EssaStone Care and Maintenance Guidelines
Routine care and maintenance
For routine cleaning, use small quantities of non-bleach, non-abrasive cleaners together with warm water and a damp cloth or sponge. Liquid spills including fruits, vegetables, food colourings and curries, should be wiped up immediately and cleaned with a mild detergent and water immediately after detection.
Preventing heat damage
Protective trivets and heat pads must always be used underneath cookware such as skillets, saucepans, pots or dishes when removing hot items directly from any heat source (oven, cooktop or microwave) and placing onto the Essastone surface. Prolonged or sudden extreme temperature changes can create thermal shock cracks which are excluded from the Essastone warranty. It is recommended that stone fabricators inform all trade customers, builders and consumers of the risk of thermal shock as it is a common misconception that stone can withstand high temperatures.
Additional care should be taken around hotplates as oversize cooking accessories (e.g. extra-wide frypans) can overhang the appliance and conduct radiant heat directly onto the surface of the stone, risking thermal damage.
Preventing scratches
The use of cutting boards and taking care not to drop or move heavy objects on the surface will help to ensure the long lasting beauty of Essastone. The resilient surface of Essastone has been designed to withstand normal daily use. Whilst it is resistant to scratches, cuts and chipping, do not cut directly on the Essastone surface. Scratches and chips to the edge or primary surface of Essastone are not protected under warranty.
Preventing chemical damage
There are some strong chemicals and solvents that can cause damage to Essastone. Paint remover, paint and stain strippers, nail polish removers, concentrated bleach (such as undiluted Domestos), furniture cleaners, oil soaps, permanent markers or inks, oven cleaners, drain cleaners and chemicals with high alkaline pH levels are examples of products that could damage the surface. If a strong chemical or solvent comes into contact with your Essastone surface, rinse immediately with plenty of water then follow with normal cleaning procedures. Evidence of chemical damage or colour change is not protected under warranty.
Removing difficult spills and stains for gloss surfaces
If routine cleaning procedures do not remove stubborn or dried spills/stains, use a non-abrasive cleaning pad such as a household sponge, along with a glass and surface cleaner. Should chewing gum, nail polish, or similar substances adhere to the surface, they can be removed with a plastic scraper. Gently scrape off the substance, then follow the routine cleaning procedures listed above.
Please note: many cream cleansers have been found to contain abrasives that may damage the polished surface of essastone and are not endorsed for use.
For matt/honed/textured surfaces (NOT GLOSS)
If routine cleaning procedures do not remove stubborn or dried spills/stains, the careful use of “Jif Cream Cleanser with micro-particles” can be used in conjunction with the following procedure. The Essastone surface must be wet with water and a small amount of “Jif Cream Cleanser with micro-particles” applied with a damp soft cloth. Only use light pressure and clean with a swirling motion. Keep the area wet with small amounts of water to allow the fine cleaning particles to gently remove the stain. Wash and wipe the surface to remove the cleaning agent and dry with a soft cloth. For all surface finishes, red wine and other tannin based stains can be removed with a diluted bleach solution (a 50:50 mix of “Domestos Regular cleaner” and water). Do not allow the bleach to remain on the surface for longer than one minute. Wash with water to remove the diluted bleach and dry with a soft cloth. Repeat the process with the diluted bleach if not successful.
For all surface finishes
Should paint spots/stains persist after following the above procedures then, as a last alternative, the spot use of acetone may be successful. However, colour change or surface damage resulting from the use of acetone is not recognised under warranty, so this should be used as a last resort. Testing on an inconspicuous area first is highly recommended.
General comments
Essastone requires no sealing or special cleaning products. Essastone is made from natural quartz, therefore variations in colour and patterns may occur. Small surface spots and blotches are typical in engineered quartz surfaces.