How to Clean, Maintain and Repair Engineered Stone Surfaces in Kenya
Comparison Table: Cleaning, Maintenance & Repair Overview
Task / Problem | Recommended Action | Products & Tools Needed | What to Avoid / Common Mistakes |
Daily Cleaning | Wipe with a soft cloth & warm water + mild pH-neutral cleaner; dry after cleaning | Microfiber cloth, mild/stone-safe cleaner (no strong acids) | Harsh chemicals, abrasive sponges, and letting water/dirt sit |
Stain Removal | Act quickly; blot spills; use a non-abrasive cleaner; for stubborn stains, use a gentle poultice or specific stain remover | Plastic scraper, soft sponge, stone stain remover, maybe baking soda paste for water stains | Scraping with metal, letting stains set too long, and using acidic cleaners that harm resin |
Repairing Chips & Edges | Clean damage; use color-matched epoxy/filler; sanding/polishing to restore finish | Repair kits (epoxy/light cure acrylic), sandpaper, fine grit, masking tape, and polish pad | Over-sanding, wrong color filler, skipping surface prep |
Heat & Impact Protection | Always use trivets, avoid placing hot pans directly on the surface, and use cutting boards | Trivet/heat pad, protective mats, avoid direct impact on edges | Direct heat, dropping heavy items, and using a stone as a cutting board |
Long-Term Finish Care | Deep clean periodically; avoid abrasive polish; restore shine as needed | Stone-safe polish, soft pads, gentle cleaning sprays, periodic inspection | Over-polishing; using waxes or sealers made for wood/floor ( Stone Floor in Kenya) that leave film; neglecting small damage. |
How to Keep Your Engineered Stone Clean Without Damaging It
For everyday care, use a soft microfiber cloth or sponge with warm water and a mild pH-neutral cleaner. Wipe spills immediately, especially liquids like oil, wine, or acidic substances (lemon, vinegar).
After cleaning, dry the surface—this prevents watermarks and potential dulling of the stone. Avoid anything abrasive like steel wool or harsh chemical cleaners—these can scratch or degrade the resin component of engineered stone. If you have products from Pergas, refer to the care instructions provided with each bench-top or tile for best practices. (You can also see our product pages for finish recommendations.)
Removing Tough Stains: Methods That Work
Stains happen, but how you respond matters. First, blot spills rather than wipe them across the surface. For fresh stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner suited for engineered stone in Kenya. For water rings or mineral stains, a paste made from baking soda + water can help gently lift the stain without damaging resin or finish.
Always test any cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area first. If you need stronger stain removal, use stone-safe products sold locally (e.g., stone surface polish/cleaners in Kenya) to ensure compatibility. Reference local options like those in [Whizz Beauty & Care Kenya] products.
How to Repair Chips & Edge Damage at Home
Small chips on edges or shallow surface scratches are fixable with a careful approach:
- Clean the damaged area thoroughly.
- Mask around it (to protect the adjacent surface).
- Use a repair kit: epoxy resin or light-cure acrylic fillers that match the color of your engineered stone. Kits like HIMG Surface Repair white-tones are useful for whites/light colors.
- Once filler cures, gently sand the repair area with fine-grit sandpaper to level it. Don’t over-sand.
- Polish lightly so the repair blends with the rest of the surface. If the chip is large or has a curved edge, consider hiring a professional or using Pergas’s repair service (if available).
Prevent Heat & Impact Damage Before It Happens
Although engineered stone is tough, it's not invincible. Always protect it from high heat: use trivets or heat pads under hot pots and pans. Avoid placing very hot pans directly on benchtops. Also protect edges and corners from impact by doing things like cutting on boards (not directly on stone) and gently handling heavy objects. These precautions help avoid micro-cracks and damage that may expand later.
Maintaining Shine & Longevity Over the Years
Maintain not just cleanliness, but shine. Over time, daily wear may dull surfaces a bit. Periodically deep clean with a quality stone-safe polish/cleaner (look for products that say “engineered stone/quartz safe”).
For polished finishes, a polish pad or soft buffing cloth helps. Dry thoroughly after cleaning to avoid water marks. Check for small damage regularly (chips, small stains) and address them early before they worsen. Pergas’s finish options / engineered stone lines are designed to retain polish with minimal effort—refer to our finish & installation pages for what’s recommended. (See our installation guide for tips.)
FAQ
What’s the best cleaner to use on engineered stone surfaces?
Use a mild, pH-neutral cleaner designed for stone or engineered quartz. Products like Simple Green Stone Bench Top Cleaner are good choices because they’re gentle, non-toxic, and leave a streak-free finish. Avoid acidic or bleach-based cleaners, rough scrubbing pads, or anything that may degrade the resin binder.
How do I fix a chipped countertop edge by myself?
For a small chip: clean the area well, mask the surroundings, use a color-matched repair kit (e.g., epoxy or light-cure acrylic like HIMG or similar) to fill the chip, allow cure, gently sand with fine grit, polish to match the rest. For larger damage or curved/visible edges, professional assistance may produce better results.
How often should I do deep cleaning or polishing to keep the stone looking new?
You should do daily care (wipe, wash, dry) always. For deep cleaning and polishing, once every few months is usually sufficient—especially for surfaces that get heavy use (kitchens, islands). If the finish starts to look dull or small scratches/stains accumulate, that’s your cue to polish. Avoid over-polishing or using waxes not intended for stone, as these can leave residue.