Caring for Your Countertops
Whether in the kitchen or bath, countertops get constant use, so caring for them properly is the best way to protect your investment and maintain their good looks for
as long as possible.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do
Clean your countertop regularly with soapy water of a proprietary cleaner suitable for countertops.
Mop up any spills quickly – leaving difficult to remove products on a countertop will cause damage to it and almost certainly void the warranty.
Read the manufacturers maintenance guidelines to make sure you don’t void the warranty.
Don’t
Don’t leave water on the surface – wipe it up. Particularly in hard water areas deposits may form on the surface.
Don’t use concentrated chemicals on the surface – even products like bleach and ammonia can damage surfaces.
Don’t put hot objects on the surface – use a trivet – and be particularly careful with slow cookers and toaster ovens, especially on quartz and solid surface materials. Heat can cause damage very quickly and will not be covered by the warranty.
Don’t cut or bake directly on the surface. Knife blades can leave marks and oils can penetrate the surface.
Don’t stand or sit on the countertop.
Natural Marble
For general cleaning, warm water and mild soap are recommended. Etching may occur if marble comes in contact with wine or acids, so wipe up spills immediately. Marble needs regular sealing and may need occasional polishing.
Granite
Simple cleaning requires only soap and water. Professional sealing is needed every ten years, and occasional polishing may be required.
The Basics of Countertop Care & Maintenance
These three simple tasks take little time and effort, but can make a huge difference in the look and lifespan of your natural stone surfaces.
Prevention
Prevention is one of the best ways to care for your natural stone countertops. Use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards to prevent staining, scorching, and etching. If spills occur, clean them up immediately by blotting, not wiping to avoid spreading the mess. And, never stand, kneel, or sit on your countertops. These simple steps will protect your investment and keep your natural stone backsplash and countertops looking picture perfect.
Cleaning
Clean your natural stone backsplash and countertops regularly with a stone soap, neutral cleanser, or mild dishwashing liquid. Use a soft cloth to gently clean your countertops, then rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent staining. Never use abrasive cleaners or scrubby sponges, and avoid acidic cleaners (e.g. vinegar or citrus) on stones prone to etching like marble and onyx.
Sealing
Most natural stone countertops need to be sealed each year to prevent them from becoming porous and staining. Keep in mind that no sealer will make your natural stone backsplash or countertop “stain-proof”, but these products can make your countertops more stain-resistant.
How to Care for Quartz Countertops
Many busy homeowners opt for quartz because it is virtually maintenance-free. Preventative maintenance and regularly cleaning are all that they require to remain beautiful and functional for years to come. However, quartz countertops are not indestructible and you should never use strong chemicals or solvents on them. Should you have a tough spill to clean up (like gum or paint), use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape and remove the substance.
How to Care for Granite Countertops
In addition to preventative maintenance and regular cleaning, granite and other natural stone countertops need to be sealed annually to remain stain-resistant. Sealing is a relatively easy maintenance task. Simply follow the instructions for your particular sealer as well as any safety precautions like wearing gloves and/or goggles. Many sealers need time to cure before you can use your countertops or get them wet, so be sure to observe the guidelines provided.
How to Care for Marble Countertops
Marble countertop maintenance is very similar to caring for granite and other natural stone backsplash and countertop options. However, marble is especially porous, so be sure to clean up spills as soon as possible whenever they occur. You may also need a special, heavy-duty sealer designed for marble to minimize staining and etching.
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