Maintenance

Engineered stone bench tops are mostly quartz-based with properties aimed at preserving longevity and minimising surface maintenance. They are resistant to every day kitchen products such as wine, vinegar, coffee, vegetable oils and grease. However, we recommend you clean food and liquid spills as soon as possible, before they dry out.

Stone bench tops require very little maintenance. To keep the surface looking like new, you should use products designed specifically for cleaning stone. Otherwise, use warm soapy water containing mild dish-washing detergent. Apply with a damp cloth. Or you could use a spray and wipe cleaner.

Heat tolerance

Don’t place hot pots, pans or oven trays onto the stone surface. Instead, place them on a hot pad or trivet. Engineered stone can tolerate moderately high temperatures for short periods – but not prolonged direct contact.

Avoid any cleaning product that contains trichlorethane, methylene chloride of anything with high alkaline PH levels. If any of these are accidentally spilt on your bench top, then rinse straight away to neutralise the chemicals.

Extra stubborn stains

If your bench top does have a stubborn dried stain or spill, then please give us a call and we will recommend the correct product to use.

If you want to give the whole bench top surface a good scrub, we recommend 3MTM Scotchbrite TM Non-Scratch All Purpose Scrubbers. These won’t damage the stone. First, use a sharp blade to scrape away any materials that have stuck to the surface, such as chewing gum, food or nail polish.

Some household bleaches can be used, but please ask us for advice first.

Impact damage

Stone bench tops are tough, but the edges can be damaged if you hit them hard enough.  Take care when using cast iron pans and wielding heavy objects near the stone surface. Repairs are possible, but they are seldom perfect and may still be noticed afterwards.

Clean with a soft, lint-free cloth, chamois leather or a sponge. Ensure they are damp but not wet. Then wipe afterwards with a dry cloth.  Use quality cleaning products intended for the material the fitting is made from, e.g stainless steel. Otherwise use only clean water.

Do NOT use steam cleaners, abrasive products such as abrasive cleaning powder or scourers. Do NOT use use cleaning agents such as acetone, chlorine, cellulose thinner or any product that starts with ‘tri’ or ‘tetra’. Do NOT store open cleaning products as fumes can corrode any metal surface.