Did you know that you can keep your countertops looking beautiful with very little effort? However, it is important to follow the proper maintenance and cleaning methods for your type of countertop. Here is a quick guide for three of the most common countertops currently being used in new homes and kitchen and bath remodels.
1. Quartz Countertops
Maintenance: Quartz is a low-maintenance product that is engineered to be durable and resistant to stains. It does not require sealing.
Cleaning: Use a soft cloth and Fila Universal Cleaner or a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water and for routine cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads that can scratch the surface. Give us a call and we can recommend a safe cleaner for your quartz.
Stain Removal: For tougher stains, some quartz can be cleaned Bar Keeper’s Friend or Vim. Reach out to see what we recommend for your specific quartz.
2. Granite Countertops
Maintenance: Granite requires periodic sealing (typically every 1-3 years) to maintain its resistance to stains. This is not a difficult job, but it will need to dry for a few hours. Please see below for a step-by-step guide for sealing your granite countertop.
Cleaning: Use a pH-balanced stone cleaner or a mixture of warm water and mild soap; wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid vinegar or acidic cleaners, as they can damage the stone.
Stain Removal: Consult your granite dealer for how to remove tough stains. Apply a poultice of baking soda and water, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit for 24 hours before wiping it off.
3. Marble Countertops
Maintenance: Marble is more porous than granite and requires sealing every 6-12 months. See below.
Cleaning: Use a soft cloth and a gentle stone cleaner specifically formulated for marble. Avoid acidic cleaners, as they can etch the surface.
Stain Removal: Consult your marble dealer on how to remove tough stains or apply a poultice (as explained above). Give us a call, there are specialty cleaners to help with this.
How to Seal Granite and Marble Countertops
Clean your countertop as indicated above. WAIT for a couple of hours to ensure that it is completely dry.
Use a cloth to evenly apply a high-quality penetrating sealer that you can get from your countertop dealer. Be sure to use a sealer that is material specific (i.e., formulated for granite or marble). Fila MP90 is a great choice we usually stock this sealer.
Rub in the MP90 sealer and massage into the stone. Once the surface is saturated, wipe off any excess with a clean cloth before it dries on the surface.
WAIT at least 4 hours before using the countertop to let the seal dry.
How to Know When to Seal Your Countertop
A simple absorbency test will tell you if you need to seal your countertop. All you need to do is drip water on the surface of the countertop and wait 15 minutes. If it soaks in, it is time to seal your countertop.
Find a Countertop Dealer in Edmonton
Now that you know how to clean and maintain the top countertops on the market, visit A B Tile & Stone in west Edmonton to see a wide selection of stunning quartz, granite, and marble countertops available for you.