MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS FOR NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS
It is easy to keep working surfaces made from natural stone clean by wiping them with a damp cloth. A polished surface is sealed and will not absorb dirt into its pores, making it easy to remove it from the surface.
Cleaning
If necessary, you can use diluted dishwashing liquid as a detergent. Granite can handle neutral (pH 6-8), weakly alkaline (pH 8-10) and weakly acidic (pH 4-6) detergents. Do not use strongly acidic (pH below 2) or alkaline (pH above 11) detergents, nor coarse or abrasive detergents.
Please note:
If you are not sure what the effect of the detergent is going to be, first test it on the product somewhere where possible damage is not visible or otherwise doesn’t matter.
Protecting honed countertops
For natural stone countertops with a honed surface we will seal them at the factory. How re-sealing interval for the countertops can be many years, depending on the level of use. You can test the seal using a droplet test. Just sprinkle some water on the counter: if it forms a droplet, the seal is still okay. It is easy to renew the seal yourself in the future. You can order the necessary supplies from Loimaan Kivi’s sales department or find it in one of Loimaan Kivi’s outlets.
Please note:
It is important to first carefully clean the countertop before you perform the seal.
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CEASARSTONE QUARTZ COMPOSITE COUNTERTOPS
As the quartz composite countertops are not at all porous, stains will not be absorbed into the material. In other words, you do not need to impregnate or wax the countertop. It is easy to wipe the flat surface clean. Do not place hot pots or pans directly on the countertop. Always use a trivet. Cutting on a Caesarstone surface will dull your knife. Always use a cutting board. Don’t sit or stand on the countertop.
Daily cleaning
For daily cleaning it is enough to use a damp cloth and a neutral detergent, like a general detergent or dishwashing liquid. Ingrained stains can be removed with warm water and CIF Cream-cleaning detergent. Add CIF Cream to warm water. Wipe the countertops with a clean, damp cloth and rinse with plenty of warm water.
Ingrained stains
Ingrained stains can be removed with undiluted CIF Cream, spread with a soft sponge. Rub the stain away and rinse with warm water. For removing dried food remains, use a plastic spatula.
Resistance against chemicals
Your Caesarstone quartz composite should not be in contact with chemicals. Strong chemicals such as drain, or oven cleaners can cause irreparable damage to the surface.
| Agent |
Resistance |
| Acids | Good resistance |
| Oils | Good resistance |
| Coffee, wine etc | Good resistance |
| Sodas | Good resistance |
| Bleaches | Avoid. If the agent is active for over 12 hours, the surface sheen might disappear. |
| Alkaline detergents with a pH over 12 |
Avoid. If the agent is active for over 12 hours, the surface sheen might disappear. |
| Trichloroethylene | Can be used to remove stains but the surface should be rinsed immediately with clean water |
| Acetone | Can be used to remove stains but the surface should be rinsed immediately with clean water |
| Paint thinner | Can be used to remove stains but the surface should be rinsed immediately with clean water |