A beautiful, sparkling clean countertop can be the centerpiece of the modern kitchen. Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep it that way for many years.

Granite Countertops

This stone is harder and less porous than other natural surfaces such as marble, making it more resistant to stains and abrasions. Granite can withstand a certain amount of abuse, but it’s important to clean it carefully and often to keep it shiny and clean. Sealing a granite countertop will make it even more resistant to water, stains, and scratches. Most experts advise re-sealing once a year.

Everyday Cleaning

For daily cleaning, wipe down granite with a nonabrasive sponge or cloth dipped in warm water and mild dishwashing liquid. Dry it with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaking. 

• Wipe the granite in soft circular motions so that you don’t damage the stone. Don’t scrub aggressively to clean granite– cleaning too vigorously can damage the stone by removing the sealant. Run your cloth across the surface in a circular motion until you’ve covered the entire area.
• Use water sparingly when cleaning granite so as not to discolor the countertop.

Stains

• Mix a poultice paste of baking soda and water (for oil-based stains), or baking soda and peroxide (for others), until it’s a thick paste. Spread the mixture over the spot, cover it with plastic wrap with holes in it and secure it with tape. Leave for 24 hours.
• Pull the plastic off and remove the white residue with a wooden or plastic scraper. Rinse the surface with distilled water and polish the stone with a cloth.
• If you want to add shine, apply a little cooking oil to your rag. Then, buff the granite using slow, circular motions. The oil will also help protect your countertop from stains.

Maintenance

Re-sealing your granite countertop once a year will help assure its beauty and longevity.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is one of the most popular materials for countertops and tables. And it’s easy to see why.

• It’s scratch-resistant, antimicrobial, and easy to clean. 
• It is waterproof and doesn’t need to be sealed.
• It is impervious to mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria.

However, it’s not stain-proof or scratch-proof. 

If you have a quartz countertop or are thinking of installing one, keep in mind that while it is fairly easy care, it requires daily cleaning and occasional deep cleansing.

Everyday Cleaning

Wipe down the countertop using a clean soft cloth and a mix of equal parts warm water and dish washing liquid. Dip the cloth in the soapy water and wring out the excess. Wipe the surface using gentle circular strokes. Dry the surface with a clean nonabrasive cloth.

Even if the countertop isn’t soiled, it’s a good idea to wipe it down every day to keep it in good repair.

Stains

For dried spills or heavy stains, use a glass or surface cleaner, and a nonabrasive sponge. Use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape off hardened food or other messes.

To remove oil or grease use a kitchen degreasing product. Follow the degreaser manufacturer’s instructions for use.

A Deeper Clean

Quartz countertops don’t require sealing, but they do require upkeep.

Experts recommend a deeper general cleaning at regular intervals. Spray a generous amount of a nonabrasive surface cleaner over your countertop and let it sit for 10 minutes. Wipe away with a non-abrasive sponge.

Maintenance

Compared to many other countertops, quartz is fairly easy maintenance. Quartz is also quite durable but there are a couple of cautions. Avoid dropping heavy objects on it, which could crack or chip it. Be careful with cast-iron pots and pans.

Marble Countertops

Marble countertops give a sleek and elegant look to any kitchen. Marble is lovely to behold and while engineered materials often imitate it there is nothing like the real thing. 

Since this stone is rather porous and soft, it can be vulnerable to staining, heat and abrasions. This makes regular sealing (a few times a year) rather important to make it as resistant to staining as possible. 

Everyday Cleaning

For daily cleaning, use a soft sponge or dishcloth dipped in warm water and mild dishwashing liquid. Dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaking. 

Red wine and coffee are notorious for staining marble (even if sealed) so clean up spills immediately. Use a paper towel to blot the spill; wiping will spread it. Flush the area with plain water and mild liquid dishwashing detergent and rinse several times. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Stains

For stains on marble countertops, use a paste of baking soda and water (for oil-based stains) or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (for water-based stains). Coffee, tea, wine, fruit, and most other food stains need a fairly strong solution.

• Use a 12 percent hydrogen peroxide solution and a few drops of ammonia and add to a clean soft cloth. Wipe gently over the stain. Rinse with a wet cloth and dry with a chamois.
• Apply the paste to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and tape down the edges. Let sit overnight or longer if it’s a bad stain, and then rinse off the paste. Repeat the process if the stain isn’t completely gone. 
• Do a spot test first to make sure these methods won’t affect the color or finish of the stone.

Maintenance

Be diligent about sealing the marble and wiping up spills immediately. 

• Make sure acidic foods, such as citrus, vinegar, and tomatoes, do not sit on the marble. Acids will quickly etch the stone. 
• Always place coasters under wine glasses and coffee cups to help avoid stains.
• Make sure to re-seal 2 or 3 times per year to reduce stains and scratches

Things to Avoid

No matter what type of material and how durable your particular countertop may be, there are a few things to avoid.

1. Intense heat – never place a hot pot or pan directly on a countertop. Use a placemat or trivet.
2. Never cut anything directly on its surface – always use a cutting board. 
3. Don’t use abrasive scrub pads. Always opt for non-abrasive rags or sponges.
4. Don’t use any acidic cleaner (lemon juice/vinegar) on quartz, granite or marble surfaces because they can etch and dull the surface. 
5. Avoid using bleach on sealed surfaces as bleach can eat through sealants.

You can count on C&W Appliance Service to provide the very best in repair and maintenance to it and all your major appliances. Call us at (855) 358-1496 or submit our online service request form for prompt service.