STONE CARE KNOWLEDGE AND QUESTIONS:
NATURAL STONE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Knowledge is key
The three most appealing features of stone are natural
beauty, life-long durability, and comparatively low
maintenance. To fully appreciate the benefits of
stone, it is helpful to understand the characteristics
of stone and what makes it superior to man-made products.
Installed stone may not be exactly
like the showroom sample. Each product has unique natural
patterns, markings, veining, and darker or lighter
spots. Most people view these characteristics as part
of the stone's natural essence.
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World sources
Thousands of stone types have been quarried through
the centuries from quarries located around the world.
The majority of natural stone comes from Italy, Spain,
Turkey, the United States, Mexico,
India, Greece, Canada, France, and Brazil. Yarrabee
only imports 'select' grade products for its customers.
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Geology 101
Stone is a natural solid formation that may be comprised
of one or many minerals. The stone's composite minerals come
from the same liquid and gas minerals that formed
the Earth.
As the Earth developed with massive bodies of gas
and liquid, minerals slowly cooled and condensed to
a solid core. Extreme pressure then formed the Earth's
crust.
Heavy minerals were trapped when they were forced
down into the earth's core. As the crust thickened,
it shifted the inner core creating intense pressure
and heat from deep within the earth.
Over a one hundred million year period, the expansion
and shift of the earth's crust produced extreme heat
and pressure that pushed the solid minerals to the
Earth's surface. Many of the colossal rock beds that
were formed at the beginning of time are today's stone
quarries.
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Stone - care knowledge
Stone-care knowledge begins by recognizing the natural
product is formed within the earth and is made from
various minerals. The wrong cleaner may have chemicals
that may react negatively and compromise the surface
or colour. Improper cleaning agents may damage counter
tops and other surfaces.
Always use coasters under glasses or cups, particularly
those containing alcohol, citrus juices, or caffeine.
Many foods and drinks contain acids that damage stone
surfaces.
While granite and stone is resilient
and durable, the surfaces may be scratched and
damaged by sharp objects or abrasives if care is not
taken.
Due to the softness of most stone, it is imperative
that grit (sand and dirt) be removed from all surfaces.
Grit is the primary cause of scratches, especially
on stone floors.
Do not place hot items directly on
the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes
and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other
objects that may scratch the surface.
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Stone sealant
Yarrabee applies sealant to all tops after they
have been installed. Sealant helps stone to reject
liquids that can leave a stain, and allows you more time
to clean up any spills. Sealing is a must for all kitchen
and bathroom areas, including natural stone floors and backsplashes.
For home use, the sealant should be
good for up to a year. Heavy-use or commercial applications
(restaurants, high traffic offices) may require more
frequent sealing.
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Cleaning products
Yarrabee carries it's own unique line
of stonecare products which are non-toxic and designed
for all stone surfaces including those in food preparation
areas.
Standard household cleaners are not formulated to
clean your natural stone. Do not use acidic tub and
tile cleaners, acidic toilet bowl cleaners, ammonia,
powered abrasive cleaners, soft paste cleaners, vinegar,
alcohol, window cleaners or abrasive cleaning pads.
Even water alone can cause damage.
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Cleaning
Granite and stone surfaces can be cleaned with a few
drops of PH balanced cleaner or stone soap available
at most home supply stores or from Yarrabee.
A mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water
can also be used.
Use a soft cloth for best results,
but be careful not to use too much cleaner or soap
because it leaves a film and causes streaks.
Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or
other acids on marble or limestone. Do not use ammonia
cleaners as they may dull the surface.
After washing, thoroughly rinse the surface with a
soft cloth. Do not use powders or creams as they contain
abrasives that may scratch the surface.
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Bath and other wet areas
Remove soap scum from bathrooms and other wet areas
with a squeegee. Built-up soap scum can be removed
with a non-acidic soap scum remover. Wipe down all
water-exposed areas. Do not leave standing water
on granite tops or other areas.
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Vanity top surfaces
Vanity tops require a penetrating sealant application.
Yarrabee carries it's own unique line of stonecare
products which are non-toxic and designed for all stone
surfaces including those in food preparation areas.
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Food preparation areas
Use a penetrating sealer application for granite surfaces
in food preparation areas. Use only a food grade
approved product that is safe for use on food prep
surfaces. If uncertain, contact Yarrabee and ask for
advice.
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Outdoor pool & Patio areas
In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush with
clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove
algae or moss.
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Floor Surfaces
Dust interior floors frequently using a clean, non-treated
dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage
to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness.
Mats or area rugs placed inside and outside an entrance
minimize sand, dirt and grit that may scratch the stone
floor. The underside of the mat or rug should be a
non-slip surface. Normally, it takes about eight steps
on a floor surface to remove sand or dirt from the
bottom of shoes.
Of special note, never use vacuum cleaners that are
worn, or use metal or plastic attachments, or damaged wheels
because they can scratch the surface.
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How do you clean natural stone?
DON’T let any spill sit too long on natural
stone. Clean spills up (preferably by blotting) as
soon as you can.
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Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral
cleaner, stone soap or a mild liquid dishwashing
detergent using a clean rag and warm water. Too
much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause
streaks.
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Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with
the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth.
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Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar
or other acids on the granite. The high acid
content may etch the surface. Do not use
scouring powders or creams; these products contain
abrasives that may scratch the surface.
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Does granite stain?
In general, no. All stone, however,
is porous to some extent, but granite has very little
porosity. Most colours will never show any moisture.
A few colours may show some moisture if exposed for
a period of time. For example, a puddle of water left
on the counter for 30 minutes for some colours, may
show a dark spot when the water is wiped away. This
spot will then dry up and no evidence will show, however, only
a few colours demonstrate this trait. This may be an
indication that sealing is required.
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Can you scratch granite?
Granite is one of the hardest stones
available. It cannot be scratched with everyday ordinary use, however,
a knife blade may scratch it, so be sure to use a cutting
board.
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Can granite chip?
In cases of a hard impact, granite
can be chipped. A chip can be filled by a Yarrabee
trained professional.
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Will seams show on the granite countertop?
Because granite is a natural material and is
mined from the quarry in blocks, usually no more than 10' long, you will ultimately
end up with seams. Also, because granite is sold in rectangular pieces, you may want
to use seams to reduce your costs, such as in a 'L' shaped corner. The visibility of
seams will depend on the granularity, colour and pattern. A small, uniform grain will
not be as apparent as a larger varied grain. A dark colour will be less apparent than
a light colour. A dramatic pattern with swaths of colour will show more seams than a
uniform pattern. Most customers have found that the beauty of natural granite outweighs
the concern of seams.
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