How to Clean Your Stone Countertops / Maintaining Your Stone Countertops
Most stones are very durable and long-lasting, requiring minimal care to look its best. If you own stone countertops or are planning to install stone countertops in your home, knowing how to maintain that stone can help you take care of your kitchen or bathroom, where ever it is installed. Following these best practices, you can keep your stone looking as attractive as it did the day you bought it. Here’s what you need to know.
Maintenance Challenges
Stone can be damaged in the following ways:
- Stains. Most stones are porous and can absorb liquids. Unsealed stone is easily stained by cooking oils, wine and other products often found in the kitchen.
- Scratches. Soft stone, like marble, is easily scratched or worn down. Soft stone can be damaged by knife marks and scratches from appliances.
- Etching. Acidic liquids like vinegar can etch away sealer and hard surface of the stone. Etched stone absorbs liquid easily, is less shiny and can be easily stained.
- Chips and cracks. Stone can be broken when impacted by heavy objects.
How to Clean
Clean your stone once each day by wiping it down with a damp microfiber cloth. Use mild detergent. Clean up spills when they occur to prevent your stone from absorbing liquid, especially if the liquid is a dark red or brown. Do not use acidic or corrosive cleaning products on your stone.
Maintenance Tips
Although stone is vulnerable to scratches, damage from intense heat and staining liquids, there are many things you can do to protect natural stone from potential damage.
- Never cut directly on stone. Do not use your stone countertops as a cutting surface. Use a wooden cutting board to prepare food.
- Use a hot pad when cooking. Never place a hot pot or pan on your counters. Use a hot pad to protect your stone counters from extreme temperatures.
- Protect your stone counters from gouges and high impact. Use common sense when setting heavy or sharp objects down on your counters, to protect your counters from potential cracks and scratches.
Finally, seal stone as needed. Sealed stone repels water without absorbing it. If water fails to bead up on your stone counters and instead is easily absorbed, then the counter needs to be resealed. Work with a contractor to have your stone properly treated, or use a quality sealing product and apply it yourself. Always check your stone’s warranty before applying sealer, to avoid applying a product that could invalidate the warranty. Not sure what sealer will work with your stone? Contact your stone supplier for advice.
Want a Low Maintenance Product? Try Quartz
Although most types of stone are relatively low maintenance, quartz is even lower maintenance. This engineered stone is scratch resistant and water resistant, and requires no regular applications of sealer. The only regular maintenance required by most quartz is cleaning! With a mild detergent and warm soapy water, you can keep your quartz looking its best for years to come.
Contact Seacoast Today
Want low-maintenance, beautiful stone counters (including granite/marble/quartz soapstone) that look beautiful and last for decades? Contact Seacoast Stone. We sell quality products like natural/engineered/manufactured stone. We’ll also provide you with maintenance instructions, so you’ll feel prepared to take care of your stone counters from the day they’re installed.