively. A common problem, especially in the UK, is the build-up of lime scale around the sink area because of hard water. To avoid this, you should take time to ensure that the areas around the sink are dried once the sink has been used.

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To ensure longevity of your stone, please bear in mind the following tips:

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• Any spillages of food and drink should immediately be removed to reduce the likelihood of stains. The most risk is from highly alkaline or acidic liquids (such as lemon juice and vinegar), oil based substances (such as butter and cooking oils), wines, detergents, and alcohol.

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• Do not use abrasive cleaners and sponges or steel wool pads on the stone surface as they can remove the polish of the stone making the stone porous to daily substances.

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• Do not use any stone cleaning solvents that contain bleach or ammonia.

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• Do not use any acids or chemicals like oven cleaners or paint removers.

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• Do not use silicone based products.

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• Do not expose the worktop to excessive heat and we highly advise using heat resistant mats.

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• Do not use sharp objects or cut directly on the work surfaces, ensure that chopping boards are used. Though many of the stones are scratch resistant, they are not scratch proof.

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• Avoid placing heavy objects on the work surface as this may cause damage around the cut outs and cause chipping.

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STUBBORN STAINS

However hard you try to be cautious of spills onto your worktop, not everything can be avoided in the kitchen environment. Granite and Marble over time will become more porous so any spills should be cleaned from the work surface as soon as possible. For stains absorbed into your worktop apply a non-abrasive household cleaner and rinse to remove and residue. To remove any adhered materials such as gum, paint or food first scrape away the excess material with a plastic knife and then use a damp cloth to remove the remaining marks. There are also various poultice methods that can be used to lift stubborn stains from stone.

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HOW DO I KNOW IF MY WORKTOP NEEDS SEALING?

In order to maintain the beauty of your stone worktop it may require sealing. Marble and Granite stone will need to be sealed at least once a year. In the case of Marble, due to its porous nature, may require sealing more often depending on how it is treated on a daily basis. If you are unsure as to whether your worktop requires sealing you can perform a simple absorption test. Simply soak a paper towel and lay it out over the worktop and leave for 5 minutes. Once the 5 minutes is up, lift the paper towel, if the worktop seems to have darkened in colour by absorbing the water, it is times for your worktop to be sealed.

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HOW DO I SEAL MY WORKTOP?

STEP 1: Before starting you will need to ensure that the whole surface is clean and dry.

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STEP 2: Then you will need to apply the sealant consistently over the worktop using a clean white rag. Leave the sealer to be absorbed for a few hours and apply a second coat.

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STEP 3: The worktop should be left overnight to fully absorb the sealant. In the morning, any excess sealant can be buffed away using a lint free cloth. The sealing process is relatively simple and should be carried out to ensure the longevity and beauty of the stone.