Care & Maintenance

With care, your new marble, granite or engineered stone benchtops will last a lifetime.  Simply follow some easy tips and protecting surfaces from heat and spills, your benchtops will look as good as the day they were installed.

For Natural & Engineered Stone

• Normal cleaning involves only periodic washing with clean, tap water and neutral cleaners. Accent Benchtops recommends soapfree cleaners because they minimize sticking and filming. However, mild phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish-soaps, soap flake or powders which contain no aromatics are acceptable if able to be thoroughly rinsed - removing all residues. Please refer to your stone brand website for care information.
• Stone surface should firstly be wet with clean, mild hot water. Then, using the cleaner solution, rub in small overlapping motions, from bottom-up if a vertical surface. Rinse thoroughly with clean tap water to remove all traces of soap or cleaners. Change the water in the rinse pail frequently to assist in removing any residues. Dry with soft cloth or cotton-flannel, and allow to thoroughly air-dry. Chamois skin may be used in lieu of a cotton cloth to remove any spots.
• Spills of any type should be immediately removed and water-rinsed. Coasters should be placed under all glasses, particularly those containing liquors or citrus juices.
• Place-mats, wooden cutting boards or trivets should be used under heated dishes.
• Generally, prevention will save a great deal of time spent on cures and remedies, especially since damages to stone, are often irreparable. Polished stone should receive the same care and consideration that is given to a fine wooden finish.

Natural & Engineered Stone

Engineered Stone

Don'ts

We do not recommend placing very hot items (such as saucepans and oven pots) or electric frypans directly on any stone based bench top surface, as this can cause extreme thermal shock.  Damage may not be noticed immediately if this is done regularly, however over time hairline cracks may appear reducing the strength of the product.

• Do not use chemical products for cleaning such as acid like chemicals, on your new bench top as this can cause a build up eventually taking away the high gloss finish of the stone.
• Wiping spills immediately will help avoid most potential staining. Your bench top is sealed with stain-resistant sealer after installation. Timely re-sealing of your benchtops according to the sealer’s instruction may assist in maintaining lustre and maintain enduring 'new look' of the stone.
• Products such as coffee, red wine, cooking oils, butter, lemon juice, tomatoes and anything else acidic should be wiped off the bench top as soon as possible. Take care to use the proper cleaning agents; those that are ammonia based can etch the stone and dull its polish. 
• We do not recommend cutting directly on benchtop surfaces. Repeated use of a knife in the same place on a stone bench top eventually wears down the polish and will blunt your knives. 
• Be careful of the weak part of the kitchen bench tops, these are normally; for example at the front & back of the sink and cook top. Downward pressure to these area’s can cause cracking or breakage.
• Stone benchtops s a solid and strong material but it should not be subject to excessive weight, stress or extreme temperatures. This can cause the stone to fracture or crack when used as a workbench!

The Do's

• Due to its features, Engineered Stone requires very little maintenance to keep the surface looking like new. For everyday routine cleaning we recommend wiping the surface with warm soapy water (a mild detergent) and a damp cloth or alternatively use a quality spray and wipe type cleaner.
• Engineered stone bench top or surface needing a thorough clean? We recommend using a cream cleaner. Alternatively simply using a damp cloth with very mild detergent can produce excellent results. Refer to your stone brand website for more information.

​The Don'ts

• Engineered Stone will tolerate brief exposures to moderately hot temperatures, however please avoid prolonged contact with very hot pots, pans, electric frying pans and oven trays directly from the hotplate or out of an oven onto the surface of Engineered stone. We always recommend the use of a hot pad, placemat or trivet to place hot items onto.
• As with any surface, Engineered Stone can be permanently damaged through exposure to strong chemicals and solvents that undermine its physical properties. So, do not use products that contain trichlorethane or methylene chloride such as paint removers.
• Avoid any highly aggressive cleaning agents like oven cleaner that have high alkaline/PH levels. Should the surface be accidentally exposed to any of these damaging products, rinse immediately with water to neutralise the effects. 

Solid Surface

The inherent qualities of your solid surface counter tops ensure the ultimate in easy care and renewability. Its non-porous, solid composition makes it easy to live and work with for many years.

Routine Care

Use the following procedures as a guide to everyday care for your solid surface benchtops:

Sinks

• Run cold water when pouring boiling water into sinks.
• Soapy water or ammonia-based cleaners (most glass cleaners, or general purpose cleaners, will remove most dirt and stains from all types of finishes. Wipe dry with dry cloth to prevent water spots. More difficult stains can be removed using a mild abrasive and sponge.
• Occasionally clean by filling the sink one-quarter full with a 50/50 water/bleach solution. Let soak for 15 minutes, then wash sides and bottom as solution drains.

Preventing Heat and Other Damage on Solid Surface Benchtops

Although your solid surface counters are generally resistant to heat, you should always use a hot pad or a trivet to protect it. Hot pans, as well as some heat-generating appliances like frying pans or electric cooking pots, can damage the surface if a hot pad or trivet is not used. Follow these guidelines to prevent any permanent damage to your counter tops:

• Avoid exposing your solid surface counters to strong chemicals, such as paint removers, oven cleansers, etc. If contact occurs quickly flush the surface with water.
• Remove nail polish with a non-acetone-based polish remover and flush with water.
• Do not cut directly on your counter tops.

Removing Cuts and Fixing Scratches

Nicks, scratches and cuts are inevitable with any product, including solid surfaces. Below are some tips to removing the marks.

• To remove minor scratches, sand in a circular motion, with light pressure, using a 3M gray finishing pad. Apply light water as you sand. Wipe clean.
• If scratches are deeper and still visible, sand wet in a circular motion using 320-grit Wet and Dry sandpaper, followed by the gray pad.
• For best results, sand slightly wet, and clean before each step.
• For a trouble-free fix to nicks and scratches, we recommend getting a professional who can help you restore the shine and look on your benchtops like it's new. Our customer service department can assist in arranging this service.