If you have sandstone countertops in your kitchen, you may have noticed that they don't look as flawless and attractive as when they were first installed all those years ago.
Due to frequent use and damage caused by improper cleaning, sandstone can, unfortunately, lose much of the luster that makes it so attractive in the first place.
Use the following cleaning tips to ensure that your countertops are well looked after for many years to come: You should always have your sandstone countertop sealed immediately after installation, as this will help to protect its porous surface from absorbing moisture and liquids that are spilt onto it.
Every few years, you should have the countertop resealed to ensure that the protective coating has not deteriorated in any way.
You will also need to begin checking the ingredients of any cleaning solutions that you wish to use on the sandstone - they should always be PH balanced and should be mild, untinted and unscented.
Never use acidic solutions, as these can actually etch into the stone.
Use the following tips to ensure that your sandstone countertop is cleaned in a way that protects it from further damage:

• Only use neutral cleaners, or ones that have been specifically designed for use on sandstone.
  
• Make sure that the cleaner doesn't contain acids or citruses (such as orange or lemon scented), as these chemicals can cause serious damage to the sealed surface of the stone.
  
• Never place hot pans directly onto your sandstone countertops.
  You should always place a cloth or heat mat underneath them first.
  
• Try not to vacuum your stone countertops, as the metal parts of the attachments could scratch the sealed surface and gouge deep into the stone if you are too rough.
  
• Never use scouring pads, powders or creams, as these cleaning products contain harmful abrasives that can scratch the sealed surface.
  
• Try not to use coasters for your glasses, as spills can go unnoticed and sit underneath the cork, where they can soak into the sandstone.
  

Whenever you have poured a cleaner onto the surface of your sandstone countertop, care should be taken to not leave it sitting for too long.
Once you have wiped the cleaner up, you should also give the stone (and grout, if there is any) a thorough rinse with some clean water, which should also be wiped up quickly.
Always take care when cleaning your sandstone, as anything a little harsh or coarse could cause serious damage.