Stone Habitat Chicago - Stone Care Tips

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The natural stone you have purchased is an investment that will give you many years of beautiful service. Stone is a natural product and simple care and maintenance will keep it looking beautiful.

Stone Habitat recommends the following precautions:.
	Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface.
	Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and other objects that can scratch the surface.

Recommended Cleaning Procedures
Floor Surfaces
Dust-mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust-mop. Sand, dirt and grit are abrasive. Mats or area rugs will help to minimize their effect on the stone floor. Ensure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface. Normally, it will take a person about eight steps on a floor surface to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of their shoes. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn. The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface.
Other Surfaces
For best results, clean stone surfaces with a few drops of Miracle sealant (all cleaning products are available from our stores). You may also use a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results.
	Bath and Other Wet Areas
	Soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use with a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.
	Vanity Top Surfaces
	These are treated with a penetrating sealer. It is best to ensure that water does not collect and sit on the surface for longer than necessary.
	Kitchen Counter Tops and Other Food Preparation Areas
	In food preparation areas, the stone is treated with a penetrating sealer. This is non-toxic and safe for use on food preparation surfaces. Frequent daily cleaning is recommended with mild soapy water.
	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.
Dos
	Do dust mop floors frequently and clean surfaces with a suitable cleaning solution. We recommend Miracle Sealant products.
	Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing with mild detergent.
	Do blot up spills immediately.
	Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats.
Don’ts
	Don't use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on any natural stone surface.
	Don't use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners.
	Don't use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
	Don't mix bleach and ammonia, this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
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Ten things you must know about Granite
	Absorbency: Granite is impervious to water and is in fact, less absorbent than most solid surfaces. It is commonly used as a building material for high-rise buildings due to its ability to withstand gale force winds and rain. It is the primary product for kitchen counter tops because of its ability to repel water, stay hygienic and clean.
	Stains: Granite is generally resistant to stain provided any liquid spilled on its top is wiped away as quickly as possible. However, even water can soak into a granite top and may leave a dark spot. This though, will vaporize within minutes. Liquids that do not evaporate such as oil, if left on the granite top, will seep in. Most stains (including oil stains) can be removed. This will draw out the oil from the stone and restore it.
	Lost polish: Over the years, without adequate care and maintenance, your granite may lose its polish and shine. Generally, it does not require intense maintenance. However, re-polishing and sealing are recommended once a year to maintain that just-installed look.
	Scratches: Granite is highly scratch resistant and normal daily use will not have too great an impact on it.
	Maintenance: Routine cleaning using the right products is generally all that is required to maintain the beauty of your stone. However, yearly maintenance is recommended to bring it back to its original shine. This involves a re-application of a penetrating sealer and rebuffing where necessary.
	Heat: Granite is heat resistant and can withstand the heat of cooking pots and pans without damage. However, careful use is recommended.
	Color: Granite is composed of a variety of minerals each of which has specific performance properties. The hardest mineral commonly found in granite is quartz. This is a somewhat translucent white/gray colored mineral that is responsible for the hardness of granite. In addition, each granite stone varies in color, shading, texture and veining. No two are the same.
	Hygiene: Bacteria is found everywhere in our environment including all solid kitchen surfaces. Regular cleaning of your granite, like any other top is recommended using an anti-bacterial soap or other recommended cleaning products (download our welcome pack for further details).
	Granite & Marble: These are natural stones formed through the natural movement of the earth. However, the two stones are very different. Marble is a calcious material formed from oceanic deposits and then compressed under pressure (metamorphosed). Granite, on the other hand, is an igneous rock. This is, essentially, a molten magma which is cooled and then hardened through the natural process below the earth’s surface. It is harder material.
	Cost: Granite is usually competitively priced compared to other high-end solid surfaces. It offers an unmatched value with its natural beauty, elegance, longevity and style. Besides, it allows you to express your individual taste and style since no two granite colors are the same. When compared to other solid surfaces, granite offers a value that is unmatched.