Journal
Surface care · 6 min read

How to care for luxury surfaces without harming them

Beautiful finishes are rarely damaged by neglect. More often, it is the wrong cloth, the wrong product or a little too much enthusiasm. These are the habits our team follows on every project.

By the Fresh Clean team Backlit onyx reception counter in front of softly lit timber shelving
Step by step

Eight gentle habits

  1. 01
    Know the surface firstBefore anything touches a finish, identify it. Honed marble, polished stone, lacquer, oiled timber, living brass and coated metals each respond differently, and a method that suits one can mark another. If you are unsure, ask your designer or builder for the finishes schedule.
  2. 02
    Begin with dry dustLift dust before you introduce any moisture. Fine construction dust and grit act like sandpaper when wiped wet, so start with a soft, dry microfibre cloth or a gentle brush, working from high to low.
  3. 03
    Choose the gentlest product that worksMild, pH-neutral products are the safest everyday choice for most premium finishes. Avoid anything acidic on natural stone, including vinegar and lemon, and avoid abrasive creams, powders and scourers on every polished surface.
  4. 04
    Test in a hidden spotWhen using a product on a surface for the first time, try it on a small area out of sight and let it dry fully. It takes a minute, and it can save a benchtop.
  5. 05
    Use soft, clean clothsKeep separate, clean microfibre cloths for stone, metal, glass and timber, and rinse them often. A cloth that carries grit from one surface to the next is one of the most common causes of fine scratches.
  6. 06
    Blot spills, never rubWine, coffee, oil and citrus can mark stone and timber within minutes. Blot gently from the outside in, then wipe with clean water and dry. Rubbing spreads the spill and can push it deeper into porous surfaces.
  7. 07
    Dry and buffWater left to evaporate leaves marks on stone, brass, glass and lacquer. Finish every wipe with a dry cloth, following the grain or the direction of the finish, for a clear, even result.
  8. 08
    Know when to pauseEtching, deep stains, worn sealers and damaged coatings are best assessed by a specialist. Stopping early, and asking, keeps a small mark from becoming a costly repair.
Surface by surface

A few notes for each finish.

Marble & natural stoneAvoid acids, bleach and abrasive products. Use coasters and trays under bottles, perfume and fruit, and ask your stone specialist how often the sealer should be renewed.
Brass & metalsMany brass finishes are designed to age gently. Wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry; check whether a finish is lacquered or living before using any polish.
Lacquer & joineryUse a barely damp cloth and dry straight away. Avoid solvents and paper towels, which can dull a high-gloss finish.
TimberWipe along the grain with a well-wrung cloth and never leave water standing. Oiled timbers may need re-oiling over time.
Glass & mirrorsA clean squeegee and a lint-free cloth give a streak-free result. Avoid spraying directly onto mirrors, where moisture can reach the edges.
How we work

The same care, on every project.

Every Fresh Clean cleaner learns these habits through Fresh Clean Academy, and we clean with TEPUY, the lifestyle brand of natural products created by our founder, Francielli Camargo.

This guide offers general care advice. Always follow the manufacturer's or installer's instructions for your specific finishes.

Would you like us to look after it for you?

From the final clean before opening to ongoing presentation care, we'd be glad to help.

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