AVIVA STONE
(Granite & Stone)
Granite Worktops - Marble - Slate - Hearths - Wall & Floor Tiles
HOME
ABOUT US
CONTACT
DO’S & DONT’S
TILE
SAMPLES
SAMPLES
GALLERY
GRANITE
SAMPLES
SAMPLES
ABOUT GRANITE
Do's and Don'ts
Do note that granites vary in hardness and porosity. Polished granite makes an almost perfect work surface for kitchens however it is important to note that granite will scratch and chip if mistreated. It is not impervious to abuse! Keeping your work surface clean could not be easier. All that is usually required for the most stubborn encrustation is a little warm water and washing-up liquid. Simply use a kitchen sponge, a little elbow grease and, hey presto, it's clean. All that is then needed is to wipe down with a dry paper kitchen towel. We do not recommend using a honed (dull finish) granite for a work surface since, even when sealed, it may absorb liquid and can be very difficult to cleanse hygienically. The process of polishing granite with abrasives and extreme heat, seals the surface of the granite giving it a "mirror-like" finish. A granite work surface will give many years of satisfactory service, after all, it's been around for 4,000 million years! It is an igneous rock that has been formed by solidification of molten matter (magma). The nature of an igneous rock depends upon the chemical composition of the original magma and upon the rate at which it cooled.
Maintenance Of Your Work top
If you follow most of the following suggestions your granite work top ought to give you years of relatively maintenance free service. Avoid cutting directly on the work top with ultra sharp knives Why? It is doubtful that your knife may damage the surface however it will most likely not do your knife any good. Cutting close to a work top edge could chip or damage the surface however... It is possible to repair damaged or chipped edges.
Sealing Your Work top
Some granites are definitely much more absorbent than others therefore if it requires sealing then this should preferably be completed with one of our Care Kits after installation. If the granite needs sealing then periodical maintenance should ensure few problems. Once properly sealed, the stone will be more resistant against everyday dirt and spills.
Do's & Don'ts With Your Granite Work top
Don't
DON"T use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids on your stone. 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. DON'T ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so.
Do
Clear up spillages immediately especially if: Hot oil, in fact, any type of oil An acidic liquid such as red wine or citrus fruit juice, lemonade, Coka cola etc Various vegetables & liquids such as beetroot or vinegar Do not leave ripe fruit flesh like raspberries, strawberries or lemons for more than a few seconds Use mats or trivets under hot dishes and all cookware. Do not use any abrasives or corrosive liquids for cleaning! Granite is a substance that quickly absorbs heat and distributes it out. We would recommend that extremely hot pans not be placed on or near small granite strips (up to 8") due to the fact that there is not enough material to distribute the heat. When placing hot pans on the countertop you will want to avoid coming in contact with the exposed area due to the extreme heat being deposited by the pan onto the granite.
In Conclusion
If you have to wonder whether what you are doing is ok for your work top - Don't do it until you have sought professional advice!
Granite is a very durable material and occasional abuse will unlikely result in permanent damage. We encourage you to use and enjoy your new worktops. Please feel free to call us whenever you have a question or concern about the care of your granite worktops.
Granite is a very durable material and occasional abuse will unlikely result in permanent damage. We encourage you to use and enjoy your new worktops. Please feel free to call us whenever you have a question or concern about the care of your granite worktops.
Travertine Tile Care Tips
Travertine like most tile, should be sealed before use. A properly sealed travertine tile will not wear or stain as easily as bare tiles. Using a proper sealant is a must for effective travertine tile care, as this tile has a tendency to wear and to develop small holes over time.
General Cleaning Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner designated safe for natural stone. Use a clean mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Don't use more than the recommended amount of any cleaning product. Too much may leave a film, causing streaks. Change rinse water frequently. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble, travertine or limestone as these can etch the surface of the stone. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.
Do's and Don'ts
Do dust mop floors frequently. Do clean surfaces with a neutral stone cleaner. Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing. Do blot up spills immediately. Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and counter top surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats, particularly under those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface. Don't 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 can scratch the surface. Don't use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces. 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.