Kitchen countertops are available in many types. And cleaning the countertops differs from one type to another. If you want your kitchen countertops to remain in tip-top condition, then consider the following:
1. Don’t Use Harsh Pads to Scrub Quartz
Quartz, also known as engineered stone, is one of the most popular countertop materials due to its many benefits, including diverse options, magnificent appearance, and ease of cleaning and maintenance. In addition, it’s stain resistant and customizable into a variety of sizes and shapes.
Nevertheless, quartz is not resistant to scratching. That means you should steer clear of cleaning it with harsh cleaning aids such as steel wool or Brillo pads. As much as the scratchy surfaces of such pads come in handy when cleaning tough spills and stains, they’re not suitable for materials such as quartz. Using them can cause scratches or even permanent dents.
2. Avoid Acidic Cleaners on Granite and Marble
Another popular countertop material is granite. It’s durable, tough, and has a sleek and sophisticated look.
However, granite is highly porous, which explains why you’ll find granite countertops covered with a seal. As long as you maintain the seal and take good care of it, granite will remain in good condition.
To avoid wearing off or damaging the seal, you should keep off acidic cleaners like lemon, vinegar, and lime; cleaning your granite countertop with these materials will undoubtedly cost you.
Marble is a natural stone, and it hates acid. Remember, marble is calcium carbonate, and when it comes to contact with acid, the reaction is detrimental—it dissolves. Also, acidic cleaners will scratch and etch marble, ruining your kitchen countertop surface.
3. Don’t Store Cleaning Supplies on Your Countertops
Of course, cleanliness in the kitchen is paramount. And while most people will see the kitchen countertop as a convenient place to store their cleaning supplies, we highly recommend you avoid this. Instead, keep all stuff to do with cleaning under the sinks.
Additionally, according to health experts, chemicals contained in the cleaning agents should never come into close contact or mix with food. So it goes without saying that cleaning agents should be kept far away from countertops. It’s not something you can take chances on because can you imagine contaminating your food with some cleaning fluid from a leaky container? You stand the risk of poisoning your entire family!
So to be on the safe side, avoid placing your potentially toxic cleaning supplies on countertops of whatever kind. Instead, keep them as far as possible away from where you prepare your meals.
4. Avoid Ceramic Knives on Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain countertops are scratch proof. However, this doesn’t apply to ceramic knives. These knives can scratch porcelain, damaging your countertop.
I know some retailers claim you can use ceramic knives on all types of countertops. However, don’t listen to people who claim that you can chop and slice vegetables directly on the countertops.
When using ceramic knives, it’s always advisable to use a cutting board. In fact, this should apply to all types of countertops.
Remember, although porcelain is durable, it doesn’t mean such countertops are indestructible. Take caution.
5. Don’t Put Too Much Weight on Marble Countertops
We’re not saying marble isn’t a strong material. It’s just not as strong as granite. Therefore, you should keep away heavy items from marble countertops and avoid excessive impact.
Marble is a relatively fragile stone, and too much weight on it can break or shatter it easily.
Additionally, avoid setting stuff on top of a marble countertop, and refrain from banging anything weighty on the counters. For instance, you shouldn’t flatten meat with a mallet on marble countertops because it will cause more harm than good.
It’s also important to note that you should always use a chopping or cutting board on your kitchen counter boards. Further, avoid using kitchen countertops as a place where you keep hot pans and pots. That way, you’ll maintain your countertops in tip-top condition.
Want to Furnish Your Kitchen with New Countertops?
If you’re considering remodeling your kitchen, look no further. We offer a wide variety of granite, quartz, marble, porcelain, and quartzite countertops. We’ll transform your kitchen and make it the true heart and center of your home by customizing the countertops to fit your lifestyle.
At Bella Casa Countertops, our countertop and stone experts design, plan, and install kitchen countertops at an affordable price.