Apollo
®
Worksurface
C&M Guide
3
awc~v1.0~30/07/10
Granite Worksurface Care & Maintenance
Persistent stains
• To remove more persistent stains from the worksurface
first try the Stone Guard and allow a longer contact time.
• Where necessary (for raised, persistent marks) wash as
above using a white, non-abrasive pad.
• If hard water scale has built up around the waste or taps,
use a standard household lime-scale remover following the
manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid contact of acids with the
granite surface.
• If this still fails please contact us for further advice and
assistance.
Other Spillages
•
Special care should be taken not to subject your granite to
acids (e.g. formic, hydrofluoric, nitric, sulphuric, phosphoric
or hydrochloric acids).
• Accidental spills of these or other strong chemicals, (e.g.
paint stripper, brush cleaners, metal cleaners, oven
cleaners, cleaners containing methylene chloride, acid
drain cleaners, acetone based nail varnish removers etc.),
should be washed away immediately using plenty of soapy
water to avoid damaging the worksurface.
• For nail varnish spills, non-acetone based remover can be
used and then flushed with water.
Damage Prevention
To keep your Granite Worktop in the best possible
condition, the following points should be observed.
Warning:
NEVER place hot pans, dishes or utensils
directly on the worksurface (or into an empty sink). Hot
items may mark or damage the surface.
•
Always use a heat protection pad or trivet (with rubber
feet) for hot cookware, or leave cookware to cool on
the hob first.
•
Try to leave pans, dishes, or utensils to cool before
placing them in the sink. If you must put a hot pan into
the sink, always place a damp sponge or cloth
underneath, or put a few inches of cool water in the
sink before the pan.
•
Avoid pouring boiling liquids directly into sinks without
also turning on the cold tap.
Hob Safety
The Installation & Maintenance Kit contains a heat
reflective tape, which the installer should apply around the
hob cutout in the worksurface, before fitting the hob. This
will prevent any damage to the worksurface. However,
extra care should be taken when using the hob. Please
follow both the appliance manufacturer’s instructions and
the advice below:
•
An overhanging pan can scorch the surrounding
worksurface.
•
Always use the correct size of pan for the burner and
ensure that it is placed centrally.
•
Do not use two burners as one (e.g. for a large
griddle).
•
Take extra care when using a large frying pan or wok.
Scratches
Though granite is very hardwearing and durable, being one
of the hardest known materials on earth, care should
always be taken to protect the surface wherever possible.
Warning:
DO NOT cut or chop directly on the worksurface.
Always use a chopping board.
Care & Maintenance Kit
Important:
Please read the information carefully and
ensure your keep these instructions for future reference.
Looking after Natural Granite
Natural
granite worksurfaces not only look very attractive
and exude quality; they are naturally hardwearing and will
withstand the rigours of everyday use.
One of the oldest, most durable and most respected of
building materials granite is ageless yet always
contemporary. Granite is an igneous rock formed as a
result of the slow crystallisation of molten magma at depth
in the earth's crust. Uplift and erosion has over millions of
years resulted in this material outcropping at the surface.
The minerals which make up granite are generally quartz,
feldspars and various mafic minerals (amphiboles,
pyroxenes, micas and secondary materials). It is the size,
distribution and precise chemistry of these minerals which
give the granite its colour.
Like all fine materials,
granite responds best when handled
with care and attention; while naturally stain resistant
granites, in common with all natural materials, are not stain
proof.
Any spillage must be removed immediately from a
granite worksurface, delay could cause permanent
damage.
Your Installation & Maintenance Kit contains all of the items
required to help keep your new worksurface in pristine
condition.
Stone Guard
is an anti-bactericidal surface cleaner
specially formulated to tackle grease and grime leaving
surfaces sparkling clean with a residual antibacterial effect.
Stone Seal
formulated for protection of granite worktops.
Protects against stains caused by food and drinks such as
coffee and tea (etc). One application will guarantee
protection for long periods of time (subject to proper
maintenance).
Important:
Please read and follow instructions carefully
before using either of the above products. Always wear
rubber gloves when using chemicals to prevent any
cracking, drying or other reaction to your skin.
Sealing granite
•
Although one of the least absorbent stones, granite can
be stained by grease, wine, coffee, sweet and sour,
nicotine, fruit juices, even champagne! Periodically,
worktops should be re-sealed to prevent damage occurring.
• Granite worktops
are sealed during manufacture and
upon installation, then every 6 months using Stone Seal
supplied in the Care and Maintenance kit.
Every day cleaning
Remember, it is always easier to wipe up a spill than to
have to deal with a dried-on stain.
•
Granite must not be rubbed with abrasive materials.
•
Wipe the worksurface, with a damp cloth and the Stone
Guard cleaner, (supplied in the Maintenance Kit), to
remove any oils and fat. Buff dry with a soft white cloth
(also in Kit).
• If any stains need further attention, allow the Stone Guard
30 seconds contact time, before wiping and rinsing.
• Drainer Grooves can be cleaned using a white, non-
abrasive pad.
