For many, the prime accomplishment of their homes is the kitchen. Many homeowners choose natural stone countertops because of their aesthetic appeal, durability, and relatively simple upkeep. There’s a common misconception that it’s challenging to clean and maintain a natural stone, but that’s far from the truth.
The average cost of a kitchen remodel can cost $15,000 or more, and countertops are just a part of that investment. With this knowledge in mind, it’s helpful to know the best methods to clean and maintain your natural stone countertops. Surprisingly, it’s easier than you think.
Natural stone has unique elements that homeowners should take time to learn about after the installation. No matter which one you pick, there are a few recommended tips to preserve lifespan.
- Utilize coasters for drinks
- Place small mats under hot objects on your counters
- Blot spills rather than swearing with a rag
You can clean natural stone countertops daily as part of routine maintenance, but utilizing the proper techniques is more important.
Cleaning And Maintaining Granite Countertops
Maintaining granite countertops is relatively straightforward and it can be done inexpensively. If you need to clean a spill quickly, an absorbant paper towel works just fine. Granite countertops can also be cleaned with a warm microfiber cloth with soap and water to quickly remove spots or stains. Organic cleaners also work well with natural stone. They have a neutral pH that won’t cause damage and contains no harmful ammonia that can be harmful to your skin or eyes. Cleaning solutions like the Rock Doctor natural granite & quartz cleaner can be an excellent option to preserve the countertops for the foreseeable future.
Granite countertops will benefit from getting sealed once to twice a year. Apply a cleaning solution beforehand and use a non-toxic sealant and wait about 30 minutes. You can test the area by adding a few drops of water to the top of your countertops. If the water beads, you’re good to go.
Remember, it’s imperative to use non-abrasive substances on top of your countertops. Never use acidic substances like lemon juice, vinegar, or bleach.
Cleaning And Maintaining Quartz Countertops
Many customers invest in this engineered stone because of its durability and relative ease of maintenance. Just like granite, you can use a microfiber cloth with warm water to wipe down all areas of your countertops. Since quartz is nonporous, wiping the surfaces can be done as often as you want. For hard-to-remove dirt or debris, a putty knife can be used. However, ensure you’re gently scraping the surface. Quartz is scratch-resistant, but it’s important to be mindful to protect your investment.
There are several preventative measures that should be taken to preserve the beauty of quartz, as listed below.
- Clean spills immediately to prevent staining or damage to the countertops
- Use mats if you’re placing hot items on the surface ( i.e. pans, crockpots, skillets, etc.)
- Always utilize a cutting board rather than the countertop itself
- Stay away from cleaners that are too acidic or too alkaline as these can cause damage to your quartz countertops
- Avoid heavy objects falling that would put added pressure or force on your counters
Protect Your Natural Stone Countertops Wisely
Natural stone countertops can be an excellent selling point for any home if they are maintained as they should be. They can add value to your property and actually save money in the long run because they won’t need to be replaced. If you’ve chosen to have natural stone countertops, it’s an investment that needs proper care and attention. While maintaining and cleaning these surfaces isn’t difficult, consider these practical methods to ensure long-lasting beauty and durability.