A granite or quartz countertop enhances your kitchen or bathroom space with an elegant touch and a high-performance, luxurious finish. To keep your countertop in excellent condition, it’s important to know the proper care techniques and what to avoid for the material’s benefit. By following these simple steps, your quartz or granite countertop can remain in flawless shape for decades to come.
Granite is a porous natural stone that comes in several choices of finish. While it is naturally-strong and durable, granite is vulnerable to acidic and abrasive materials as well as stains and scratches. When washing or cleaning your granite kitchen countertop, make sure to be using a pH-neutral or granite-specific cleaning product. Try not to leave any spills or messes sitting on granite, and use blotting techniques to ensure complete dryness. Using trivets and coasters is essential for granite countertops and you should always avoid placing hot objects directly on the surface.
As an owner of a granite countertop, you’ll also need to seal the stone 1-2 times a year in order to maintain its finish. From strippable sealants to penetrating sealants and stone enhancers, there are several types of granite countertop sealers designed to offer added protection and shine. It’s important to note that granite sealants do not make your countertops impervious to damage. Instead, they offer additional protection from stains while restoring optimal color and shine.
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Quartz countertops are made of non-porous, high-performance materials that require very little maintenance. This makes them a highly-popular choice in kitchen and bathroom spaces with frequent traffic as well as in luxury environments thanks to their beauty and customization options.
Quartz does not require sealing or polishing. To maintain its finish and prevent staining, use coasters and remove spills and messes on quartz countertops as they occur. Clean quartz with warm water or mild dish soap using a soft towel or dishcloth. You should never use scrub sponges, metallic pads or other rough materials on quartz countertops, which may result in dulling the finish. If you’re up against a tough or hardened mess, use plastic utensils when scraping.
Do not use abrasive cleaning products such as bleach, hydrofluoric acid, or anything with acid on quartz countertops. And while quartz is typically considered burn-resistant, you should still use trivets or pads and avoid leaving hot objects directly on the surface. Be careful of sudden temperature changes around edges, which can result in cracking. It is also best to avoid using household cleaning products on quartz, as it may cause discoloration.
Use our new kitchen visualizer tool to find the right style and colour for your granite kitchen countertop.
To learn more about how to extend the longevity of your granite or quartz kitchen countertop in Montreal, contact our team of experts.
