STONE CARE AND F.A.Q.

While stone will last a lifetime, it does require some special care. Here are some basic care instructions that will help you keep it in its best condition.
All stone is porous in nature so specific care should be used when it is cleaned. Anything applied to the surface will soak in so it’s important to avoid using cleaning solutions that can harm the stone. We recommend cleaning stone with a mild detergent solution of Ivory© brand dishwashing detergent. Unlike other brands, it is made without animal fats and is free of dies and scents which will damage the stone.
Because all stone is porous, it is vulnerable to damage from acids, strong alkali solutions, stain, oils, wax and alcohol. Spills of acidic liquids like fruit juice or vinegar, highly colored liquids like wine or colored fruit drinks need to be wiped up quickly to preserve the color and polish of your stone surfaces. Waxes should never be used.

Substances that can damage stone include:

• Toilet bowl cleaner -- many contain lye, which is very alkaline and can etch the surface of the stone
• Anything that contains oil – lemon oil or orange oil cleansers, paints, stains or any other petroleum products. They will soak into the stone marring the color.
• All waxes -- wax penetrates the surface of the stone and in time will yellow, changing the color of the stone.
• Alcohol -- will thin oils, pigments and waxes and carry them deep into the stone.
• Anything that contains acid -- lemon juice and cleansers with ammonia (including window cleaners)
• Any bleaching agent -- peroxide (including benzoil peroxide), bleach, etc. these will mar the color.

About Stone Sealers:

Your stone will be sealed prior to installation to seal out unwanted dirt, oil, grime and chemicals. After that, all stone surfaces should be periodically sealed.
If you don’t feel comfortable sealing the stone yourself, or would like more information contact Ze Stone, Inc. for more details or information on recommended sealing agents.

Damage to Stone:

Although granite is considered one of the strongest and most scratch resistant stone in the world, stone is a crystalline structure and is therefore subject to being broken. This is especially true of stone countertops. Unlike stone flooring, countertops span the top of the cabinet and are subject to being broken if enough weight is applied to one spot. Never stand directly on a stone countertop. Stone is also subject to shattering if hard objects are dropped directly on the stone.