While there are ample of countertop options, such as marble, granite, quartz and more, you need to regularly maintain each surface to upkeep its longevity and aesthetic appeal. Moreover, avoid exposing countertops to heat, scratches and stains even though it claims to be toughest.
When choosing a countertop, people often go for the most aesthetic and appealing countertop material. However, they must also consider the design and material to be practical enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
From natural stones like granite, marble and limestone to man-made stone like quartz, there are so many worktop options to choose. You must be aware of the use, care & warranty of Neolith, Compac, Marble, Granite, Silestone and other materials to keep them looking great for years to come.
In this article, we will not go into the full details about the cleaning and maintenance of each material. But we will give you general maintenance tips about natural and engineered countertop stones to sustain their longevity and aesthetics.
How to Maintain Natural Countertops, Like Marble, Granite & Limestone?
Cleaning:
For cleaning, you can use a mixture of mild dishwasher and warm water for routine cleaning. Use a microfiber towel for drying and to sustain the shine of the stone. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners that may etch the stone or strip off the sealer.
Stain Removal:
If there is the presence of stains on marble or granite countertops, use a mixture of water and baking soda for cleaning oil-based stains. On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide is perfect for cleaning water-based stains. You have to apply any one of these pastes (based on the type of stain) on the stain, cover it with a plastic wrap and further tape down its edges. Let the mixture stay on for a few days and rinse it off. You can repeat the process if the stain is not removed completely. Do a spot test before applying the mixture. The spot test will ensure that it won’t affect the natural colour or finish of the worktop.
Sealing:
Natural surfaces are versatile, durable and come with a warranty. But they do require resealing after a year or six months. So, you must reseal them regularly to protect the surface from stains and scratches. It is recommended to reseal granite annually, whereas marble needs sealing after a few months.
How to Maintain Engineered Stone Countertops, such as Quartz?
Cleaning:
Engineered stone is made out of resin-bound quartz material for recreating the look of some of its natural counterparts. It doesn’t require the same level of maintenance and cleaning as the natural stones. However, it must be washed off regularly with mild soap and warm water.
Stain Removal:
Quartz countertops are usually resistant to stains. But if you see any stain on the surface, use non-abrasive sponge and glass cleaner for removing stains.
Sealing: The best thing about the engineered countertops is they don’t require any resealing for staying in pristine condition.
How to maintain sintered stones such as Neolith?
Sintered stones are made with a mix of raw materials, porcelain, glass and quartz. These are part a new type of engineered stone surface in certain aspects such as high resistance to heat, scratches and staining.
Branded sintered porcelain Neolith worktops can be maintained with practically any household cleaning products. We thought to post this short video which explains with vivid images how to clean and maintain your Neolith countertop:
Published by Jesus Alberto Mouzo on June 2, 2019
