GRANITE COUNTERTOP CARE

Granite is a much loved counter top style used by many homeowners remodeling their kitchens. Granite is both durable and beautiful and does not require much maintenance. However, it does require minimal care to ensure that it stays in great condition for longer.

1.  Perform daily maintenance. Keep this simple but regular, for the best care of the counter top. Clean the counter top with warm water and a few drops of dish washing detergent or antibacterial detergent using a soft cloth.
Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
If you spill something on your counter top, blot with a paper towel or soft cloth immediately. Do not wipe the area as this can spread the spill. Flush the spill with warm water and detergent and rinse thoroughly. Dry the area with a soft cloth. Properly sealed stone will repel most stains if the spills are
cleaned promptly.

2.  Keep the stone surface clean. This will ensure that it is always easier to clean, when stains are attended to promptly.

3.  Avoid prolonged exposure to temperature extremes. Hot cooking pots will not damage the surface, however extreme or constant temperature
changes may harm your stone. Avoid leaving hot pans sitting on the counter for long periods of time, especially during the winter. While granite is highly scratch-resistant, do not cut on it directly; use a cutting board.

4.  The sealant product should last ten to fifteen years and be of an oleophobic (resistant to water and oil or fat based stains) type. Once properly sealed, the stone will be more resistant.

5.  Pour the sealer on the surface. Spread the sealer over the counter top with a paper towel, foam brush or rag. Allow the sealer to penetrate 5 to 10 minutes; if the sealer is completely absorbed in 5 minutes, add more. After 5 to 10 minutes, blot any remaining sealer.

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QUARTZ COUNTERTOP CARE

 

Quartz countertops are composed of quartz stone and a synthetic polymer. These popular, granite-like countertops are naturally glossy and do not require sealing & polishing. Some care has to be taken in order to ensure they maintain their luster; however, they are harder to damage than other countertops, like laminate and Corian. In order to care for quartz countertops, you must avoid quick changes in temperature, hard pressure and you must use non-abrasive cleaners.

Cleaning Quartz Countertops :
1.  Clean routinely with a soft rag and mild detergent. Make sure this detergent is non-bleach and non-abrasive.

2.  Wipe up liquids as soon as possible. Quartz resists stains from fruit juices, tea and coffee for at least a short period of time. The amount of stain resistance may depend on the brand of quartz countertop you own.

3.  Use a glass or surface cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge to clean up dried or heavy stains. You can use sponges that are made for non-stick pans. For deep cleaning, spray a generous amount of the surface cleaner over your counters and leave for 10 minutes. Wipe away with a non-scratch sponge.

4.  Use a degreasing cleanser to clean off grease. Rinse immediately after cleaning.

5.  Remove ink or permanent markers with an oil-based cleaner, like Goo Gone. Rinse with warm water immediately after the stain is removed.

Preventing Quartz Countertop Damage:
1.  Place a trivet or hot pad below hot pans, crock pots and electric skillets. Although quartz can resist temperatures up to 300 °F (149 °C) (150 Celsius), it can be damaged by quick changes in temperature, known as "thermal shock."

2.  Avoid using knives directly on the quartz surface. Quartz countertops are highly scratch resistant, but they are not scratch-proof and can be damaged when forcefully hit with sharp objects. Use a cutting board placed on top of the countertop to avoid damage.

3.  Avoid cleaning with highly acidic or alkaline cleaners, such as nail polish remover, turpentine, oven cleaner, bleach, drain cleaners, dishwasher rinsing agents, trichloroethane or methylene chloride. Clean immediately with a mild detergent and rinse, if they are spilled.

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