When you shell out the extra dough for the countertops of your dreams, you want to make sure they stay like new for as long as humanly possible. There are cleaning rules you need to follow to ensure your countertops don’t sustain any damage. Here are some cleaning tips and rules to save your countertops.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is easily cleaned, but you need to stay away from bleach and abrasive cleansers in order to keep the surface from being scratched. Quartz countertops are extremely durable, and because they are non-porous they stay stain-free and odor-free. This also helps keep any kind of mold, mildew, or bacteria from seeping into the surface, which keeps your countertops cleaner. Using natural cleaners or just soapy water and a paper towel is usually sufficient for quartz countertops.
Granite Countertops
Since granite countertops require a sealant, you will need to avoid abrasive and acidic cleansers. Never use ammonia, bleach, vinegar, or any cleaning product that contains these ingredients. The sealant on your countertops keeps them pretty well disinfected, but if you need to clean up a spill, hot soapy water and a soft washcloth will do the trick here. If you need a stronger cleanser, mix up some water with rubbing alcohol (equal parts) and spray it onto the countertop. Let it sit for about 5 minutes and then wipe it up with a soft cloth. Wipe it clean with water and a dry towel.
Marble Countertops
Marble is the most expensive option, and therefore needs to be taken care of well to avoid having to pay for repairs later. Marble is especially sensitive to acidic substances, like lemon juice and wine, so make sure to clean up any spills as soon as possible to avoid erosion of the surface of your countertops. Marble needs to be cleaned with a special marble cleanser. Do not use harsh chemicals from your local big box store. You can dust them with a dry cloth and clean them with hot water and a soft sponge or cloth in between special cleanings.
Concrete Countertops
Concrete is naturally porous, but most countertops are professionally sealed to keep mildew and mold bacteria from penetrating the surface of your countertop. Like quartz, avoid abrasive cleansers and scrubbing pads because these types of cleaning supplies erode away at the sealant of your countertops. Never cut directly on the countertop and always use a cutting board. Cutting directly into concrete can leave scratches or cracks, providing bacteria with a way to seep into your countertops. Use a pH-neutral cleanser to avoid scratches and future stains.
