How to Care for Marble
Marble is a symbol of timeless beauty, but it requires thoughtful care to preserve its natural elegance.
- Daily Cleaning: Wipe marble surfaces with a soft cloth and pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid acidic substances like vinegar or lemon, which can etch the surface.
- Spills: Clean spills immediately to prevent staining, especially liquids like wine, coffee, or citrus.
- Protection: Use coasters, trivets, and mats under glasses, dishes, and hot items.
- Sealing: Re-seal marble periodically to reinforce its resistance against stains. Depending on usage, sealing may be needed once or twice a year.
- Avoid: Abrasive pads, acidic cleaners, and heavy impact, which can dull or crack the marble.
How to Care for Granite
Granite combines natural strength with enduring beauty, but maintaining its polished look requires attention.
- Daily Cleaning: Clean with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap or a granite-specific cleaner.
- Spills: Although more resistant than marble, granite can absorb oils and colored liquids. Wipe spills promptly.
- Sealing: Seal granite annually or when water no longer beads on the surface. Sealing enhances stain resistance.
- Heat: Although heat-tolerant, it's best to use trivets to protect from thermal shock.
- Avoid: Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, which can degrade the stone’s finish over time.
How to Care for Limestone
Limestone offers a warm, earthy aesthetic but requires gentle care to maintain its soft surface.
- Daily Cleaning: Dust or wipe with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a stone-safe pH-neutral cleaner.
- Spills: Limestone is porous — act quickly to blot spills before they penetrate.
- Protection: Always use mats or coasters on limestone surfaces. Heavy items should be padded underneath to avoid scratches.
- Sealing: Frequent sealing is essential; limestone often requires sealing twice a year.
- Avoid: Acidic cleaners, abrasive brushes, and dragging items across the surface.
How to Care for Leather
Leather adds texture and warmth to any space — caring for it keeps it rich and supple over time.
- Dusting: Dust leather surfaces regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
- Cleaning: For stains, use a slightly damp cloth. Avoid soaking the leather. Special leather cleaners can be used for deeper cleaning.
- Conditioning: Apply a leather conditioner every 6–12 months to prevent drying and cracking.
- Protection: Keep leather away from direct sunlight and heat sources to avoid fading or drying.
- Avoid: Water saturation, household cleaners, and sharp objects that can puncture or scratch.
How to Care for Glass
Glass surfaces reflect light beautifully but need regular cleaning to remain crystal clear.
- Daily Cleaning: Wipe with a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner or a solution of mild soap and water.
- Spills: Address spills immediately to avoid sticky residues.
- Polishing: Use a lint-free cloth for polishing to avoid streaks.
- Avoid: Abrasive pads or powders, which can scratch glass. Always lift objects instead of dragging them across the surface.
How to Care for Wood
Wood breathes life into spaces but requires consistent, careful maintenance.
- Dusting: Dust weekly with a soft, dry cloth.
- Cleaning: Use a damp cloth with mild soap for deeper cleaning, but ensure the wood dries immediately after.
- Polishing: Apply wood polish or wax every few months to restore luster and provide a protective barrier.
- Protection: Use coasters, placemats, and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can cause discoloration.
- Avoid: Harsh detergents, prolonged water exposure, and placing hot or wet items directly on the surface.
How to Care for Acrylic
Acrylic surfaces offer a modern touch but scratch easily without proper care.
- Dusting: Use a microfiber cloth to remove dust gently.
- Cleaning: Wash with a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild detergent. Dry with a clean, soft cloth to avoid water spots.
- Polishing: Use specialized acrylic polish to remove minor scratches.
- Avoid: Ammonia-based cleaners like Windex, rough cloths, and harsh scrubbing, which can cloud or scratch acrylic.
How to Care for Semi-Precious Stones
Semi-precious stone surfaces like agate, quartz, and amethyst require both strength and delicacy in maintenance.
- Dusting: Gently dust with a microfiber cloth.
- Cleaning: Use a soft cloth and lukewarm water with a very mild detergent. Dry immediately.
- Protection: Avoid exposing semi-precious surfaces to prolonged direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or strong chemicals.
- Sealing: Some semi-precious stones benefit from occasional sealing to enhance their longevity and vibrancy.