Formula 409(R) Natural Stone Cleaner Welcomes the New Stone Age (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

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The makers of Formula 409 – one of America’s most trusted household cleaners – just made it simpler and quicker to safely clean delicate granite, marble, travertine, slate and other natural stone surfaces. Today, The Clorox Company introduces Formula 409 Natural Stone Cleaner, a safe, convenient way to remove grease and grime from countertops, floors, and other stone surfaces in one easy step.

Natural stone can be stained and damaged by the acids, ammonia or scouring powder found in many conventional all-purpose cleaners. It also is vulnerable to staining from lemon juice or vinegar, staples of most “make-it-yourself” cleaners. New Formula 409 Natural Stone Cleaner uses a special, pH-balanced formulation designed to be effective on — without harming — stone surfaces. The new non-abrasive formula conforms to the natural stone cleaning recommendations made by the Natural Stone Council, the world's leading resource for the natural stone industry.

Natural stone is expected to account for 43 percent of the countertop market by 2009.

“Formula 409 has been most trusted by consumers for tough grease and grime cleaning for the past fifty years,” said Nicholas Meyer, brand manager for Formula 409. “With the growing trend of premium stone surfaces in homes today, we wanted to offer a product that works on grease and grime, yet is safe for granite and marble surfaces.”

New Formula 409 Natural Stone Cleaner:

* Is not acidic or abrasive
* Leaves a streak-free shine
* Is ammonia-free
* Smells fresh and cleans without rinsing

Original Formula 409 All-Purpose Cleaner was invented in 1957 by two young scientists in Detroit. It was named for their 409th attempt to develop a formula that would remove grease and dirt. New Formula 409 Natural Stone Cleaner will be available in food, drug and mass merchandisers nationwide by late February at a suggested retail price of $2.98.

The makers of Formula 409 Natural Stone Cleaner offer these four tips to keep the natural stone surfaces in your home beautiful and looking new for many years to come:

Avoid Spills

Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that could etch or dull the stone surface.

Prevent Stains

Blot up spills immediately with a paper towel. Wiping can spread the stain. Safely clean with Formula 409® Natural Stone Cleaner and dry with a soft cloth.

Keep it Gentle

Use a product specially formulated to clean natural stone surfaces. Don’t use vinegar, ammonia, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids, scouring powder, abrasive bathroom or soft kitchen cleaners.

Sealing your Stone

Most natural stone countertops are sealed for an extra level of protection. Reseal occasionally based on the recommendation of your stone professional.