Dolomite

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. Is Dolomite durable?
    Dolomite is a durable natural stone that can stand up to daily rigors. Dolomite countertops are resistant to scratches, impact, and heat damage, making the material safe for use in high-traffic areas like kitchen or bathroom countertops.
  2. Can Dolomite countertops get stained easily?
    Your dolomite kitchen countertops are naturally non-porous, which means they rarely absorb liquids that may trigger unsightly stain marks. However, you’ll have to clean spills promptly to prevent potential stain damage.
  3. Are Dolomite surfaces heat-resistant?
    You can place hot pots directly on your Dolomite kitchen countertops. The stone is excellent heat tolerant, but using hot pads will provide an extra layer of protection from too much heat exposure.
  4. Is Dolomite a hard stone?
    Dolomite is rated ‘4’ on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means the stone is dense enough to withstand moderate impact. Dolomite is less dense than marble but not harder than granite.
  5. How often should I reseal my dolomite countertops?
    Usually, resealing a dolomite countertop is recommended every 1-2 years. Use a high-quality sealant for best results.
  6. Can minor chips or cracks on Dolomite surfaces be repaired?
    You can fix minor chips or cracks on your Dolomite countertops using color-matching epoxy. Consider approaching a professional stone fabricator for complicated areas like the edge or corners of your countertops.
  7. Is dolomite suitable for outdoor use?
    Dolomite is rarely recommended for outdoor applications. Increased chances for fading or discoloration from exposure to direct sunlight make the stone ideal for use in indoor areas.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Daily Cleaning: Just wipe down your Dolomite countertops regularly using a soft cloth or sponge to remove loose debris and spills. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or strong chemicals to clean the surface.

Use Mild Cleaning Solutions: Harsh or abrasive cleaners can damage your Dolomite countertops, opt for mild, pH-neutral cleaning solutions instead.

Prevent Scratches: Your Dolomite countertops are hard enough to resist scratches but they are not scratch-proof. Avoid using sharp objects directly on the surface, use cutting boards when using knives on your kitchen countertops.

Sealing (if required): A high-quality sealant will work as a protective layer to ensure the longevity of your countertops. Consider re-sealing the surface at regular intervals following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Avoid Heavy Impact: Avoid cracking or chipping the surface by dropping heavy objects on your Dolomite countertops. Carefully handle objects with excess weight.

Regular Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance tasks like dusting and wiping to keep your Dolomite countertop looking at its best possible finish every day.

How to Maintain Your Dolomite Countertops

Clean Spills Promptly: Allowing spills to sit for a while may trigger unsightly stain marks, so wipe up food spills as soon as possible to prevent your Dolomite kitchen countertops from staining or etching.

Use Soft or Non-abrasive Cloth: Wipe up your Dolomite countertops using a soft microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive cloth. Avoid using abrasive tools to prevent scratching the surface.

Use Cutting Boards and Hot Pads: Your Dolomite countertops are likely to scratch and fade if too much heat or sharp objects directly make contact with the surface. Better use cutting boards or hot pads on your kitchen countertops.

Avoid Scrubbing Too Hard: Even though dolomite is a moderately hard stone, scrubbing forcefully can damage the protective sealant and lead to scratching the surface.

Keep the Surface Dry: Dry up the surface after cleaning, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe up moisture as it helps prevent water spots or streaks from appearing.

Avoid Exposure to Acidic Substances: Do not use acidic cleaners on your Dolomite countertops, as they can easily etch the surfaces. Use gentle cleaners specifically designed for natural stones.

How to Clean Unusual/Stubborn Stains

Organic Stains (food, coffee, tea, wine)

  • Mix a solution of 12% hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia.
  • Apply the solution directly to the stain.
  • Leave it for a few minutes, then wipe it off gently with a soft cloth.
  • Clean with water and dry with a neat cloth.

Oil-based Stains (grease, cooking oil, cosmetics)

  • Create a paste of baking soda and water.
  • Apply the paste and cover the surface using plastic wrap. Tape down the edges to keep it moist.
  • Leave it on overnight, then gently scrape away with a plastic scraper.
  • Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.

Ink Stains

  • For light-colored dolomite, use a cloth dampened with bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
  • For dark-toned surfaces, use a cloth dampened with acetone or lacquer thinner.
  • Blot the stain gently and avoid rubbing, which might spread the ink.
  • Rinse the area and dry with a soft cloth.

Water Spots

  • Buff the spots gently with a soft cloth and a small amount of marble polishing powder.
  • Clean the surface water and dry with a soft cloth.

Etch Marks (from acidic substances)

  • Light etching can be treated with a marble polishing powder. Apply the powder according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • For more severe etching, it may be necessary to contact a professional who can re-polish the surface.
  • Metal Stains (iron, rust, copper, bronze)
  • Prepare a poultice made from diatomaceous earth and a commercially available rust remover.
  • Apply the poultice to the stain, covering it completely.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and leave it for 24 hours.
  • Remove the poultice, rinse the area well, and dry with a soft cloth.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid Placing Hot Objects Directly: You can solve this issue by using a hot pad or trivet when placing hot cookware on the surface. Direct exposure to too much heat may gradually etch your countertop.

Avoid Scrubbing with Force: Avoid vigorous scrubbing to deep-clean your dolomite countertops as it will scratch the surface, just normal cleaning using a soft cloth is enough to keep them shinier.

Avoid Cutting Food Items Directly on the Surface: Careless use of sharp objects directly on the surface will leave unsightly marks. Using a cutting board will help protect your kitchen countertops.

Avoid Hash or Abrasive Cleaners: Don’t use strong chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they will slowly dull the finish of your countertops. Go for mild, pH-neutral cleaners instead.

Avoid Acidic Exposure: Food containing acidic substances like vinegar, lemon juice, and some acid-contained cleaners will etch the surface. Wipe down any form of acidic spills as soon as possible.