FAMILY & HOME
Don’t Lose
the Luster
MAINTAIN NATURAL STONE COUNTERS
D
urability is one reason homeowners choose natural
stone for their kitchens and bathrooms, but the greatest
appeal is often the sheer beauty of the material.
Maintaining that luster and shine requires a bit of
effort, but the ability to enjoy the unique character of
natural stone makes it all worthwhile. Once installed, maintain that
luxurious factory finish with tips from the experts at Granite Gold.
Clean often. Even miniscule particles could have a detrimental effect
on your natural stone. However, it’s important to avoid common
cleaners and abrasives as they can break down the protective seal and
result in expensive repairs or replacement. Also avoid using an abrasive
scrubbing pad, which may leave unsightly scratches. Rely on scrubbing
pads designed specifically for natural stone, or look for “non-scratch”
on the packaging.
“Common, everyday household cleaners aren’t formulated for
granite, marble, travertine or any other natural-stone surface,” said
Lenny Sciarrino, CEO and co-founder of Granite Gold Inc. “They will
dull the natural finish – the great luster and shine everyone enjoys – and
lead to costly repairs or replacement.”
Seal frequently. Frequently sealing natural stone surfaces maintains
maximum surface protection, penetrating stone surfaces to provide
superior, long-lasting resistance to staining, etching and soil buildup.
It’s easy to test when to reseal. Pour water (about 3 inches in diameter)
on the surface and let it sit for 30 minutes. If the water beads, then the
stone remains sealed. However, if a dark mark or ring is created by the
water, it is time to reseal. Be sure to repair any etching or stains before
the sealant is applied.
Polish regularly. Polishing not only brings out the stone’s natural
beauty, it reinforces the protective seal and provides ongoing protection
against water spots and fingerprints. One time-saving, but effective
solution after sealing is Granite Gold Clean & Shine, which provides
the cleaning power of the line’s Daily Cleaner and the luster from the
Polish in one easy-to-use formula.
Products are available nationwide at Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond and Amazon. Check store locator at granitegold.com.
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