In General

Abrasive cleaners should not be used under any circumstances. If it is necessary to use a cleaner, use a neutral (pH-7) non-fat, mild detergent.

Heavy Duty

We carry heavy-duty and everyday-use natural stone cleaning products that are specifically formulated for natural stone countertops and flooring. Please contact us for more information. Most surface spots can be removed by first scraping the area with a single-edged razor blade followed by buffing with dry 0000 steel wool. A sealer will be applied to your stone at the time of installation if you have purchased your countertops from ALLIED STONE. This sealer will need to be re-applied every 3~5 years depending on the frequency of cleaning and the type of cleaners used.

There is nothing inherent in the stone that will cause stains. Stains are always from exterior causes and are usually organic, oil, or rust related. Identifying the cause is key to removing a stain Surface stains can often be removed by cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product or household chemical. Look for the color, shape, and environment factos that could be causing the staining. For help in identifying the type of stain and for removal techniques, please refer to the following suggestions. Oil-based (Grease, Tar, Cooking Oil, Milk, Cosmetics): An oil-based stain will darken the stone and normally must be chemically dissolved so the source of the stain can be flushed or rinsed away. Clean gently with a soft, liquid cleanser with bleach or ammonia or mineral spirits or acetone.

Organic (Coffee, Tea, Fruit, Tobacco, Paper, Food, Urine, Leaves, Bark, Bird Droppings): May cause a pinkish-brown stain which may disappear after the source of the stain is removed. Clean with 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia.

Metal (Iron, Rust, Copper, Bronze: Iron or rust stains are orange to brown in color and follow the shape of the staining object such as nails, bolts, screws, cans, flower pots, etc. Metal stains must be removed using a poultice and are extremely difficult to remove. It is best to contact ALLIED STONE for specific instructions.

Ink (Magic Markers, Pens, Ink: Clean with bleach or hydrogen peroxide for light colored stone. Use lacquer thinner or acetone for dark colored stones.

Paint: Small amounts can be removed with lacquer thinner or by scraping with a single-edged razor blade. Tough stains may require a poultice

To begin, prepare the poultice according to Step 1 (see above. Use drained (no liquid dripping) white paper towels soaked in the appropriate cleaner then:

1) Wet the stained area with distilled water.

2) Apply the poultice to the stained area extending the poultice beyond the stained area about 1".

Cover the poultice with plastic and tape the edges around to seal it.

Allow the poultice to dry thoroughly, usually about 24 to 48 hours. The drying process pulls the stain out of the stone and into the poultice.

Remove the poultice from the stain, rinse with distilled water and buff dry with a soft cloth.

Repeat the poultice application if the stain is not fully removed. It may take up to five applications for a difficult stain.

If none of the above methods are successful (remember some staining is impossible to completely remove), contact Customer Service.

DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, MIX BLEACH AND AMMONIA!!!
THIS COMBINATION CREATES A TOXIC AND LETHAL GAS. FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS AND EXERCISE PROPER CARE WHEN HANDLING AND STORING ANY PRODUCTS OR CHEMICALS