The high quality stone that is used to make our countertops is very durable, but not indestructible. There are many cleaners out there that are too harsh for your stone and could cause etching and staining to occur. Help keep your countertops looking like new by following these few care tips.
cleaners
No Acids. While wiping down surfaces with homemade cleaners is a common practice, make sure that whatever you use does not have acidic properties such as vinegar or citrus. While these are great, natural germ fighters they can break down the protective sealant on your stone and cause etching and other damage. If you want to use something gentle with less chemicals, try a damp dish cloth with warm water and a mild dish soap to wipe down your countertops.
How to Disinfect. Many disinfectants have harsh chemicals that will eat away at your sealant, so to disinfect your countertops make a 50/50 mixture of 91% isopropyl alcohol and water and spray it on your surfaces. Leave it for a few seconds, and then wipe everything down until it’s dry. If you feel safer using a product like Clorox wipes to disinfect your surfaces, use them sparingly and remember to look out for signs that your sealant has worn off.
Stone Safe Cleaners. There are many big name brands that make stone safe cleaners which you can find at any department store. These are more reliable than most things you could put together at home. We also have a 3-in-1 Cleaner available to purchase in our showroom if you feel unsure.
Disinfecting Countertops
maintenance
Sealant. Applying a new coat of sealant to the stone every year is a commonly forgotten form of countertop maintenance. It’s important to reapply because it provides a protective barrier from stains and etching, and it is a natural disinfectant. Two signs that it’s time to reseal are a dull appearance and the stone absorbs liquids. Sealant can be found at any hardware store, and the directions are easy to understand. If you don’t want the hassle, just give us a call and we’d be more than happy to service your countertops.
Heat. Our stones can withstand high temperatures, but they are still susceptible to extreme heat. We always advise our customers to not directly place a hot item on their stone without a hot pad or trivet underneath it. Burn marks and discoloration would be an eyesore on your pretty, light colored quartz, so keep your countertops looking great and don’t skip the hot pad.
Tiffany Talks about Countertop maintenance
How to Seal Your Countertops
How to Care for Quartz