Daily Cleaning
Recommended Cleaning Products
- Mild dish soap with warm water for routine cleaning
- pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for natural stone
- Microfibre cloths for cleaning and buffing
- Hereford Stone Care Kit (available for purchase separately)
Products to Avoid
- Acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon, citrus)
- Abrasive cleaners or scouring pads
- Bleach-based products
- Glass cleaners
- All-purpose cleaners with ammonia
Daily Cleaning Routine
- Wipe surface with a damp cloth and mild soap solution
- Rinse with clean water to remove soap residue
- Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent water spots
- For extra shine, buff with a dry microfibre cloth
Handling Spills and Stains
- Blot spills immediately; never wipe as this can spread the spill
- Clean oil-based spills with mild dish soap
- Address acidic spills (wine, citrus, tomato) immediately to prevent etching
- Always work from the outside of a spill inward
Material-Specific Care
Granite Care
- Requires periodic sealing (typically annually)
- More porous than engineered stones
- Can withstand heat but use trivets for prolonged exposure
- Susceptible to etching from acidic substances
Quartz Care
- No sealing required (non-porous)
- Resistant to most stains when cleaned promptly
- Less heat-resistant than granite or Dekton
- Can be damaged by harsh chemicals
Dekton Care
- Extremely resistant to stains, heat, and scratches
- No sealing required
- Can withstand high temperatures
- Easiest to maintain of all three materials
- Still requires regular cleaning to maintain appearance
Preventative Measures
Physical Protection
- Always use cutting boards (never cut directly on the surface)
- Place hot pots and pans on trivets or heat-resistant mats
- Use coasters under glasses, especially with coloured or acidic beverages
- Lift heavy objects rather than sliding them across the surface
Temperature Considerations
- Granite: Can handle heat up to 250°C but prolonged exposure may cause damage
- Quartz: Heat resistant up to 150°C; sudden temperature changes can cause cracking
- Dekton: Exceptionally heat resistant up to 300°C
Preventing Scratches and Chips
- Avoid dropping heavy objects on edges or corners
- Don’t stand or sit on countertops
- Take special care around sink cutouts and edges
- Use protective felt pads under appliances or decorative items
Stain Removal
Common Stains and Solutions
Oil-Based Stains (cooking oil, grease)
- Create a paste with baking soda and water
- Apply to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and tape edges
- Leave for 24-48 hours, then rinse and dry
Organic Stains (coffee, tea, wine)
- Mix 12% hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia
- Apply to stain for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
- (For granite only; test on an inconspicuous area first)
Ink or Dye Stains
- Apply a small amount of acetone-based nail polish remover
- Blot immediately, don’t rub
- Rinse thoroughly with water
Rust Stains
- Use a poultice specifically designed for rust removal on natural stone
- Follow product instructions carefully
- Never use rust removers designed for other materials
Deep Cleaning Techniques
- Clear the entire surface
- Apply stone-specific cleaner and let sit for 5 minutes
- Wipe with a damp cloth
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely
Sealing Requirements
How to Tell When Resealing is Needed
- Place a few drops of water on the surface
- If water is absorbed within 5-10 minutes instead of beading up, resealing is required
Sealing Frequency
- Granite: Every 12-18 months depending on use
- Quartz: No sealing required
- Dekton: No sealing required
DIY Sealing Instructions
- Clean the surface thoroughly and allow to dry for 24 hours
- Apply stone sealer following product instructions
- Allow sealer to penetrate for the recommended time (typically 15-30 minutes)
- Wipe away excess sealer
- Allow to cure for 24-48 hours before regular use
Professional Maintenance
When to Call Professionals
- Deep or persistent stains
- Etching or dull spots
- Chips or cracks
- Seam repair
- Repolishing needs
Services We Offer
- Deep cleaning
- Professional sealing
- Repair of minor chips or cracks
- Repolishing and restoration
- Annual maintenance plans
Recommended Professional Schedule
- Granite: Professional deep clean and seal annually
- Quartz: Professional inspection every 2-3 years
- Dekton: Professional inspection every 3-5 years
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Etching
- Appears as dull spots where acidic substances have contacted the stone
- More common on polished surfaces
- Professional repolishing may be required for severe cases
Water Spots
- Caused by hard water minerals left behind after evaporation
- Clean with specialist stone cleaner
- Prevent by always drying surfaces after cleaning
Scratches
- Minor scratches on polished surfaces may be improved with specialist stone polish
- Deep scratches require professional attention
Chips
- Small chips can often be repaired with color-matched epoxy
- Contact our service department for repair options
When to Contact Customer Service
- If you’re unsure about how to address an issue
- For warranty-related concerns
- To schedule professional maintenance
- For advice on specific cleaning challenges
For specialized care products or professional maintenance services, please contact us via our Contact Page, or call our friendly team on 01432 255075.