Cleaning & Maintenance Guide

Marble & Travertine: Cleaning & Maintenance

Because Marble and Travertine surfaces are porous and absorbent, there are a few things to pay attention.

Due to marble and travertine characteristics, you must avoid certain solutions (like acids, coffee, alcohol) coming in contact with the marble. This also applies to cleaning products (including vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids).

To minimize the effect of the etching and staining you should try protecting this beautiful and natural material by putting a coaster under items, such as glasses, placed on the marble surface, especially if they contain alcohol or acid as well as having a renewal of the coating done yearly or twice per year. Wipe up food and liquid spills as soon as possible.

To clean the marble surface use warm water and a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth. It is the best method for cleaning, but it will not remove etching or stains that are permeated on the surface.

What to avoid

Do not use solid placemats under ceramics, such as silver or other solid objects that may scratch the stone surface.
Do not use bleach, ammonia, general-purpose cleaners or abrasive cleaning agents, abrasive paper or steel wool.
Do not use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, tub cleaners or tile cleaners.
Do not use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for natural stone.
Do not leave pools of water on the marble surface, as it could end up leaving stains.

What can be used

Marble surfaces can be treated with a special anti-stain and anti-oil products.
Professional refinishing is recommended to remove etch marks and restore the stone’s natural finishing. However, if you do not have access to it, you can manually remove the stains.
If a stain is particularly difficult, use a soft scrub pad to buss out the stain and wipe it with a cloth to remove the dust.
Finally, you may apply stone sealant to re-establish protection on the affected areas. If you choose to seal your marble, use a quality product and follow the manufacturer’s directions for use (stone sealants can be purchased at almost any home improvement centre).

Quartz: Cleaning & Maintenance

Because Quartz Surfaces are durable and nonporous, chemical, heat, and scratch resistant (NOT chemical, heat, and scratchproof). It is one of the most easily maintained countertop materials.

Daily Cleaning & Care

A damp cloth or paper towel should be used for routine daily cleaning of dirt and residue. If necessary a nonbleach, nonabrasive cleaner can be used, such as a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water used for hard water and calcium build up, especially around faucets.
Even though Quartz Surfaces are nonporous and resist permanent staining, wipe up food and liquid spills as soon as possible.
For stubborn or dried spills, use a nonabrasive cleaning pad.
Avoid using cleaners that contain bleach.

Caring for Countertop Finish

Quartz Surfaces do not require polishing or sealants to maintain their gloss finish.
Soapy water is the best treatment for cleaning.

Preventing Heat Damage

Quartz Surface material can withstand exposure from normal cooking temperatures, but it is susceptible to damage caused by rapid temperature change. It is important to minimize direct heat exposure to protect your countertop surface.
We recommend using heat trivets when placing hot objects like pots, pans, electric fry pans, griddles, crock pots and toaster ovens on any surface.

Preventing Other Damage

Although Quartz Surfaces are resistant to scratches we Do Not recommend cutting directly on your countertop. We suggest using a cutting board.
Avoid exposing your countertop to strong chemicals and solvents such as paint removers, oven cleaners, etc. Keep nail polish remover, bleach, permanent markers, and inks away from countertop. Avoid prolonged exposure to highly alkaline (highpH) cleaners. If contact occurs with any substance listed above, quickly flush the surface with water.

Removing Difficult Spills

Sometimes spills occur and dry on the countertop. For materials that harden as they dry (such as gum, food, grease, nail polish or paint), remove by gently scraping away the excess with a plastic putty knife.
If stain persists after following instructions outlined in Daily Cleaning & Care, moisten a cloth with all purpose cleaner product and rub it into the stain. Let the cleaning agent sit for 15 minutes and wipe the surface clean with a cotton cloth. Rinse thoroughly to remove any cleaner residue.

Porcelain (Engineered Surfaces): Cleaning & Maintenance

Engineered Surfaces are durable and nonporous, chemical, heat, and scratch resistant

To clean your porcelain surface, simply apply multipurpose cleaners, rub in circular motion for 1-2 minutes. Then rinse with plenty of water and a clean cloth, and then dry with kitchen roll.
To remove all traces of soap from your surface, rinse with plenty of water and a clean cloth, and then dry with kitchen roll.
If stains persist, you should clean the surface with limescale remover, a blue scouring pad and water. Always clean in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes. Then rinse with plenty of water and dry with kitchen roll.
Engineered surface is designed to withstand hot objects (saucepans, frying pans, coffee makers, etc.) and electrical apparatus that give off heat. The use of mats or other protection is also recommended for longer periods of time, especially for 4 and 8 mm surfaces.
Please avoid direct contact between countertops and metal parts of electric grills, hobs, and ovens which can occasionally occur due to incorrect installation.
Direct contact with high temperatures from direct sources such as fireplaces, barbecues, etc. İsn’t recommended.
Direct contact with a naked flame isn’t recommended.
However engineered surface is scratch resistant, directly cutting on the countertop with a knife isn’t recommended, especially on lux (polished) surfaces.
Hydrofluoric acid products should be avoided, as they can damage the surface.