Daily Use

Your granite sink may include smooth, counterlike surfaces that are tempting to use as a cutting board. Routine contact with knife blades, however, can leave scratches and scores in your sink. It can also slowly dull your knives. Always place a plastic or wooden cutting board over the sink top before chopping. Avoid sharp, sudden impacts, such as dropping a metal pan or dish into the sink. It can scratch or chip the surface. Granite composite sinks are also heat-sensitive. Never place a hot pan or dish into the sink. Temperatures over 500 degrees Fahrenheit can melt or discolor the resin binder.

Maintenance Cleaning

Clean your granite composite sink on a regular basis, using plenty of water and a non-abrasive or mildly abrasive cleaner such as baking soda. Never use a heavy-duty scouring pad, steel wool or abrasive cleaner on granite composite. These materials can create many fine scratches that encourage stains and discoloration. Avoid ammonia or strongly acidic cleansers, as these can etch the sink surface. After cleaning, rinse the sink well and wipe it dry using a soft, clean cloth. This discourages water spots and built-up soap scum.

Mineral Deposits

In areas with hard water, your sink may develop a buildup of mineral deposits, such as lime scale. These deposits can dull or discolor your sink. They may also absorb color from beverages such as coffee, grape juice or wine, creating the appearance of a stain. Remove these mineral deposits using a mild acid, such as diluted lemon juice or vinegar. Rinse thoroughly after using acids to clean your sink. This reduces the risk of etching.

Stains

Even the best cared-for granite composite sink may develop stains over time. Biologically activated laundry detergent or a specialty composite sink cleaner can remove these stains. For stubborn patches, CM StoneWorks recommends a soft scouring pad. Rub the stained area gently with this pad, using many different motion patterns to decrease the risk of scratching. For very stubborn stains, soak the area in a 50 percent chlorine bleach solution.

ROUNTINE CLEANING

For routine everyday cleaning, simply use clean water and wipe your iQuartz quartz surface with a clean cloth or paper towel and, if necessary, a small amount of diluted liquid dishwashing detergent.

REMOVE FOOD AND LIQUID STAINS IMMEDIATELY

Even though iQuartz quartz surface resists permanent staining when exposed to liquids (such as wine, vinegar, tea, lemon juice and soda) or fruits and vegetables, these foods and liquid spills should be wiped off as soon as possible. iQuartz is stain-resistant, not stain-proof.

DO NOT EXPOSE TO HOT METALS OR FIRE

Do not place hot pots and pans directly onto the iQuartz quartz surface. Use trivets and hot pads. Do not expose the iQuartz quartz surface to naked fire. iQuartz is heat-resistant, not heat-proof.

DO NOT EXPOSE TO SHARP OBJECTS

Never chop or slice food directly onto your iQuartz quartz surface. Always use a chopping board. Do not drop or move heavy and sharp objects on the iQuartz quartz surface. iQuartz is scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof.

DO NOT SEAL OR WAX

iQuartz quartz surface is non-porous and thus does not require sealants or waxes. It will keep its lustrous, shining and smooth surface for years without polishing.

AVOID USING CHEMICAL CLEANERS

Do not use bleach, chemical-based cleaning agents,solvents or high alkaline cleansers to clean iQuartz quartz surface as these may damage the surface.

REMOVING GREASE

Grease from cooking can be easily clean off your iQuartz quartz surface by using a little diluted liquid dishwashing detergent with warm water to help loosen and remove the grease from the surface. Quickly clean off the surface again with water and clean cloth or paper towel.

REMOVING DIFFICULT STAINS

For difficult stains, from spills with materials that harden as they dry (like gum, food, grease, nail polish or paint) and sticks to the quartz surface, first remove these by gently scraping away the excess with a plastic putty knife or non-scratch pad. Then clean the surface with water and a clean cloth or paper towel. Use a little diluted liquid dishwashing detergent if need be, and then quickly clean off the surface with warm water.

REMOVING PERMANENT INK

If your iQuartz quartz surface comes into contact with permanent markers, you should quickly dilute some acetone and rub the diluted acetone solution onto the stains, and before the so lution dries, quickly wipe it off with water and a clean cloth or paper towel. Alternating this action until the stains is removed. Rinse the surface thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue.

If you have any issues with the maintenance of your iQuartz quartz surface, please email us at info@iquartz.com .