ENGINEERED STONE CARE GUIDE.

• Regular Cleaning: We recommend to clean Engineered stone bench-tops daily with our favourite cleaner, GEAL CB90. Use a Microfibre Cloth to avoid scratching the surface. Buff the surface dry with a second Micro-fibre cloth to prevent water spots.
• Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Avoid store bought abrasive cleaners, the only one we recommend is Stone Foam. Store bought abrasive cleaners can damage the factory polish and dull the surface.
• Use Microfibre cloths: A good microfibre cloth will greatly aid in keeping the Bench-top streak free when used with the correct cleaners.
• Wipe Spills promptly: Keeping the Bench-top clean will greatly reduce the risk of staining and etching, food can also dry onto the surface and become difficult to remove. If this happens soften the food with hot water and don’t be tempted to use a harsh scourer.
• Avoid Scourers: Scourers can damage some of the softer Engineered stone surface so it is best to avoid using them to clean. Instead use a microfibre cloth as mentioned a
• Inspect: Regularly inspect your bench-tops for any signs of damage and deal with any issues promptly, follow the guides here to determine wether your issue can be resolved by yourself or wether you need to book one of our technicians.

• Avoid Heavy Impact: Engineered Stone is durable but can crack or chip under heavy impact. Be mindful of dropping heavy objects on the benchtop.
• Air Fryers: We’ve seen lots of cracks caused by air fryers being used directly on the surface, place Air Fryers on wooden blocks to avoid the risk of cracking your Engineered Stone.
• Oven Cleaner: Caustic chemicals and most notably oven cleaners (as you are most likely to use this in a kitchen environment) will cause a chemical burn to the Engineered Stone, although this type of damage is repairable under most of our plans it is best to avoid using it on the surface 
• Use Cutting Boards: Always use a cutting board when chopping or slicing to prevent scratches and preserve the sharpness of your knives.
• Avoid Sitting or Standing: Do not sit or stand on granite benchtops to avoid putting excessive weight on the surface, which can cause damage.
• TuffSkin: Another great option for Engineered Stone is TuffSkin, TuffSkin is a protective film which will protect the surface from chemical damage, small dings and scratches, it has a usual lifespan of 5-10 years in a domestic setting and can be replaced when necessary, its a great option for landlords with rental properties. If you are interested in getting a quote for TuffSkin please contact us here.

Sealing Engineered Stone: Engineered Stone is designed to be non-porous, however in our experience some can tend to have a small level of porosity. If you notice water ring marks on your surface this is a good indication that your engineered stone may benefit from a sealer.

.TuffSkin: Another great option for Engineered Stone is TuffSkin, TuffSkin is a protective film which will protect the surface from chemical damage, small dings and scratches, it has a usual lifespan of 5-10 years in a domestic setting and can be replaced when necessary, its a great option for landlords with rental properties. If you are interested in getting a quote for TuffSkin please contact us here.

Common Causes of Chips in Stone Bench-tops

Heavy Objects:

• Dropping heavy items like pots, pans, or plates can cause damage, particularly to the edges.
• Swinging shopping bags onto the benchtop can lead to chipping.
• Frequent loading and unloading of dishwashers can cause chips above the appliance due to repeated impact.

Sharp or Hard Items:

• Metal utensils or tools can cause chips if they strike the surface with force.
• Hard objects accidentally knocked against the benchtop can create small chips or cracks.

Edge Impact:

• The edges of stone benchtops, especially granite, are more susceptible to chipping from direct impacts or pressure.
• Everyday activities, such as leaning or placing heavy objects on the edges, increase the risk of chipping.

Professional repair is essential to ensure a seamless and durable fix. Our expert technicians use specialised tools and materials to restore the bench-top to its original condition, matching the colour and pattern precisely.

Submit a Repair Request

If you notice a chip in your bench-top, it is important to address it promptly to prevent further damage. We invite you to submit a repair request below. Our team will assess the damage and schedule a convenient time for a professional repair.

• Although Engineered Stone is hard wearing, it can be scratched. Instances such as dragging unglazed pots, vases and cutting on the surface can scratch the bench-top. These type of scratches are generally white in colour and can be felt with a finger nail.
• On certain occasions metal from watch bands and bracelets can mark the bench-top and present similar to a scratch, these marks have not damaged the stone, they are just sitting on the surface and can be removed by using fine (000) Steel wool and a little water, rub lightly and check every few seconds to see if the mark has disappeared, once you are happy, dry the area thoroughly.
• Submit a Repair Request: If you notice a deep scratch in your Granite bench-top, it is important to use a Nu-Cover technician for repair. We invite you to submit a repair request below. Our team will assess the damage and schedule a convenient time for a professional repair.

• Understanding Stains

  Engineered stone, is a non-porous surface made from quartz and resin, meaning it is more resistant to staining compared to natural stone. However, stains can still occur if not properly maintained. Stains on engineered stone bench-tops can occur from various substances, including:

  Oil-Based Stains: Cooking oils, grease, and cosmetics can still leave marks if not cleaned promptly.

  Organic Stains: Food items such as coffee, wine, fruit juices, and certain vegetables can cause discoloration if left on the surface for too long.

  Rust Stains: Metal objects left on the surface can rust and leave marks.

  Water Stains: Hard water can leave mineral deposits that appear as cloudy spots on the surface.

  Preventing Stains

  Clean Spills Immediately: Wipe up spills as soon as they occur to prevent them from sitting on the surface. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot (not rub) the spill, as rubbing can spread the liquid and potentially cause more staining.

  Use Protective Measures:

  • Place coasters under glasses, especially those containing acidic or alcoholic beverages.
  • Use trays or mats under bottles of oil, sauces, and other potentially staining substances.
  • Employ cutting boards when preparing food to avoid direct contact between the surface and staining agents.

  Regular Cleaning:

  • Clean your engineered stone benchtops daily with GEAL CB90, surface cleaner.
  • Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the resin and dull the surface.
  • Dry the surface with a microfiber cloth after cleaning to prevent water spots and streaks.

  Avoid Harsh Chemicals:

  • Do not use neat bleach, oven cleaners, or other harsh chemicals that can damage the surface.
  • Always follow these guidelines for cleaning and maintenance .

• • Oil-Based Stains:
    • Geal CB90 is our recommended daily cleaner, it can also be used neat to remove stubborn oil and grease marks on your engineered stone, apply a small amount to the affected area, allow to dwell for a few minutes and rinse with fresh water and buff with a microfibre cloth, repeat if necessary. If this doesn’t remove the stain please call for advice.
  • Organic Stains:
    • Organic stains such as blood can be dealt with a few different ways, Stone Foam can be used to see if that will remove the stain, if the stain persists a light bleach spray can be used, be sure to rinse and not allow the bleach to dwell on the surface.
  • Rust Stains:
    • Use a commercial rust remover specifically designed for natural stone. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging the granite.
  • Water Stains:
    • Remove mineral deposits with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Apply the solution to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Dry the area with a microfibre cloth.

  Professional Assistance

  If a stain persists despite your best efforts, it’s time to call in the professionals. Our expert technicians can assess the stain and apply advanced techniques to remove it without damaging your bench-top. Contact us by submitting a repair request below.

• U.V damage: Regardless of the brand some Engineered Stone can develop a yellow hue over time, if you feel this has occurred to your Benchtop please supply some images to us via the submit repair request below and we will determine the best course of repair for you.

• Heat Resistance:

  • While engineered stone is more heat resistant than natural stone, it is still recommended to use trivets or hot pads under hot pots and pans to avoid thermal shock and potential cracking we have see a lot of thermal shock damage caused by Air Fryers recently.
  • If you do damage the surface through thermal shock submit a repair request below.

• Professional repair is essential to ensure a seamless and durable fix. Our expert technicians use specialised tools and materials to restore the Engineered Stone to its original condition, matching the colour and pattern precisely.

  Submit a Repair Request

  If you have a broken or dropped joint in your Engineered Stone bench-top, it is important to address it promptly to prevent further damage. We invite you to submit a repair request below. Our team will assess the damage and schedule a convenient time for a professional repair.

• Professional repair is essential to ensure a durable fix. Our expert technicians will repair the dropped sink with the correct adhesives and brackets to prevent further issues.

  Submit a Repair Request

  If you have a dropped under-mount sink in your Engineered Stone bench-top, it is important to address it promptly to prevent further damage. We invite you to submit a repair request below. Our team will assess the damage and schedule a convenient time for a professional repair.

• Preventing Silicone Issues
  1. Regular Cleaning:
     • Clean the silicone regularly with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner to prevent the buildup of dirt, grease, and other contaminants.
     • Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can damage the silicone surface.
  2. Dry Surfaces:
     • Keep the areas around the silicone dry. After cleaning or cooking, wipe down the edges of the benchtop to remove excess moisture.
     • Ensure proper ventilation in the kitchen to reduce humidity levels and prevent mold growth.
  3. Inspect and Maintain:
     • Regularly inspect the silicone for signs of wear, discoloration, or mold. Early detection can prevent more significant issues.
     • If you notice any problems, address them promptly by cleaning the affected area or replacing the silicone.
  4. Use Quality Silicone:
     • Use high-quality, mold-resistant silicone sealants when installing or replacing silicone. These products provide better adhesion and durability, reducing the likelihood of issues over time.

  Addressing Silicone Issues

  • Cleaning Discolored Silicone:
    • Use a mild bleach solution or a commercial mold remover to clean discolored silicone. Apply the solution, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
  • Replacing Damaged Silicone:
    • If the silicone is peeling, cracking, or beyond cleaning, it needs to be replaced. Carefully remove the old silicone with a utility knife or scraper, clean the area, and apply new silicone sealant. Ensure the area is dry and free from debris before application.

  Submit a Repair Request

  Although damaged or worn silicone sealant is not generally covered under any of our plans, we are happy repair or replace damaged sealant during a Clean & Gleam service or you can submit a repair request for a quote.

• Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect your bench-tops for any signs of damage and deal with any issues promptly, follow the guides here to determine wether your issue can be resolved by yourself or wether you need to book one of our technicians.
• Professional Maintenance: Consider scheduling a Nu-Cover technician annually (a fee maybe charged), to keep your Engineered Stone bench-tops in optimal condition.