CLEANING TIPS
There are a lot of countertops made of different materials in any kitchen. Countertop materials are granite, quartz, corian, laminate, and marble just to name a few.
Granite has a rich beauty that few other countertop materials can match. It’s a very hard substance and is not susceptible to scratches. While not ideal to work on because it will dull knife blades, it will take normal wear and tear very well.
Granite resists heat too, so its use near a range or cooktop is ideal. It can be very resistant to stains and won’t absorb liquids when it is properly sealed.
Clorox whether it is Clorox Wipes or the Multi-Purpose cleaning fluid, is not safe to use for cleaning and disinfecting your granite. The wipes are also a cleaner you should stay away from, as they contain citric acid that can cause your sealant to wear down.
Windex Original or Windex without ammonia are the best common cleaning supplies for granite.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. It is not porous like granite, so it’s easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.
Be careful with cooking pans though: quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
Windex, vinegar and Lysol wipes are not a good idea for quartz countertops. Lysol wipes may be acceptable for quick cleaning as long as they are bleach free but use them sparingly.
When wiping down quartz countertops, you can get them looking sparkly clean with simple everyday products such as dish soap, anti-bacterial soap or hand soap.
Corian is high-tech material on the basis of acrylic resin, aluminium hydroxide and coloring agents. It is one of the most pure and sanitary materials.
Corian is not resistible to knife-edge and heat. Do not place hot pots, pans, etc. directly on the Corian countertop.
For most residues, all you need to clean your Corian countertops is warm soapy water and ammonia-based household cleaner (Windex).
Do avoid window cleaners, as they can leave a waxy build-up that dulls the surface.
Laminate is a composite material, comprised of layers of paper and resin pressed together while they are cooked. To preserve the look and finish of your laminate countertops, hot objects should never be placed directly on the surface. Put down placemats and trivets to protect laminate from heat.
To clean laminate countertops on a daily basis, all you need is dishwashing liquid, warm water and a microfiber cloth. Apply a mixture of dish soap and water to your counters using the cloth. As you wipe the counter, rinse your cloth in clean water.
You may also use Windex Original or Windex without ammonia for laminate countertop cleaning.
Never use bleach, powdered cleaners, scouring pads, steel wool or scrub brushes.
Marble is porous - allowing oils and stains to seep into the stone - and softer than granite or quartz, allowing scratches and chips.
You can usually put hot pans on marble without severe damage, however it can discolor.
To keep marble countertops from staining do not let vinegar, citrus, and tomato sit on the stone since they will etch marble. For stubborn stains use a poultice paste.
Bleach, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, Windex, and vinegar are too harsh (acidic or caustic) for use on marble and will definitely damage the marble countertops. You don’t need specialty cleaners for marble. Mild soap and hot water will do just fine.
