Care & Maintenance
Granite
Daily Cleaning:
- Use a pH-neutral cleaner or a mild dish soap and warm water mixture: Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, vinegar, or ammonia, which can damage the stone’s surface.
- Wipe up spills immediately: This helps prevent stains from setting in.
- Dry the surface thoroughly: Use a soft cloth or paper towel to prevent water spots.
Deep Cleaning:
- For tougher stains, consider a specialized granite cleaner: These cleaners are designed to remove dirt and grime without damaging the stone.
- Baking soda paste can be effective for stubborn stains: Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, apply it to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight. Then, clean with soap and water.
Sealing:
- Granite is a porous stone and should be sealed periodically: Sealing helps prevent liquids from penetrating the surface and causing stains.
- Test for sealing needs: Place a few drops of water on the countertop. If it beads up, the seal is still effective. If it sinks in, it’s time to reseal.
- Apply a penetrating sealer: Follow the product instructions for application and drying times.
Other Considerations:
- Avoid abrasive cleaners and steel wool: These can scratch the surface of the granite.
- Use coasters under glasses and hot pads under hot dishes: This protects the countertop from heat, scratches, and potential stains.
- Be mindful of acidic substances: Avoid prolonged contact with acidic foods and liquids, as they can etch the surface.
Store liquids away from the countertop: This prevents accidental spills and potential stains.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. Routine cleaning involves using a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface. Promptly cleaning spills is recommended to prevent potential staining.
Daily Cleaning:
- Soap and Water: Use a soft cloth or sponge with a solution of warm water and mild dish soap.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth to prevent spotting.
- Avoid Abrasives: Do not use scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, or harsh chemicals.
Tougher Cleaning:
- Specialty Cleaners: Consider using a specialized quartz cleaner or a gentle all-purpose cleaner for stubborn stains.
- Plastic Scraper: For dried spills like food, gum, or nail polish, use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape them away.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid cleaners with bleach, ammonia, or strong solvents as they can damage the resin and the surface.
Preventive Measures:
- Hot Items: Avoid placing hot items directly on the quartz surface as it can cause damage.
- Spills: Clean spills promptly to prevent staining.
- Cutting Boards: Use cutting boards to protect the countertop from scratches.
- Trivets and Coasters: Use trivets and coasters to protect the surface from heat and spills.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a durable and beautiful natural stone, but it still requires proper care and maintenance to preserve its appearance. Daily cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap and water is usually sufficient. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar, as these can damage the stone or its sealant. Regular sealing, typically once a year, is recommended to enhance stain resistance.
Daily Cleaning:
- Use a soft cloth or sponge: Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the surface.
- Mild soap and water: A solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap is a great option for everyday cleaning.
- Wipe up spills immediately: While quartzite is stain-resistant, acidic substances like wine, citrus, or coffee can cause discoloration if left on the surface for too long.
- Dry the surface: After cleaning, dry the countertop with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
Periodic Maintenance:
- Seal your quartzite: Apply a stone sealer annually, or more frequently depending on usage, to protect against staining and etching.
- Use a natural stone cleaner: For deeper cleaning or stubborn stains, use a cleaner specifically designed for natural stone.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners as these can damage the stone.
- Use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards: These simple precautions will help protect your quartzite from scratches and stains.
Address stains promptly:
- If a stain does occur, try to remove it with a poultice or a paste of baking soda and water, or consult a professional stone restoration service.
Key Things to Remember:
- Quartzite is not entirely stain-proof or etch-proof.
While it’s more resistant than marble, acidic substances can still cause damage if left on the surface.
- Proper sealing is crucial.
Sealing helps to protect the stone from staining and makes it easier to clean.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your quartzite countertops looking beautiful for years to come.
Marble
Marble requires careful maintenance to preserve its beauty and prevent damage. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and pH-neutral soap is essential, along with prompt spill cleanup and protection from acidic substances and heat.
Daily Maintenance:
- Dusting:
Regularly dust marble surfaces with a soft, dry cloth to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Cleaning Spills:
Blot up spills immediately, especially acidic substances like coffee, wine, or lemon juice, to prevent staining and etching.
- Cleaning with a Soft Cloth and pH-Neutral Soap:
Use a damp, soft cloth (microfiber or cotton) with a mild, pH-neutral soap solution to wipe down the marble surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, and acidic products like vinegar or lemon juice.
- Rinsing and Drying:
Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water after cleaning and dry it with a soft, absorbent cloth to prevent water spots.
- Avoid Abrasives:
Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or harsh chemicals that can scratch or damage the marble surface.
Protecting Marble:
- Coasters and Trivets:
Use coasters under glasses and mugs, and trivets or hot pads under hot cookware to protect the marble from heat and spills.
- Cutting Boards:
Always use a cutting board when preparing food on marble countertops to prevent scratches.
- Sealing:
Consider sealing your marble surface to help prevent staining and etching. Frequency of sealing depends on usage and the type of marble.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight:
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause marble to fade over time.
Addressing Etching and Stains:
Etching:
Etching is a dullness or surface damage caused by acidic substances. If etching occurs, consult a professional stone restoration specialist.
Stains:
Blot up spills immediately. If a stain persists, try a poultice specifically designed for marble stains, or consult a professional stone restoration specialist.
Furo Tub
Care and Maintenance
Daily Maintenance:
- Rinse after each use: Immediately rinse the tub with warm water after bathing to remove soap, oils, and dirt residue.
- Wipe and dry thoroughly: Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the tub’s surfaces and ensure it dries completely. This prevents water spots and helps keep the wood from swelling or warping.
- Ensure good ventilation: Open the bathroom door or use an exhaust fan to allow the wood to air dry completely, which helps prevent mold and mildew.
Weekly/Periodic Maintenance:
- Clean gently: Use a soft sponge and mild, non-abrasive soap or a baking soda paste for stubborn stains. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers, or bleach-based products, as they can damage the wood’s finish.
- Reseal the wood: Twice a year, reseal the wood with a suitable sealant to help repel water and maintain its appearance, especially for woods like Hinoki or cedar.
Important Considerations:
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals or abrasive materials can damage the natural finish of the wood.
- Proper drainage: Ensure proper drainage after each use to prevent water pooling and protect the wood.
- Avoid leaving water in the tub for extended periods: Unless using a recirculation system, empty the tub daily or at least twice a week to prevent mold and mildew.
- Protect from extreme conditions: Cover or store the tub indoors when not in use to protect it from prolonged exposure to sunlight or extreme weather, which can lead to cracking or warping.
Acrylic Tub
Care and Maintenance
Here’s how to care for your acrylic tub:
- Daily Maintenance: Wipe down the tub after each use with a soft cloth or sponge and rinse thoroughly to prevent soap scum and water spots.
- Deep Cleaning: Aim for thorough cleaning once a month, or every two weeks if daily wipe-downs aren’t part of your routine.
- Cleaning Products: Use non-abrasive cleaners, such as mild dish soap, baking soda, or specialized acrylic tub cleaners. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, ammonia, acetone, and abrasive scrubbing pads or steel wool, as these can scratch or damage the surface.
- Cleaning Tools: Opt for soft cloths, microfiber cloths, chamois, or non-scratch sponges.
- Dealing with Stains & Buildup: Address stains and discoloration as soon as they appear. For hard water or soap scum buildup, consider a mixture of vinegar and dish soap, which can be microwaved and soaked on the walls for stubborn areas.
- Preventative Measures: Use bath mats with non-slip, non-abrasive backing to prevent slips and scratches, and consider a showerhead filter to reduce mineral buildup.
- Sealing and Protection: Once or twice a year, depending on usage, you can seal and protect the tub with automotive wax to restore shine and protect the surface.
- Caulking: Regularly check the tub’s caulking and reseal if needed using a suitable polymer sealant like DAP® 3.0™ Kitchen, Bath & Plumbing High Performance Sealant.
All Wood Cabinet
As with all wood products, avoid excessive moisture. Once your cabinets have been installed, wipe them down with a damp lint-free cotton cloth to remove dust. Work on small areas at a time and wipe dry. Avoid spray-type polishes that are formulated with wax, petroleum solvents or silicones.
Cleaners:
Avoid spray-type polishes that are formulated with wax, petroleum solvents or silicones. The extensive use of wax or silicone polishes can result in a film buildup which may injure your cabinet’s finish and void your warranty. Use a damp cloth when cleaning normal household spills. After wiping thoroughly, dry the surface with a lint-free cotton cloth. Always dry the surface immediately. Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, detergents or powdered cleansers. In the case of grime build-up, a soft cloth and mild soapy warm water may be used on wood surfaces if immediately rinsed and dried thoroughly.
NOTE: Do not use a dish cloth to wipe your cabinet exterior, since it may contain remnants of grease or detergents which may damage your finish.
Everyday:
Clean spills immediately. Give special attention to areas around the sink and dishwasher. Avoid draping damp or wet dishtowels over the door of the sink base cabinet. Over time, this moisture can cause permanent water damage to the door.
Porcelain Sink
Daily and Routine Care:
- Rinse after use: This prevents food and soap residue from drying and setting.
- Gentle cleaning: Use warm water and a mild liquid soap with a soft sponge or cloth to remove everyday grime, food, and toothpaste buildup.
- Dry thoroughly: After cleaning, dry the sink with a soft towel to prevent water spots and maintain shine.
Addressing Stains and Discoloration:
- For stubborn stains: Apply baking soda directly to the stain and gently scrub with a damp cloth or sponge using circular motions. You can also create a paste with baking soda and a small amount of water or vinegar for tougher spots.
- For white porcelain: Bleach can be used to remove stains. Apply bleach to the stained area, allow it to sit for a period (e.g., 30-60 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. Ensure good ventilation when using bleach.
- For colored or vintage porcelain: Avoid chlorine bleach as it can damage the finish. Instead, use hydrogen peroxide, Bar Keepers Friend, or a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar.
- Rust stains: A thick paste of salt and lemon juice can be effective for rust stains.
Important Maintenance Tips:
- Avoid abrasive cleaners: Never use scouring powders, harsh scrubbers, or abrasive cleaners as they can dull or remove the finish of the porcelain.
- Clean overflows and drains: Don’t forget to clean sink overflows and deodorize drains regularly.
- Shining: For a polished finish, apply a porcelain polish and work it into the sink with a dry, clean cloth.
- Address stains promptly: Fresh stains are significantly easier to remove than those that have set in.
Stainless Steel
- Regular Cleaning:
- Wipe down after each use: This helps prevent water spots and mineral deposits from settling.
- Weekly cleaning: Use a gentle cleanser like dish soap or a stainless steel cleaner.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Steer clear of bleach, steel wool, and abrasive cleaners that can scratch or damage the surface.
- Scrub in the direction of the grain: This prevents unsightly scratches and maintains the sink’s natural finish.
- Deep Cleaning (if needed):
- Baking soda paste:
- For stubborn stains or odors, create a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently and rinse thoroughly.
- Vinegar and cream of tartar:
- For rust or discoloration, a paste of vinegar and cream of tartar can be effective. Apply, let sit, scrub, and rinse.
- Stainless steel polish:
- Apply a stainless steel polish after cleaning to restore shine and protect the surface.
- Protection:
- Sink bottom grid:
- Invest in a stainless steel sink bottom grid to protect the surface from scratches and dents.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to acidic foods:
- Don’t let acidic foods like pickles or mayonnaise sit in the sink for extended periods, as they can cause corrosion.