Proper care ensures your countertops remain beautiful and functional for years to come. Follow these cleaning and maintenance tips for natural stone, quartz, and laminate surfaces.
Natural Stone (Granite)
Cleaning Tips
- Use soap or a granite-specific cleaner for regular cleaning.
- Avoid harsh or abrasive chemicals, as they can cause etching and discoloration.
- Stay away from products with acidic properties (e.g., lemon or vinegar). If accidental contact occurs, rinse immediately and clean with a pH-neutral cleaner, such as mild dishwashing detergent.
Sealing Tips
- Use a spray-on granite sealer available at most home improvement stores.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions: clean the surface, spray a small area, and wipe off.
Do Not Use
- Bleach
- Scotch-Brite pads
- Vinegar or other acidic substances
- Abrasive products or tools
- Aluminum oxide-based products
- Hot pans directly on the surface
Quartz
Cleaning Tips
- For daily cleaning, use a soft sponge or non-abrasive dishcloth with warm water.
- Clean stains immediately to prevent potential damage.
- For greasy or stubborn messes, use a pH-neutral cleaner or mild dishwashing liquid.
Additional Care
- No sealing is required; quartz is non-porous.
- Always use a trivet or hot pad for hot pots, pans, or heat-generating appliances (e.g., crockpots, electric skillets).
Do Not Use
- Abrasive sponges containing aluminum oxide (found in sandpaper).
- Harsh chemicals like drain cleaners, paint strippers, acetone, or products with hydrofluoric acid, ammonia, methylene chloride, or trichloroethylene.
- Extremely acidic or alkaline cleaners.
- Hot cookware directly on the surface.
Laminate
Cleaning Tips
- Use a soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth with warm water for everyday cleaning.
- For stubborn spots, apply mild dishwashing liquid with warm water and wipe gently.
- Avoid harsh cleaning tools or chemicals, as they can dull, scratch, or discolor the surface.
Do Not Use
- Abrasive pads (e.g., steel wool, Scotch-Brite, sandpaper).
- Harsh cleaners (e.g., Ajax, Comet, Magic Erasers).
- Acidic or alkali-based cleaners (e.g., ceramic cooktop cleaners, oven cleaners, rust removers).
Key Takeaways
- Be gentle with all countertop surfaces to avoid damage.
- Use pH-neutral cleaners for most messes and avoid heat exposure.
- Each surface type has unique care requirements, so follow the specific guidelines above to maintain their beauty and durability.