How to Make Your Countertops Last a Lifetime: Essential Care Tips
A countertop is the workhorse of the kitchen, facing daily encounters with spills, heat, and sharp objects.1 Proper care is essential to keep it looking new for years to come.2 At CounterTopCo, we want to ensure your investment stands the test of time.
Here are our essential care tips for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your quartz, granite, and marble surfaces.
1. Daily Cleaning: Gentle is Key
For all stone surfaces, a simple daily wipe-down is the best practice.
- Method: Use a soft cloth or sponge with a mixture of warm water and a few drops of pH-neutral dish soap.
- Avoid: Harsh chemicals are your countertop's worst enemy.3 Steer clear of bleach, ammonia, abrasive powders, and acidic cleaners (like vinegar or lemon juice), as they can dull or etch the surface.4
- Rinse and Dry: Always rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water and wipe it completely dry with a soft microfiber cloth. This prevents soap buildup and water spots.
2. Spills: Act Fast!
The golden rule for preventing stains is to clean up spills immediately.5
- Blot, Don't Wipe: For liquids like wine, coffee, or oil, blot the spill with a paper towel. Wiping can spread the spill further.6
- Gentle Cleaning: After blotting, clean the area with your mild soap and water solution.
- Porous Stones: Granite and marble are more porous than quartz and can absorb liquids, leading to stains.7 This is especially critical for these materials.
3. Protect from Heat and Scratches
Even the most durable countertops need protection from extreme heat and sharp objects.8
- Use Trivets and Hot Pads: Never place hot pots or pans directly on your countertop. The extreme temperature change can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks, discoloration, or damage to the sealant.9
- Always Use a Cutting Board: While many countertops are scratch-resistant, they are not scratch-proof.10 Chopping directly on the stone will dull your knives and can cause fine scratches or chips over time.11
4. Material-Specific Maintenance
For Granite & Marble:
- Sealing is Crucial: These natural stones are porous and require sealing to resist stains.12 Seal your countertops upon installation and re-seal them periodically (typically once a year, or as needed).
- How to Test Your Seal: Sprinkle some water on the surface. If it beads up, the seal is strong. If it soaks in and darkens the stone, it's time to reseal.
For Quartz:
- No Sealing Required: One of the biggest advantages of quartz is that it's non-porous and never needs to be sealed.13
- Stubborn Stains: For tough stains like marker or dried paint, gently use a plastic putty knife to scrape it off, followed by a gentle cleanser.
By following these simple guidelines, you can easily protect your countertops from damage and ensure they remain a beautiful and functional centerpiece in your kitchen for decades.
