Maintenance Guide

1. General Cleaning Tips for All Countertops

• Daily Cleaning: Wipe surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge and a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap.

• Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Stay away from bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners, which can damage finishes.

• Dry Thoroughly: Use a clean towel to dry countertops after cleaning to prevent water spots or streaks.

• Use Cutting Boards and Trivets: Avoid direct cutting or placing hot pans on the surface to prevent scratches and heat damage.

2. Material-Specific Maintenance and Cleaning

Granite Countertops

• Cleaning:

  • Use a pH-neutral cleaner or soapy water for daily cleaning.

  • Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice, which can degrade the sealant.

• Maintenance:

  • Seal every 1–2 years to maintain stain resistance. Perform a water test (drop water on the surface—if it darkens, it needs sealing).

• Stain Removal:

  • Create a paste with baking soda and water (for oil stains) or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (for water stains). Apply and leave it overnight, then rinse.

Quartz Countertops

• Cleaning:

  • Use mild dish soap and water for daily cleaning.

  • Avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemicals that could damage the resin binder.

• Maintenance:

  • Quartz is non-porous and doesn’t require sealing.

• Stain Removal:

  • Use a non-abrasive cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water for tough spots.

Marble Countertops

• Cleaning:

  • Wipe with a damp cloth and pH-neutral cleaner or special marble cleaner.

  • Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners to prevent etching.

• Maintenance:

  • Seal marble countertops every 6–12 months to protect against stains.

• Stain Removal:

  • For oil stains, use a poultice of baking soda and water.

  • For organic stains (coffee, wine), try a mix of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia.

Laminate Countertops

• Cleaning:

  • Use a damp cloth and mild dish soap. Avoid excess water to prevent swelling.

  • Non-abrasive all-purpose cleaners work well for deeper cleaning.

• Maintenance:

  • Protect from heat and excessive moisture, as laminate can peel or warp.

• Stain Removal:

  • Use baking soda paste for persistent stains, but avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent surface damage.

Butcher Block Countertops

• Cleaning:

  • Wipe with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.

  • Disinfect with a mixture of vinegar and water or a small amount of diluted bleach.

• Maintenance:

  • Oil monthly with food-grade mineral oil to prevent drying and cracking.

  • Sand and reseal periodically to restore the surface and remove stains.

• Stain Removal:

  • Use lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide for lighter stains. Sand stubborn stains lightly, then re-oil.

Solid Surface Countertops (e.g., Corian)

• Cleaning:

  • Use soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner for daily cleaning.

  • Avoid abrasive scrubbers, which can dull the surface.

• Maintenance:

  • Sand out minor scratches with fine-grit sandpaper. Buff with a Scotch-Brite pad if needed.

• Stain Removal:

  • Use a non-abrasive cleaner or diluted bleach solution for tough stains.

Concrete Countertops

• Cleaning:

  • Clean with a mild soap and water solution.

  • Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners that can wear down the sealant.

• Maintenance:

  • Seal every 1–3 years to protect against stains and moisture. Apply a wax layer periodically for extra protection.

• Stain Removal:

  • Use a mix of baking soda and water as a gentle scrub.

Stainless Steel Countertops

• Cleaning:

  • Wipe with warm soapy water or a specialized stainless-steel cleaner.

  • Buff with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.

• Maintenance:

  • Use a polish designed for stainless steel to maintain shine.

• Stain Removal:

  • Use a paste of baking soda and water, but avoid steel wool or abrasive pads.

3. Dos and Don’ts for All Countertops

Dos

• Use coasters under glasses and cups to avoid water rings.

• Address spills immediately to prevent stains.

• Clean countertops regularly to maintain hygiene and appearance.

Don’ts

• Never stand or sit on countertops, as they aren’t designed to support that weight.

• Don’t use harsh chemicals unless specifically recommended for the material.

• Avoid dragging heavy objects across the surface to prevent scratches.