Designz Of Every Square Foot is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees. Our opinion is our own and in no way does this affect our choice of products.
A lot of people don’t really know how to clean and maintain different types of countertops. As someone whose family owns and operates a countertop company called State Stone Works inc. in San Diego, I know all you need to know. Cleaning and maintaining countertops vary by the material used. Today I will be going over solid surfaces.
Granite/Natural Solid Surfaces
Granite, quartzite, marble, and limestone are all-natural solid surfaces. This means that they are natural solid surfaces that are not man-made. These solid surfaces have pores. Now that is really important to understand. Natural rocks have pores that can essentially absorb oil, lemon, wine, etc. This doesn’t happen in a couple of seconds but can result in damage over time. Also, natural stones are much more heat resistant than made solid surfaces. So, don’t worry too much about heat damage. If something is straight out of the oven just take precautions and place it on your stove first.
In order to prevent your countertops from absorbing these liquids, you have to seal them. I know some of you are like HECK NO, sealing how do I know when to sea and how to seal. Although it may be DAUNTING, it’s actually quite easy.
Simply purchase a granite sealer. Usually, it’s recommended for the countertops to be sealed about every 6 months if you are always cooking in the kitchen. The process is actually quite easy even though some may tell you differently and make you question your choice for granite countertops.
All you have to do is clear your countertops and clean them with mild dish soap and water. Next, use a towel and pour the sealer onto it. Now just wipe your countertops like you are wiping them down. If you have a full backsplash that is also granite seal those too. ESPECIALLY, behind your stove. Now, let the sealer penetrate overnight and fill those pores. In the morning you can use your kitchen and place everything you had back on the countertops.
YES, It’s Really That Easy!!!
Cleaning these natural solid surfaces like granite is also simple. All you need is a towel, mild dish soap, and water. THAT’S IT!!! Please refrain from using any chemicals on granite countertops because the chemical will deteriorate the sealer much faster and the pores will open up again really quickly. DO NOT buy granite cleaners that are full of chemicals and are made for people to think that they work.
Quartz Countertops/ Man-made Solid Surfaces
Quartz countertops are essentially man-made countertops and DO NOT have pores. Unlike, granite and natural solid surfaces there is little to no maintenance. This is great because since there are no pores that means no sealing. You never even need to seal these countertops as long as you have them.
For cleaning, you basically can use any cleaning product. I still recommend not using super harsh cleaners. There are alternatives that can do the job just the same. The only product is STRONGLY RECOMMEND. Yes, this product does have some harsh chemicals. Hear me out though, Only use this 1 every week or two. Some people who have white countertops which are quite popular now might see that the normal cleaner is not really cleaning the countertop correctly. Especially after oily foods. Soft scrub has these pearl-like balls that once used with a towel can remove anything. TRUST ME!! This product is great for people with white countertops. It also brings back the shine of quartz and makes it seem BRAND NEW!!
I would not recommend placing direct heat onto these surfaces. These surfaces are not as great as natural surfaces in resisting heat damage. So, simply place a hot pan on the stove and let it cool.
Other than that, man-made materials are very simple to care for and can work for many families.
Porcelain Countertops
These countertops are NEW to the market and I like to call them the in-between granite and quartz. This is because the great properties of both are in porcelain.
These countertops are MAINTENANCE-FREE similar to quartz and have better heat resistance than granite. You can clean it just like you would clean quartz. There is no sealing needed.
The only main issue that porcelain countertops have scratches. They are kind of prone to scratches. So, don’t cut directly on it and use a cutting board. Also don’t move the machinery on your countertops such as a coffee machine around too much.
Other than that this is a great option and requires no maintenance and easy cleaning.
Let me know what other questions you may have in the comments.
By: Silvana J.
