Dealing with countertops may not be the easiest for some materials. However, there is no countertop you cannot handle with the right methods. In this blog we will see the ways to maintain each type of countertops. 

Granite and Marble Countertops

Granite and marble countertops need high maintenance. They require regular sealing depending on the material and the color. Light colored materials may need sealing more often than the dark colored ones.

How to understand if my countertop needs sealing?

First, pour few drops of water on your countertops and leave it for 10-15 minutes. After waiting for 10-15 minutes, wipe the water away with a dry cloth.  If there is a little darkening on the area, your countertop needs sealing. If not, it means it is already sealed.

How to seal my countertops?

Very first step is to clean your countertops. You can use soap or dishwasher detergent and soft cloth for cleaning. Once it is clean, apply a sealer. (Sealing test is recommended before the actual sealing.)

For the sealing test, apply sealer in a small area and let it stay for 15-20 minutes then wipe it.  If the sealed spot seems fine, you can begin the actual sealing process.

After applying sealer to all your countertops, let it stay 2-48 hours depending on the material’s condition. Do not use your countertops for 48 hours and open the windows for ventilation. When you wait 2-48 minutes, cleanse the sealer with water and cloth and let your countertops shine.

Some products for a better sealing:

• Stone Care International (Impregnator)
• 511 Pro (Impregnator)
• Laticrete Stonetech 

Note1: Please make sure it says “impregnator” on the bottles. 

Note2: If you have a dark stain on your countertops, you may want to use enhancer. Enhancer will darken your countertops and provide color match in this way. 

Also:

• Try not to drop heavy objects on it to prevent cracking.
• Try not to use strong chemicals, repeated usage may eat away the surface.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz does not require high maintenance. Soft cloth or sponge, soap and warm water will be enough to keep your countertop clean. If there is a strong stain, you can use thinner or Pledge to get rid of it.

Also:

• Try not to cut on it, cutting may cause chips on the surface.
• Try not to place hot pot on it, remember quartz is not heat-resistant. 
• Try not to use strong chemicals, repeated usage may eat away the surface.

You can use gentle chemicals to clean the surface. However, be sure you wipe it right away.

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite is a highly durable material which does not need a special care. You can maintain it with only water and soft cloth. Quartzite countertops do not require sealing; however, it may be needed for some quartzite materials. 

Note: You can use any product but try to avoid extreme usage to keep the material healthy.

Porcelain and Dekton Countertops

Both porcelain and dekton countertops do not require high maintenance. They are durable and do not need sealing. If you want them to stay safe:

• Try not to cut on it, cutting may cause chips on the surface.
• Try not to drop heavy objects on it to prevent cracking.

Note: Just like quartzite, you can use any product on them but try to avoid extreme usage to keep the material healthy.

For more detailed information, you can always contact countertop stores in your area.

If you are in Houston, you are welcome to BW Granite.