Today’s bathrooms have become a part and parcel of our domestic architecture, reflecting our living style.

Use of natural stone tiles and slabs on walls, floors, showers and vanity tops are now increasingly popular not only for the sense of comfort and relaxation but also as an instant visual impact of luxury and timeless splendor.

MARBLE, GRANITE, DOLOMITE & QUARTZITE are the most popular stone bathroom options that will bring beauty, durability and a bold statement of elegance and style to any bathroom design. 

Natural stone is one of the easiest to maintain and is the most permanent of all surface materials. Stone tiles destined for bathrooms, showers, vanities and bath surrounds will add a significant value to your home, however their appearance and longevity will greatly depend on being adequately maintained. Here are a few tips:

MOULD, MILDEW & VENTILATION

Irrespective of what stone you choose, ensuring your bathroom and shower is properly ventilated will help prevent mildew and mould growth. The issue with mould and mildew is not the shower surface, but the water that does not drain fully. If your surfaces are water repellent, drained properly and dried quickly, mould and mildew will not form.

After wiping your shower down to remove excess water, open the shower door or window, or keep your fan on to help the stone dry faster.

KEEP THE GROUT CLEAN

Grout is susceptible to mould and mildew growth if not cared for. Use a stone-safe grout cleaner that’s non-abrasive and gently lift the grime with a soft nylon brush.

REGULAR CLEANING

Clean the stone with a mild detergent or stone soap. Soaps that are formulated for the natural stone used in your shower can be found at most hardware stores. Using more soap isn’t always better. Too much soap could result in streaks or a film remaining on the tiles after cleaning. Avoid harsh cleaners including vinegar that can damage the surface of the stone. Only use cleaners that are pH neutral.

A stone bench top will always be a feature in your home and in order to keep it looking its best certain precautions should be exercised.

THE DO’s AND THE DON’Ts OF NATURAL STONE BENCHTOP CARE  

• Don’t ever sit or stand on your benchtop.  Whilst the stone is very strong, the under cabinet or substrate may not be.
• Don’t place extremely hot things on your benchtop.  Most of the stones are heat resistant but not heat-proof.  Always use a hot plate rest or trivet.
• Most Natural Stone react on contact with acid, including acids found in food like tomato, fruit juice, vinegar etc. It’s best to use a cutting board or any other form of surface protection when working on it. This will prevent reactions between stone and the acids from different foods as well as avoiding scratches.
• Avoid everyday use of abrasive cleaners when cleaning, household cleaners will only remove top polish. It is also important to avoid spilling alcohol drinks or fruit juices as it can etch into the polish. Never leave wet perfumed soaps or aerosol cans on the marble bench tops as they can create stains. Refrain from using sharp objects as they can scratch the surface.
• To clean stone bench tops use a pure soap that is diluted in water. For best results when cleaning use a clean soft cloth. Don’t use scouring powders or creams, these products may scratch the surface of the stone.
• Majority of natural stones are factory sealed post production, however you may want to ensure it with a second sealing.
• Sealing your new benchtop is essential to prevent liquids from soaking in and being absorbed by the material, causing unwanted marks and stains that can be a pain to get rid of.
• Resealing is generally recommended every 2-5 years but completely depends on the type of stone you have and how the benchtop is used.
• A quick way to check if your natural stone benchtop needs a new coat of sealer is to pour some water on it and see what happens. If the water puddles up on top of the stone – then your sealer is still working. If the water penetrates into the stone – you know it’s time for a new coat of sealer.
• Benchtops in Natural Stone provide a beautiful, elegant and classy ambience for many years if they are properly cared for.