Dear Homeowner,

Exquisite Marble & Granite, Inc. would like to thank you for choosing the natural stone for your tops. We hope that the natural beauty of the stone will bring many years of enjoyment to your home. Marble and granite is the material that is made of natural minerals that may react to chemicals that are not intended for stone care use. Polished natural stone is traditionally less porous than an unpolished finish, however, it is still susceptible to staining. If the surface of the stone is neglected and abused, the natural beauty of the stone will not be preserved. All stone must be properly cared for in order to retain its true luster.

Truth About Granite and Radon/Radiation (Requires Adobe Reader)

Has your stone been sealed?
Most mineral surfaces are porous and act like a sponge in the presence of moisture and fluids. Since most natural stones are by no means impervious to staining, a penetrating sealer should be applied for protection. Exquisite Marble & Granite recommends the sealing of all materials following installation.

Is your stone being cleaned properly?
Exquisite Marble and Granite, Inc. strongly suggests that all surfaces be cleaned with pH balanced soaps. Cleaning agents, such as ammonia, acids, or caustic chemicals can mar the finish of the stone. In addition, abrasives, such as Comet, Ajax, Soft Scrub, S.O.S., etc., should also be avoided.

Stone maintenance:
The expresssion "maintenance-free" is misleading and should be replaced by "easy to maintain". All surface materials require some form of maintenance from simple dusting or cleaning with soap and water, to the application of sealers and waxes. Natural stones wear extremely well. The true measure of its durability however is a combination of the selection of the proper stone for its intended application, the finish used on the stone, and a regular maintenance program. Basically, the maintenance of the stone can be divided into three categories:

Cleaning, including the initial cleaning after installation of new stone.

Sealing, if required, to make stone more resistant to water, so that dirt remains on the surface making cleaning easier.

Regular ongoing care.

Caring for your countertop It is easy to take care of it:

Clean the surface with a few drops of mild plain or antibacterial dishwasher soap and warm water. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.

Use coasters or placemats under glassware and dishes to protect surfaces. While granite is generally resistant to heat, exceptionally "red-hot" pans may damage the surfaces. Do not set hot pans on marble surfaces.

Do not use vinegar, lemon juice or other acidic cleaners on polished marble surfaces. Acid removes polish from marble surfaces. Granites are not as easily affected by acids commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms.

Stone care recommendations:
-Always maintain stone with clean sponge, towel or rag.

Replace old towels and rags because they lose their cleaning ability as they age.

Always remove loose debris from stone surfaces to prevent scratching.

Pick up spills immediately to prevent staining and etching.

Use coasters under drink glasses to prevent glass rings from occurring.

Popular products that damage stone surfaces are: juices, shaving cream, alcoholic beverages, soda,perfume/cologne, lipstick, nail polish remover, oil, grease, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, supermarket cleaning chemicals, dishwashing soap, hair perm chemicals, shampoos and body soaps, rock salt, sand, toothpaste, drain openers, toilet bowl cleaners, and any fluids that contain an acid or alkali.

Exquisite Marble and Granite, Inc. will gladly apply proper protective sealer and provide you with many fine stone care products including cleaners and sealers.

Caring for Stone Floors
Floors made of marble, granite, quartzite, or limestone should not be cleaned with vinegar or any acidic cleanser that will etch or scratch the stone. These types of floors also should not be subjected to re-crystallization or vitrification to restore luster, as such treatments also contain acid. Stone contains calcium carbonate, and mixed with acid, the bond between the calcium and carbonate is broken. The resulting film is calcium fluorosilicate, which clogs the stone's pores, prevents moisture from escaping, and causes rot. To get rid of etches and scratches and restore shine, waxes, acrylics, urethanes, re-crystallization, or vitrification must be removed. An impregnator should be applied, which forms a seal against water, coffee, and other liquids while still allowing the stone to breathe. As for daily maintenance, stone floors need only be dry mopped on a daily basis, and all spills should be blotted, rinsed with water, and blotted again.

Thank you again for choosing natural stone and please consider Exquisite Marble & Granite, Inc. for all your future stone needs.