Preventing Damage
* Avoid exposing stone counters to strong chemicals such as oven cleaners, oil, paint removers, fruit juices, or any other acidic liquid. If spills do occur, wash quickly with clear water.
* Do not use your counter top as a cutting board. This can cause permanent deep scratching.
* Avoid dropping heavy or sharp objects on the counter as chips and cracks cannot be repaired easily.
* Do not use oil-based cleaners, ie, turpentine, kerosene, etc.
Avoid placing excessively hot items on counter tops.
Cleaning Recommendations
* As with any other product, clean regularly. Once your stone counter has been sealed it is relatively easy to keep clean. Most common household cleaning products will help retain the natural beauty of stone.
* Do not use abrasive cleaners.
* A cleaning suggestion - Wash with clean hot water and Methylated Spirits (10 Parts water to 1 part Methylated Spirits). Wipe the surface dry with a soft cloth after cleaning.
Your Stone Protection
* Regency Stone seals all natural bench tops twice with stone sealant upon manufacture. It is, however, recommended to continue this procedure every 6-12 months to maintain the beauty of your natural bench top.
* For any further protection assistance for Marbles, Granites, Limestones and Travertine's, Regency Stone stocks a variety of stone maintenance products for Stone Cleaning, Enhancing, Polish, Protection, Sealing and Oil / Stain Removers, or you can visit www.lithofin.com
Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is highly stain, scratch and heat resistant; however it is not completely stain, scratch or heat proof. Therefore, following the correct care and maintenance guidelines will ensure your engineered stone will retain its good looks for many years.
Routine Care & Maintenance
For routine cleaning, use small quantities of cleaners that are non-bleach and non-abrasive together with warm water and a damp cloth or sponge. Liquid spills such as fruits, vegetables, food colourings, curries etc, should be wiped up and cleaned with a mild detergent and water immediately.
Preventing Damage
* Trivets and heat pads should be used when placing cookware such as hot pots, saucepans or any heat generating appliances on the surface.
* Engineered stone has been designed to be resistant to heat and can withstand exposure to moderately hot temperatures without damage, however excessive localized heat, whether prolonged or sudden may result in damage to your stone due to thermal shock.
* There are some strong chemicals and solvents that can cause damage to your engineered stone, such as, paint remover, paint and stain strippers, nail polish removers, bleach, furniture cleaners, oil soaps, permanent markers or inks, oven cleaners, drain cleaners and chemicals with high alkaline PH levels are examples of products that could affect the surface. If a strong chemical or solvent does come in contact with your bench top, rinse immediately with plenty of water, then follow with normal cleaning procedures.
* Avoid excessive weight being placed on your benchtop, such as tradespeople standing on your benchtop.
Removing Difficult Spills or Stains
* For stubborn or dried spills, and providing normal cleaning procedures do not work, use a non-abrasive cleaning pad, such as a household sponge, along with a common mild cream cleanser, or a glass and surface cleaner.
* Should chewing gum, nail Polish or any other similar substances accidentally adhere to the surface, they can be removed by the use of a plastic scraper or putty knife to gently scrape off the substance, then follow the routine cleaning procedures listed above.
Stone With Shells
This unique product combines shells with fine grain quartz resulting in a beauty unsurpassed by any other product in our range. However, because of the introduction of these shells, the areas where the shells are embedded on the surface of the products may be susceptible to staining and possibly react to vinegar, citric and other acids, as the shells are made up of calcium carbonate. Shells are softer than quartz, and may have a tendency to scratch or abrade if it comes into contact with harder materials.
Like any boutique item as a solid surface on the market, we suggest that it be looked after in a manner that is consistent to maintaining a normal marble or granite benchtop. For further information, please contact us as we can put you in touch with or suppliers.