How to Clean and Care for Stone Countertops Properly
The right stone countertops can elevate your home in many ways. Whether your kitchen craves added functionality or your outdated bathroom could use a well-deserved refresh, the addition of high-quality stone countertops can make all the difference. Once you’ve chosen the best countertops for your home and lifestyle, it’s very important that you provide them with the proper care and maintenance, to ensure both quality and longevity.
In this article, we take a closer look at the best ways to maintain and clean your stone countertops, including granite, quartz and porcelain.
Checking with Your Manufacturer
At Stone on the Go, our goal is to help you maintain the quality and longevity of your stone countertops. When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, we always recommend that you first check with your manufacturer first for cleaning and care guidelines. The instructions in this article are general care guidelines to help you get started.
Granite
Does your family spend lots of time in the kitchen? Or perhaps you love to cook? No matter the reason, if your kitchen is a high traffic and well loved area, granite countertops are a great option. To ensure that you get the most use from your granite countertops and that they last for many enjoyable years to come, here are some care guidelines and things to avoid.
Caring for Your Granite Countertops
Wipe down your counters daily with a sponge or cloth that is dry or damp, but be sure to wipe away any excess water afterward
Use a soft cloth and warm, soapy water to clean your granite countertops
Remove stubborn stains by scrubbing with a sponge and a paste made from baking soda and water
Disinfect by spraying a solution made of half water and half isopropyl alcohol, then letting it sit for about five minutes, then wiping with a clean, dry cloth
Make your counters shine by buffing them using a dry cloth and small dab of cooking oil
Things to Avoid
Rough, scratchy or abrasive sponges, which can dull the surface
Acidic or harsh cleaning solutions, such as vinegar, glass cleaner and bleach, as these products can weaken the sealant that protects the stone
Letting water or moisture sit on the surface for long periods of time
Quartz
Quartz countertops are an ideal choice for most households. This durable stone can stand up to the wear and tear brought on by families with young children and teenagers alike. In fact, this non-porous material is resistant to mold, mildew and bacteria that can lead to stains and odour.
Caring for Your Quartz Countertops
Clean spills using a soft cloth, warm water and dish soap
Remove stains with a glass or surface cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge
Wipe down daily with a soft cloth and warm water, then wipe with a dry cloth
Things to Avoid
Abrasive sponges or scouring pads, which can dull the surface
Cleansers that are acidic, abrasive or alkaline
Extreme heat from pots, pans and even certain appliances
Cutting food directly on the surface, instead use a cutting board
Porcelain
It’s difficult to deny the appeal of porcelain countertops. This quality stone is the ultimate choice for homeowners who are looking for countertops that are durable, versatile, stylish, and hold their value.
Resistant to chemicals, cleaning agents, scratches, and more, porcelain countertops can prove to be a valuable addition to just about any home or lifestyle, no matter how much they are used.
Caring for Your Porcelain Countertops
Caring for porcelain countertops is hassle free and doesn’t require any special products
Porcelain countertops do not need to be sealed
Wipe them down regularly with warm water and a cloth or paper towel, then dry
For stains, we recommend using a neutral cleaner or any basic household cleaning product
Things to Avoid
While they are durable, they aren’t indestructible, which is why you should still practice caution and take care of them regularly
Prepare food using a cutting board, never chop or slice directly on the surface
Use a heat pad for pots and pans to avoid heat directly on the surface
Contact Stone on the Go for More Information
Did you find the information in this article helpful? Visit our blog for more information or drop-by our showroom today. A member of our expert team would be more than happy to help you explore the stone countertop options that are available to you and ultimately help you find the best choice.