Technical Guide
View the PDF file of geoquartz Tech Guide (94KB)
geoquartz tiles and slabs are extremely resistant to scratches, chemicals, dulling, and abrasion. Polished, gloss, and semi-gloss finishes are also very resistant to staining. It is not necessary to seal or polish geoquartz. Honed or matte finishes require more scrubbing and detergents for regular cleaning especially in darker colors. Avoid using bleaches, very strong chemicals and solvents, including paint removers and furniture strippers. Never use any product containing Methylene Chloride or trichlorethane.
Additionally avoid products that contain Pine oil. Pine oil leaves a residue that attracts and holds dirt on the surface, diminishing its cleanliness and even its appearance. Likewise do not use abrasive scrubs and/or cleaners with either soft or hard abrasive particles. Although the abrasives will not damage the geoquartz material–these products leave a powder residue if not thoroughly rinsed. This residue will be noticeable especially with darker geoquartz colors.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and exercise care in the handling and storing of all cleaning products.
Although not harmful to the geoquartz surface, residues from some cleaning agents may be harmful when in contact with skin and food stuffs. Therefore always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning products especially when used on food preparation surfaces. Many manufacturers recommend a water rinse after use of their products in such applications.
Regular Cleaning (floors):
- Sweep, dry-mop, vacuum as appropriate to remove debris, dust, and dirt and/or
- Spot clean with water, detergent, spot removers as necessary and hand scrub where required.
Regular Cleaning (counters, vanities, and furniture tops):
- Use a damp cloth or paper towel, and if necessary, a small amount of non-bleach, nonabrasive cleaner. Although geoquartz is quite stain resistant all food and liquid spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible.
- For stubborn stains use a non abrasive cleaning pad along with glass/surface cleaner.
Periodic Washing (floors):
- Wet-mop and/or
- Use an automatic floor washer/scrubber/vacuum equipped with a 2″ soft bristle, nylon brush. Use detergent appropriate for the equipment and type of soil to be removed and/or.
Spot and/or Stain Removal:
- For materials that have adhered to the geoquartz surface, such as gum, paint, nail-polish, etc…remove by gently scraping the surface with a plastic putty knife. A steel putty knife and/or razor may be also used with the appropriate handling precautions. The geoquartz surface is much harder than the steel blade itself. Thus with excessive scraping of surface by a steel putty knife or razor the blade may degrade itself and leave a mark on the surface. This kind of mark can usually be removed with a light scrubbing pad. After removing the material from the spot it may be helpful to treat the area with a cleaner or solvent. Soaking a cloth with the cleaning agent and letting the damp cloth sit on the stain for 5-minutes may be helpful prior to final scrubbing and/or rinsing of the stain.
- For more difficult stains apply selected cleaners/solvents and let them soak on stain for up to 15-minutes using paper towels or a cloth. Wipe surface clean with another towel or cloth and then rinse thoroughly to remove any residues.
Polishing:
- geoquartz is impervious and will keep its radiance without polishing. However, in residential applications occasional polishing can enhance geoquartz stain resistance and ease of cleaning. Any commercial granite polishing product may be used.