How to Care for Your Countertops

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and countertops can be the focal point of a beautiful kitchen. There’s an amazing variety of countertop materials to choose from, and if you’re custom-designing your kitchen, you’ve probably spent a lot of time deciding which option is perfect for you. The last thing you want is for your counters to lose their luster or sustain damage. Countertops are an investment, so we’ve got some tips to clean and preserve your gorgeous new countertops, keeping them spotless and prolonging their lifespan.

How to Care for Different Types of Countertops

Quartz Countertops

Caring for quartz countertops is easy. This naturally occurring mineral doesn’t come in solid slab countertops, but is made into an engineered stone that’s 93% quartz and 7% resin. The result is a nonporous countertop that doesn’t need to be sealed or require special cleanser. Simply wipe down them down daily with a non-abrasive household cleaner. Maintain the look of your quartz countertops by protecting them from extremely hot items or permanent ink.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate counters are easy to clean with a microfiber or cotton cloth and water and a mild detergent. Don’t use harsh products or scouring pads, and if your countertop gets stained, make a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit on the stain for five minutes, and wipe of off with a soft, damp cloth. Laminate countertops don’t need sealing, but they should be protected from scratches and burns.

Granite Countertops

Granite is an extremely popular countertop material, in part because it comes in a wide range of colors and formations. Each slab is one of a kind, but learning how to clean granite countertops is the same no matter how they look. Granite has natural anti-bacterial properties and can kept clean by wiping it daily with dishwashing detergent and water. Don’t use harsh cleaners that can dull the finish, always use cutting boards and trivets to protect them, and remove stains with a commercial stone poultice or a paste made of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Wondering how to maintain granite countertops? They need to be resealed annually.

Marble

If you’re wondering how to clean marble countertops, it’s much the same as granite. Marble, however, will need to be resealed every few months.

Stainless Steel

What is the easiest countertop to maintain? It doesn’t get much easier than stainless steel. This countertop just needs to be wiped down regularly with soap and water, and protected from scratches from cutlery or abrasive scrubbing pads. It never needs sealing but should occasionally be polished with lemon oil.

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