Countertop Maintenance and Care Key to Selection Process

When researching and selecting countertops for your dream kitchen or bathroom, you must consider day-to-day care and cleaning for the new surfaces. Granite, natural stone quartz, wood or solid surface countertops all require different levels of care and maintenance. You want to choose a countertop with a maintenance level you can comfortably keep up with.

Here is some information on care for you to consider:

Granite
• Granite countertops should be sealed when they are installed, and re-sealed once or twice a year to keep them looking their best. With a solvent-based sealer, the process should take about 10 to 15 minutes. Less-expensive water-based sealants can be more labor-intensive and are not as widely recommended.
• Test countertops regularly to see if they need to be resealed. Spill a small amount of water on the surface. If it beads up, the granite is sealed. If the water seeps into the granite, reseal the countertops.
• Warm water and mild soap should be used for everyday cleaning. Wipe the countertops down with a soapy sponge and be sure to dry them completely to avoid streaking.
• A poultice mixture can reabsorb granite stains.

Quartz
• Quartz products, such as Cambria Natural Quartz SurfacesTM, do not require polishing, buffing, sealing or reconditioning.
• Warm water and mild soap should be used for everyday cleaning. Clean spills with a mild cleanser, and gently scrape off hardened food or spills.
• Avoid exposing quartz countertops to high levels of heat; use trivets for hot dishes to protect the surfaces and prevent cracking.

Wood
• A beautiful design option for kitchens, wood countertops can be tricky to maintain and/or repair.
• Wood countertops can’t be exposed to heat, excessive cold or moisture, as it will affect the finish and discolor the wood.
• Warm water and mild soap should be used for everyday cleaning. Any hardened spills or food should be gently scraped off with a steel scraper.
• Each month, rub oil into the countertops to protect and maintain them.
• If you see water or food stains, or have a nick or gouge in the wood, use a light sandpaper or fine steel wool to gently rub them out. Then apply a layer of oil to seal the surface.
• Large stains that are difficult to remove may require that the entire area be stripped and refinished.

Solid Surfaces
• Regular cleaning with water and a gentle soap is key to maintaining solid surface countertops. It inhibits mold and bacteria growth, prevents stains and reduces more labor-intensive (and expensive) maintenance down the road.
• Many chemical cleaning solutions can affect the countertop’s finish. Avoid them.
• Don’t use an abrasive scrubber or other item to remove any dried food, etc. Place a warm damp cloth or sponge on the spot for 10 to 20 minutes, allow it to soften and then remove.

Granite, quartz, wood and solid surfaces all offer beautiful design options for your kitchen or bath, but do your due diligence on researching how to maintain this considerable investment in your home. For more information and guidance on choosing the right countertop, visit Atlanta Granite Countertops.