Tag Archives: marble

Don’t Take it for Granite. How to Avoid Damaging Fine Stone Surfaces.

granite counters

With the many stunning varieties of marble and granite that are available now a days, it’s no wonder they are “must haves” in most modern kitchens and bathrooms. They are easily the most beautiful investment you can make in your home.  However, without proper care these surfaces are easily scratched, chipped, stained, or etched. And the price to repair them can be costly.

General Care

For daily maintenance of marble and granite, dampen a soft sponge or cleaning cloth with warm water and a neutral, ph-balanced cleaner, and wipe the surface clean. A mild dishwashing liquid works fine; Ivory is an ideal brand choice because it contains no dyes. Alternatively, you can use a specially formulated granite or marble cleaner. Avoid using anything acidic such as vinegar or cleaners containing orange or lemon. Use nothing abrasive on them such as cleansers or Scotch-Brite pads. Never use products containing hydrofluoric acid. (note: the same general care also applies to cleaning limestone, concrete, and DuPont™ Corian®.)

Countertops and vanities

Wipe counters and vanities following above general care instructions. Use a coaster under beverages. Clean up any spills immediately because acidic foods such as coffee, wine, orange juice, soft drinks, mustard, and tomato-based products can etch and dull natural stone.

Floors

Marble floors need to be dry dust mopped or vacuumed frequently to avoid scratching them up. Place an area rug or mat near the entrance to capture dirt and minimize it being tracked indoors. Don’t wear your shoes while indoors! Damp mop the floors with a solution of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid or a ph-balanced cleaner designed for stone.

Bath Areas

Clean marble bath tiles and floors following same general care instructions. Use a squeegee and a commercial descaling product formulated for stone to remove heavy soap scum and hard water deposits. Daily use of a squeegee is also recommended. If possible, avoid stocking your bathroom with any harsh bathroom cleaners that could accidentally damage your marble.

For more detailed information check out the Marble Institute of America‘s website.

To schedule a cleaning with Maid in Chicago or for a FREE quote, give us a call at (312) 829-9600. You can also visit our website maidinchicago.us and fill out our online form.