Your new stone benchtop is an investment in beauty and functionality. Here’s how to keep it looking pristine:

General Tips

• For everyday cleaning, simply wipe your benchtop surface with warm soapy water and a mild Detergent and a damp, clean cloth and dry with a clean dry cloth.

• For a deeper clean, we recommend using a crème cleanser and microfiber cloth or non-scratch scouring pad/sponge. The crème cleanser can be purchased directly from the manufacturer – Caesarstone/Stone Ambassador/YDL Stone/WK Stone. 

• We recommend only using Caesarstone Spray cleaner as a spray and wipe for benchtops. Do not use store-bought spray and wipes on our benchtops.

• Always use a chopping board when chopping food to avoid any unwanted scratches

• If the pots and pans are too hot to touch, they are too hot for your benchtops. Always use heat trivets or Chopping boards to place hot items directly on your benchtop surface.

• DON’T use abrasive cleaners or metal scrubbers.

• DON’T let oven cleaner come into contact with the benchtop surface. Rinse immediately with fresh water and dry the benchtop with a clean dry cloth. 

• DON’T stand on the bench top as this can cause you benchtop to crack. 

• Be cautious with metal objects on the benchtop, as they can create rust stains, such as cans or bobby pins, which can be difficult to remove.

• Caesarstone/Stone Ambassador/YDL Stone/WK Stone (Silica Free surfaces) does not require any sealing on the surface. Give benchtops a deep clean for that fresh new look. 

• Only natural stones (granite/quartzite/marble/etc) are usually factory sealed but may benefit from secondary sealing for extra protection.

• Take care around the edges, especially near sinks and dishwashers. Chips can easily occur with plates/cups/pans/etc impacting the edge with force.

Deeper Clean for Stubborn Stains

• Wet the clean microfiber cloth or non-scratch scouring pad/sponge

• Use about a teaspoon of cream cleanser on your benchtop and wipe in small circular motions with the microfiber cloth or non-scratch scouring pad and create a foaming scrub.

• Be cautious not to apply excessive pressure or rub in one spot for too long.

• Remove all excess suds, rinsing the surface with warm water and a microfibre cloth or soft, clean towel.

Most shiny stone tops will look smeared if not wiped properly. If using soap or dishwashing liquid, more often than not, it is the soap residue left behind which leaves the smear.

Using a clean cloth and hot water can usually take off the majority of what needs to be cleaned. Methylated spirits is ideal – it doesn’t leave streaks. A followup with a clean polishing cloth will ensure a shiny top.

Don’t use metal scouring pads or metal scrubbers. Household bleach (diluted) and Gumption can be used effectively.

Cleaning for Silica-Free Man-Made Stone

For silica-free man-made stone, we recommend using the manufacturer’s cleaning products for optimal results. If you need sealing or repair services, our team is here to help.

Cleaning for Natural Stone

While most natural sones will be factory sealed you can request a secondary sealing.

Honed (matte) finished stones aren’t less susceptible to scratching and etching however they still should be sealed.

Marble, limestone – Ensure the cleaning product is PH neutral. Use Methylated Spirits and Rejuevenator Cleaner.

Sealing Silica Free

Many of the recon stones such as Caesarstone doesn’t need sealing for up to 10 years. Of course it always depends on what cleaning products have been used and how often over time.

The majority of natural stones are factory sealed however you may want to ensure it with a second sealing.

Repairs

Edges near sinks and dishwashers are prone to chips, which can be repaired. Keep chipped pieces for potential repairs. Avoid DIY fixes with superglue, as this may complicate the repair process. Cracks, however, are more difficult to repair, especially if caused by standing on thinner edges near sinks or hotplates.

Direct sunlight

Silica Free Man Made stones can experience slight colour changes over time with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Where possible, minimise direct sunlight exposure to maintain the stone’s appearance.