Care & Maintenance: debunking myths to make lacquered finishes, wood and the Stone universe last

Maintenance isn’t an afterthought: it’s part of the project. When the right gestures become routine, aesthetics last longer and replacements, waste and transport are reduced. In these pages we tidy up popular beliefs and the proper care of the materials that inhabit the bathroom: lacquered finishes, wood and the Stone family, with a dedicated note on ceramic slabs. The rule that makes the difference is simple and applies to all: microfibre cloth + pH‑neutral detergent, then rinse and dry. From here, the exceptions: solvents and abrasives don’t help lacquered finishes; standing water and steam aren’t good for wood; across the Stone range gentle degreasers are useful, while strong acids and alkalis are not; on ceramics, descalers work—briefly and with plenty of rinsing. Coherent materials and finishes—from wall panels to bathtubs through to tops and basins—make the routine linear and the result consistently uniform over time.

“The stronger the product, the better it cleans”

Reassuring, but not true. Lacquered finishes are sensitive to solvents, ammonia and bleaches: the “instant clean” look soon turns into halos and dull areas. The same goes for Stone finishes (Stonecolor/Stone, Grit Stone, Grit Resina Bio | Warm by Kerakoll): strong alkalis or abrasive powders drain volume and tactility from the surface. The right move is understated: microfibre cloth, well‑diluted pH‑neutral cleaner, a light and steady hand. If there’s a light film of grease on a Stone surface, choose a gentle, non‑abrasive degreaser and rinse carefully: brightness returns, material integrity remains. On solid surfaces such as Stonematt, Edotek and Solid, keep to pH‑neutral care; for minor marks a light refinishing (fine‑grade pad + polish) is allowed—never aggressive products.

“Water and steam don’t do any harm”

Water cleans; standing water damages. Wood and lacquer are most vulnerable at edges and joins: wood swells, lacquered films are stressed. The routine is clear: wood with a slightly damp cloth and immediate drying, working with the grain; lacquer with the same delicacy, always spraying product onto the cloth—never directly onto the surface. Ventilating after a shower or bath helps maintain stable humidity. This way, material and tone stay consistent over time—even when they dialogue with “colder” surfaces in the same room.

“Descaler everywhere”

Useful, yes—but only where it’s needed. On ceramic/porcelain slabs, a descaler is an ally if used quickly and with abundant rinsing; on natural marble it’s not recommended (it will dull the surface), and on glass it should be avoided wherever there are rear‑painted areas. When pairing a warm wood with a light ceramic slab—for example a Laminam finish like Statuarietto—care splits neatly: pH‑neutral on both; descaler only on the ceramic; watch out for drips; dry to finish. The scene stays bright without stressing the materials.

“The Stone universe fears nothing”

Robust, not invincible. Materials in the Stone family give their best with well‑done daily care: pH‑neutral → rinse → dry. For cosmetics or light grease, a gentle, non‑abrasive degreaser and a thorough rinse are enough. Avoid acids and strong alkalis; protect from point impacts and direct heat. The advantage, when top and basin share the same Stone finish, is twofold: coherent aesthetics and a single routine across more than one element—as in proposals in Stonecolor/Stone, Grit Stone, Grit Resina Bio | Warm by Kerakoll. For solid surfaces (Stonematt, Edotek, Solid), the same benefit applies, following their rules (neutral daily care and, if needed, light refinishing).

“Abrasive fixes everything”

Only some surfaces allow it. Solid surfaces (Corian®, Stonematt, Edotek, Solid) accept micro‑refinishing: fine‑grade pad or very fine paper, polish, then rinse to erase small marks. On lacquered finishes and wood, abrasives are out: they leave micro‑scratches and dull the sheen; on Stone finishes they risk cutting into the surface. Better to stay with the discreet trio—microfibre, pH‑neutral, dry—and act early: “young” stains need less force and give back more beauty.

Coordinating materials and finishes also simplifies maintenance: fewer different products, repeatable gestures, a uniform result over time. It’s design, and its measurable sustainability.