CARE AND CLEANING

Discussing granite care and cleaning can sometimes be a little confusing. We will focus on granite countertop care and not granite used for other applications such as floors or wall cladding. It is important to recognize that not all granite necessarily needs to be sealed. For example, a tight grained granite may never need sealing because of the natural properties of thatparticular piece of granite. However, we recommend every countertop be sealed with a quality non-toxic sealer. The main reason to seal granite is to protect the stone from staining and water absorption. Many food items such as red wine, cooking oil, grease, mustard, coffee and tea can and will stain granite countertops.

Most stains can be removed depending on the type of stone and depth of penetration. At Premier Countertops, we will apply the sealer to protect your stone counters. This initial sealing will not last forever and you must reapply sealer on a regular basis.

Everyday Cleaning

For everyday cleaning there are a number of products available on the market specifically designed for natural stone, such as Black Diamond. A solution of two (2) parts water to one (1) part Simple Green also works well. The simplest method is to use warm soapy water and wipe the entire counter surface on a daily basis. You do want to avoid common household cleaners that have a bleach or ammonia base. These cleaners can damage your sealer and leave your counters more susceptible to stains.

How often do I apply sealer?

We recommend that you seal your stone countertops anywhere from every six (6) months to once a year. The frequency of sealing is typically based on the type of stone you have selected and the amount of traffic in the kitchen.

What type of stone sealer should I use?

Make sure you purchase a non-toxic sealer. The sealer should say on the bottle that it is safe for food preparation areas. If it doesn’t, investigate further and please give us a call.

Is it possible to over seal my granite?

Yes! It is important to understand that while regular sealing is important, too much sealer can become a problem. Once a week or even once a month sealing can begin to build up in your granite material and begin to make the granite surface appear cloudy and dull. If this build up occurs we do recommend that you contact a stone restoration specialist to come out and clean and reseal your granite professionally.

It’s hard, nonporous surface makes quartz surfacing simple to clean. In most cases, soap and water or a mild detergent is all that is required to maintain its luster. If necessary, a non-abrasive cleanser such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel with Bleach or Comet Soft Cleanser Cream With Bleach can be used along with a non-scratch or delicate scrub pad such as blue Scotch-Brite sponge. Adhered materials like food, gum, nail polish, or dried paint can be scraped away with a plastic putty knife; any marks left by the blade can be removed with Soft Scrub Liquid Gel and a blue Scotch-Brite pad. Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water to remove residue.

While quartz surfacing does not require sealants or waxes to maintain its luster, occasional polishing with Soft Scrub Bleach Gel or Comet Gel will keep the quartz surfacing looking its best.

Please understand that HONED finishes will require more daily maintenance than polished finishes. Since there is more exposed surface area with honed finishes, metal marks, fingerprints and other signs of daily living will show on honed material. Most of these marks can be easily removed with little effort and non-abrasive cleaning products such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel. For tough stains, work the area with a blue Scotch Brite pad.

Quartz surfacing is a virtually care-free surface, but as with any product, excessive abuse can harm its finish. With a small amount of care, your quartz countertop will look as great as the day you bought it for years to come

WARNING:

Drano, Liquid Plumr, oven cleaners and floor strippers will harm quartz surfaces. Do NOT use these or any other harsh chemicals on your surface.

Do NOT use crock pots or electric skillets while in direct contact with your surfaces. Always place them on a trivet or cutting board to protect your countertop. (Review your electric appliance manual as a reference.) Quartz is a stone product. As with any natural stone, certain exposure to heat may cause cracks due to thermal shock.