The kitchen countertops in your home get a lot of use, taking a beating from things like spills, heat, knives, and more. Keeping them clean and well-maintained then not only looks better but also extends their lifespan.
Granite Countertop Care
Granite is a popular natural stone prized for its beauty and durability. With the right cleaning approach, you can keep granite countertops looking like new. Here’s how:
- Use a granite cleaner or mild dish soap and warm water for daily cleaning but avoid harsh cleansers.
- Blot up spills quickly before they soak in and cause stains.
- Reseal granite countertops annually to help protect against stains and scratches.
- Use trivets and cutting boards to prevent scorching and scratching from hot pots and knives.
Quartz Countertop Care
Quartz countertops are an appealing engineered stone made of ground quartz bound with resins. According to the experts over at Bedrock Quartz, they are extremely durable, but they still require some basic care:
- Wipe up spills quickly before these dry and become harder to remove.
- Use mild soap and warm water or quartz-safe cleaning products for general cleaning.
- Avoid abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads, which will dull the surface over time.
- Use hot pads or trivets as excessive heat can damage quartz countertops.
Solid Surface Countertop Care
Solid surface materials like Corian are composed of acrylic resins and minerals. They are nonporous and stain-resistant, but they have some particular care requirements:
- For basic cleaning, use a soapy cloth or all-purpose spray cleaner made for solid surfaces.
- Avoid things like window cleaners, abrasive cleansers, and harsh chemicals that could damage the surface.
- Sanding helps remove stubborn stains or burn marks from solid surface countertops.
- Buff out minor scratches with a cleaning product made specifically for solid surfaces.
Laminate Countertop Care
While laminate countertops are less expensive, they still require proper upkeep to prevent premature aging and damage:
- Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and warm water for everyday cleaning.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like oven cleaners, abrasive scrubbing powders, and scouring pads.
- Wipe up spills quickly before these stain or damage the laminate’s surface.
- Prevent burns and scratches by always using a trivet or cutting board.
Butcher Block Countertop Care
Butcher block counters have a warm, rustic look but require a bit of maintenance to retain their charm:
- Clean frequently with a wood cleaner or mild soap and water to prevent staining.
- Re-oil butcher block surfaces each month to keep them from drying out and potentially cracking.
- Use a trivet or cutting board to avoid excessive cutting directly on the wood surface.
- Sand out small imperfections every few years and then reseal to refresh the finish.
Concrete Countertop Care
Concrete countertops are an industrial chic choice that suits lots of design styles. They are quite durable but do need some preventative care:
- Use a concrete countertop sealer every 6-12 months to protect against stains and etching.
- Clean daily using a pH-neutral cleaner (acidic products can damage concrete).
- Avoid abrasive cleansers and scouring pads, which could dull and scratch the surface.
- Use trivets and cutting boards to prevent scorching and scratching.
Keep Countertops Clear and Protected
Along with properly cleaning your countertop surfaces, it’s important to keep them clear of debris and protect them from damage. Get into the habit of clearing away kitchen items and appliances when these are not being used. Use a coaster under any container holding hot or cold liquids and always use a cutting board rather than slicing directly on the countertop surface.
Conclusion
No matter which countertop material you have in your kitchen, the key to keeping it looking great is using the proper cleaning products and techniques based on the material type. A little routine maintenance goes a long way towards preserving your countertop investment.