CARE & MAINTENANCE

How to Clean Natural Stone Countertops

After you have your one-of-a-kind granite and quartz countertops professionally installed, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep them looking brand new for a lifetime. One of the benefits of natural stone surfaces is that they don’t require extensive upkeep.

The biggest thing to remember with granite and quartz countertop care and maintenance is to avoid harsh cleaners or cleansers with abrasive materials. These substances can damage the beautiful surface of your granite or quartz, dulling and diminishing its stunning, flaw-free finish. 

We’ll go into more detail below about how to clean natural stone countertops. If you ever have any questions about a stain, mark, scratch, or just general countertop care and maintenance, we’re always here to help. 

Sealing Your Natural Stone Surfaces

Whether you have granite, quartz, or marble surfaces, sealing is always something our customers inquire about. You can seal any natural stone surface, but the process is different for every material.

For example, granite floors require a different sealant than quartz countertops. In some cases, a sealant may not be necessary. It’s important to ask a natural stone professional about your unique stone and how to seal it properly.

If you have questions about sealing natural stone countertops, Kowalski Granite & Quartz is happy to help. We’ll assess your surfaces and tell you what type of sealing, if any, is necessary. If it seems like the right move for your unique stone surface, we’ll finish the job. 

 Quartz Countertop Care and Maintenance

Quartz is a highly durable material that requires minimal maintenance. The surface is naturally nonporous and meets high sanitation requirements for restaurants and kitchens. Because of its unique structure, quartz is scratch, heat, and stain resistant. To keep your quartz surfaces looking as great as the day they were installed, follow these simple instructions:

Daily

Taking a brief minute every day to clean your quartz countertops will significantly improve their lifespan. We recommend taking a minute to wipe your quartz surface with a clean, soft cloth or sponge soaked in a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Then rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth or paper towel. 

Spills & Stains

Clean liquid spills and dried foods as soon as possible, but we know some accidents are inevitable. In the event of a stain or mark, cleaning a quartz countertop should be done by using a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner to remove the residue. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

For any hardened marks, use a plastic putty knife or non-abrasive Scotch-Brite pad to scrape the surface gently. Then use a damp cloth to help lift and remove any residual marks or stains.

Heat

Though quartz is highly heat resistant, do your best to protect your surfaces using a hot pad or trivet with rubber feet when placing hot pans and dishes on the counter. 

Scratches

Quartz is scratch-resistant, but you’ll want to do your best to protect your surfaces anyway so that they can last as long as possible. Don’t use knives or sharp objects directly on your countertops – always use a cutting board when preparing food.

If a scratch occurs, lightly scrub the area in a small circular motion, using a wet sponge and a very light abrasive cleanser. Don’t scrub too aggressively, as you may reduce the gloss level. This is the only time an abrasive cleaner should be used on quartz, and in this instance, it must be used with great care.

In addition to abrasive cleansers, you should avoid bleach and cleaners with Pine Oil. Bleach can alter the appearance of your quartz surfaces, and Pine Oil leaves behind a filmy residue that can build up and attract dirt, changing the appearance of your surfaces over time and reducing their cleanliness.

 Granite Countertop Care and Maintenance

Much like other natural stone surfaces, granite requires little upkeep and is a durable, hardy material. While you should refrain from using harsh and abrasive cleaners when cleaning a granite countertop, granite countertop care and maintenance are relatively straightforward. Check out our helpful tips below:

Daily

Expand the lifetime of your surfaces by cleaning granite countertops daily with warm soapy water and a clean, soft cloth. Always rinse and dry granite surfaces after cleaning. To maintain your granite’s distinctive gloss, never use abrasive cleaners.  

Spills & Stains

Blot up spills and stains immediately or as soon as possible. If your granite countertop is already stained, don’t panic. Make a paste by combining baking soda and water, and use a soft brush to scrub the stain with the paste gently. Then rinse the area thoroughly with water. 

Heat

Granite is a heat-resistant material, but it’s best not to take any chances. We always recommend using coasters and trivets rather than placing hot objects directly on the surface. 

Scratches

Granite stands up well against scratches, but accidents happen. Do your best to extend its lifespan by always using cutting boards, placemats, and coasters, and never cut or use knives directly on the surface. 

If a scratch does occur, use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth while applying some pressure to the scratch. Scrub for a few minutes, and you may find that if a scratch is small and shallow enough, it will disappear quite quickly.

 

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