The Maintenance of Worktops in Marble & Granite

MARBLE OR GRANITE FLOORS? THAT IS THE QUESTION

There has always been rivalry between granite and marble. Let’s see their differences together.

Marble is a calcareous rock with a crystalline and granular structure. It is known for its aesthetic and mechanical properties. Hardness and resistance make marble one of the most precious stones and, for this reason, always present on the market. The peculiarities of this stone are high durability, resistance to abrasion and impact, porosity and permeability (therefore it is not particularly resistant to stains), vulnerability to acids. An elegant and modern surface, marble is used in the furnishing sector for its prestige and aesthetic value, combining perfectly with classic but also modern kitchens.

Granite is a very compact volcanic rock composed of silica, quartz and other minerals. Granite is known as one of the most resistant and hard materials in nature, with a very low absorption of liquids and humidity, due to low porosity. In fact, granite is an almost unalterable material, capable of withstanding damage and alteration for a long period. Furthermore, granite stands out for its high resistance to abrasion by acid agents. Choosing a granite top means choosing a unique, unrepeatable and super-resistant worktop.

WHAT DAMAGES MARBLE TOPS AND WHAT CAN BE USED FOR CLEANING

Due to its natural porosity, marble is more susceptible to oil and grease infiltration. In order to avoid infiltration and stains, we recommend a periodic water repellent treatment, able to slow down absorption times considerably. Furthermore, we suggest always removing the stains (of any kind) when fresh, in order to avoid irreversible damage. A sensitive material, marble is susceptible to thermal shocks. We therefore advise you to avoid direct contact of boiling pots with the top surface, using pot mats and other supports. Although marble is very hard and resistant, it is still a natural material, very sensitive to scratches. Therefore, avoid using knives directly on the surface. Pay attention to the use of abrasive or acid products (e.g. bleach), lemon, scale removers that instantly ruin the surface.

DAILY CLEANING AND SPECIFIC TREATMENTS FOR MARBLE TOPS

The top can be cleaned using a simple sponge with water and detergent. Avoid acid detergents, scale removers and abrasive sponges that are aggressive for the material and contact with boiling and overheated pots that can leave rings. It is important to remove dirt stains immediately: over time, the substances can penetrate the pores of the material and compromise its appearance and beauty. A good water repellent treatment, repeated periodically, slows down absorption times and enables you to remove the liquid before it penetrates, however it does not offer any protection against the corrosive effects of acid substances, which must always be carefully avoided. Generally, marble tops leave the factory with a specific treatment which guarantees brightness and vivacity. Normally, a subsequent treatment is not required. However, if you feel that your top has lost its brightness, we advise you to contact your supplier to receive information regarding the restoration of the original appearance. The revitalising treatment should not be applied to surfaces which were originally polished.

WHAT DAMAGES GRANITE TOPS AND WHAT CAN BE USED FOR CLEANING

For granite worktops, there are no particular indications to follow, given the high resistance to abrasion and stress. A good rule of thumb is to always remove promptly the dirt when it appears. If stains are formed by absorption, after a few months they will tend to fade. Acid substances (lemon, vinegar, tomato juice) leave no traces after normal cleaning. Avoid prolonged contact with boiling pans, always using pot mats or the likes. Granite is highly scratch resistant. However, in order to preserve the original appearance of the top, we always recommend using cutting boards. Although granite has a very compact surface, it is still a natural material with some porosity (even if minimal). This makes it sensitive to oily and greasy substances that can create stains. Remove quickly by dabbing with paper towels, degrease with a suitable detergent and rinse. Avoid the use of liquid degreasing detergents with a corrosive component (scale removers).

DAILY CLEANING AND SPECIFIC TREATMENTS FOR GRANITE TOPS

For ordinary cleaning of granite worktops, we recommend a mixture of water and dish detergent; rub with a sponge and remember to rinse thoroughly. In order to preserve the original condition of the granite top and avoid the absorption of oily substances over time, we recommend a periodic water repellent and anti-stain treatment, so that such substances can be removed before the liquid penetrates the pores of the stone. Generally, granite tops leave the factory with a specific treatment which guarantees brightness and vivacity. Normally, a subsequent treatment is not required. However, if you feel that your top has lost its brightness, we advise you to contact your supplier to receive information regarding the restoration of the original appearance. The revitalising treatment should not be applied to surfaces which were originally polished.