Countertop Care & Maintenance

Your Complete Guide For
Countertop Care & Maintenance

Discover the best tips and tricks for countertop care and maintenance. From granite to quartz, learn how to keep your kitchen or bathroom surfaces looking pristine and extend their lifespan. Get expert advice on cleaning, sealing, and preventing common countertop issues to keep your investment looking like new for years to come.

Kitchen Design

What You Need To Know

Countertops are one of the most important features in your kitchen or bathroom, not only serving as functional workspaces but also as aesthetic focal points. However, with daily use and exposure to various substances, they can become stained, scratched, or damaged over time. That’s why it’s crucial to establish a proper care and maintenance routine to keep your countertops looking beautiful and functioning well. Let’s talk about our essential tips and tricks for countertop care and maintenance, including cleaning methods and preventative measures for common issues. By following these guidelines, you can extend the lifespan of your countertops and maintain their pristine appearance for years to come.

Quartz

Quartz countertops are a popular choice for homeowners because of their durability, scratch resistance, and low maintenance requirements. However, they still require proper care to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips for caring for and maintaining your quartz countertops:

  • Clean spills immediately: Although quartz is highly resistant to stains, it’s still essential to clean up spills as soon as possible to avoid any potential damage. Use a soft cloth or sponge and a mild cleaning solution to wipe up spills.
  • Avoid harsh cleaners: While quartz is highly resistant to most chemicals, it’s best to avoid harsh cleaners such as bleach, oven cleaners, or acidic substances like vinegar and lemon juice. These can damage the surface of your quartz countertops.
  • Use a non-abrasive cleaner: For regular cleaning, use a non-abrasive cleaner or mild soap and water to wipe down your quartz countertops. Avoid using abrasive pads or sponges that can scratch the surface.
  • Avoid heat damage: Quartz is heat resistant, but it’s still best to avoid placing hot pots or pans directly on the countertop. Use a trivet or hot pad to protect the surface from heat damage.
  • Keep sharp objects away: Quartz is scratch-resistant, but it’s still best to avoid cutting directly on the surface. Use a cutting board instead to protect your countertop from scratches and damage.
  • Sealant not required: Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz countertops do not require a sealant as they are non-porous.

Granite

Granite countertops are a favored option for many homeowners thanks to their aesthetic appeal, strength, and ability to resist heat and scratches. Despite their durability, they still require proper care and maintenance to preserve their quality. To keep your granite countertops looking great, here are some essential tips for maintenance and upkeep:

  • Clean spills immediately: Granite is porous and can absorb liquids, leading to staining and potential damage. To prevent this, it’s important to clean up spills immediately using a soft cloth or sponge and a mild cleaning solution.
  • Use a granite-specific cleaner: Avoid using abrasive cleaners, acidic substances, or bleach on your granite countertops as they can cause damage. Instead, use a granite-specific cleaner to maintain the surface’s natural shine.
  • Seal your granite countertops: Granite is a natural stone that is porous and requires regular sealing to protect it from staining and damage. It’s recommended to seal granite countertops every 1-2 years using a high-quality sealant.
  • Avoid placing hot items directly on the surface: Granite is heat resistant, but it’s best to avoid placing hot pots or pans directly on the countertop as it can cause thermal shock and lead to cracking or damage. Use a trivet or hot pad to protect the surface from heat.
  • Use cutting boards: To avoid scratching the surface of your granite countertops, use cutting boards when preparing food. Avoid using sharp knives directly on the surface.
  • Keep it dry: After cleaning your granite countertops, be sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent any water stains or mineral buildup.

Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops are a highly sought-after option for homeowners as they offer a sleek and durable surface that resists stains and bacterial growth. However, they still require the right care and maintenance to keep them in top condition. To ensure your solid surface countertops retain their pristine appearance, follow these crucial tips for maintenance and upkeep:

  • Clean spills promptly: Solid surface countertops are non-porous, so they resist stains, but it’s still essential to clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent any potential damage. Use a soft cloth or sponge and a mild cleaning solution to wipe up spills.
  • Use a non-abrasive cleaner: For regular cleaning, use a non-abrasive cleaner or mild soap and water to wipe down your solid surface countertops. Avoid using abrasive pads or sponges that can scratch the surface.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals: While solid surface countertops are highly resistant to most chemicals, it’s best to avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach, oven cleaners, or acidic substances like vinegar and lemon juice as they can damage the surface of your countertops.
  • Use cutting boards: To avoid scratching the surface of your solid surface countertops, use cutting boards when preparing food. Avoid using sharp knives directly on the surface.
  • Keep it dry: After cleaning your solid surface countertops, be sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent any water stains or mineral buildup.
  • Remove stains promptly: If you do encounter any stubborn stains, you can remove them using a non-abrasive cleaner or by creating a paste of baking soda and water.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are a popular choice for their affordability and versatility. They offer a durable surface that is easy to clean and maintain. However, to keep them in top condition and looking their best, proper care and maintenance are necessary. Follow these essential tips to ensure your laminate countertops remain in pristine condition:

  • Clean spills immediately: Laminate countertops are prone to stains, so it’s essential to clean up spills as soon as possible to avoid any potential damage. Use a soft cloth or sponge and a mild cleaning solution to wipe up spills.
  • Use a non-abrasive cleaner: For regular cleaning, use a non-abrasive cleaner or mild soap and water to wipe down your laminate countertops. Avoid using abrasive pads or sponges that can scratch the surface.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or oven cleaners, can damage the surface of your laminate countertops. Instead, use mild cleaning solutions and avoid using acidic substances like vinegar or lemon juice.
  • Use cutting boards and trivets: To avoid scratching or damaging your laminate countertops, use cutting boards and trivets for hot items.
  • Avoid abrasive tools: Avoid using abrasive tools or scrubbers, such as steel wool or abrasive sponges, as they can scratch the surface of your laminate countertops.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to heat: Laminate countertops are heat-resistant, but they can still be damaged by prolonged exposure to high heat. Use trivets or hot pads to protect your countertop surface.

For further information on caring for your new cabinet refacing project, please visit our Cabinet Refacing Care & Maintenance page for details. 

Contact Us

MKD Kitchen and Bath has been providing kitchen and bath solutions for over 72 years. At MKD, we serve both builders and dealers, as well as residential customers. We are proud to service Michigan, Northern Ohio, and Northern Indiana customers as one of the largest full-service countertop companies in the Midwest.
Please reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you with your countertop needs.
Shopping cart close