How do I care for my quartz, granite or marble countertops?
For all three materials, there are a few general rules for cleaning:
- Clean up all liquid spills, gunk, and crumbs quickly.
- Use warm water and mild dish soap or stone specific cleaners for daily cleaning. Be sure to use a soft rag or nonabrasive sponge. Never use bleach or harsh abrasives on countertop material or on composite, cast iron, fireclay, or porcelain sinks.
- Always use a cutting board and avoid cutting directly onto countertops.
- To scrape away gunk or hardened messes, use a plastic putty knife or wood pot scraper to buff it off and avoid scraping countertops. If using a razor blade, be sure the entire edge of the blade is resting on the countertop to avoid scratching the surface. and that you’re scraping along the full length at an angle to avoid gouging or scratching countertops.
- Avoid contact with harsh cleaning chemicals (vinegar, ammonia, bleach) and prolonged contact with acidic liquids (citrus juices, wine, salad dressings).
- NEVER store metal cans or anything that may rust on your countertop surface without some sort of cloth or rubber backing to protect the surface. Rust will irrevocably stain a countertop, even quartz.
Different materials do require different care techniques. Quartz may be a highly resilient material, but you should always use trivets or potholders under hot dishes and cookware to avoid damages from sudden changes in temperature. The melting point for quartz is lower than natural stone due to the resin composition, so heat protection of some sort is a must. Granite and marble are more durable when it comes to hot pots and pans; however, using a trivet or potholder is always recommended to preserve and extend the longevity of your countertops and seal. Make sure to spot check your protective seal on any natural stones frequently especially in the high-use areas to avoid incidental staining.
