How To Properly Care For Your Granite & Quartz Countertop!
Simple dos and don'ts when caring for your beautiful stone countertop! If you're living with granite or quartz countertops, this blog is a must read!
Quartz Countertops
Quartz surfaces blend modern sophistication and timeless luxury with unbeatable strength and durability. The ever-lasting finish requires only simple and routine care to maintain its good looks.
In most cases, warm water and a mild detergent or quality spray and wipe type cleaner is enough to keep your quartz countertop looking like new. If needed, apply a non-abrasive household cleaner to avoid dulling the surface shine and rinse to remove stubborn stains or dried spills. To remove adhered material such as food, gum, nail polish or dried paint, scrape away excess material with a plastic putty knife then use a damp cloth to remove marks or residue. For extra-stubborn stains, a no-scratch Scotch-Brite® pad is recommended along with the non-abrasive cleaner.
Quartz countertops can be permanently damaged if exposed to strong chemicals and solvents that damage its physical properties. Examples are products that contain Trichlorethane or Methylene chloride, such as paint removers or strippers, oven/grill cleaners and dishwasher polishing agents that have high alkaline/pH levels (pH 8.5 or higher). Products containing oils or powders may leave a residue and should be rinsed off thoroughly. Should your surface be accidentally exposed to any of these damaging products, rinse immediately with clean water to neutralize and minimize the effect.
Quartz countertop is more heat resistant than other stone surfaces including most granite, marble and limestone and is not affected by temperatures lower than 150°C (300°F). However, like all stone material, quartz countertops can be damaged by sudden and rapid temperature changes. Therefore, we suggest that hot pots and pans are not placed directly on the surface.
Granite Countertops
Granite is considered one of the most desirable choices of solid surface for kitchen countertops, both for durability and natural beauty. Granite is formed primarily of quartz and feldspar and comes in many colors and crystal sizes depending on formation and mine location.
In addition to its beautiful natural appearance, granite has lasting value, is resistant to scratches, burn resistant to hot items (not burn proof), acid resistant and is repairable if scratched. Black or dark granites are considered high maintenance, requiring regular cleaning and polishing to maintain shine and gloss. Avoid acid-based substances such as vinegar, alcohol, orange juice, soft drinks, etc. are spilled or used on the granite. These substances can cause dull spots or rings to appear on the surface and a polisher must be applied to restore the shine. We recommend homeowners blot up spills immediately to minimize damage.
Use a soft white cloth with a neutral cleaner or stone soap that doesn’t leave streaks or strands behind. Appropriate cleaners are stone soaps, conditioning cleaners, neutral cleaners and mild dish detergents.
The do-not-use list for cleaners includes abrasive cleaning pads, general purpose kitchen cleaners, window cleaners, vinegar, soft paste cleaners, powdered alkaline cleaners, ammonium products, toilet cleaning products, oven cleaners and tub and tile cleaners. With proper care, a granite countertop will provide a beautiful surface for many years to come.