How to Take Care and Maintain Your Granite (Polished) Countertop

Granite countertops are a popular choice for their durability and natural beauty. With proper care and maintenance, your granite surfaces will stay looking beautiful and last for many years. Here is a detailed guide on how to take care of your granite countertops on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.

Daily Care

• Wipe Spills Immediately: It’s best to clean spills as soon as they occur to avoid potential staining, especially from acidic or oily substances.
  • How: Use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot the spill, then wipe with a damp cloth.
• General Cleaning: Keep your countertops clean by wiping them down every day.
  • How: Use a mild dish soap mixed with warm water and a soft cloth or sponge. Wipe the surface gently and dry with a soft cloth.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Refrain from using acidic or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the granite and dull its finish.
  • How: Stick to pH-neutral or stone-specific cleaners.

Weekly Care

• Deeper Cleaning: Once a week, give your granite countertops a more thorough cleaning.
  • How: Use a granite cleaner or a mix of mild dish soap and warm water. Spray the cleaner on the surface, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a soft cloth and dry.
• Inspect for Stains or Damage: Check your countertops for any signs of stains, scratches, or damage.
  • How: Look closely at the surface under good lighting. If you find any stains, follow the appropriate stain removal process.

Yearly Care

• Sealing the Granite: Granite countertops should be sealed every 6 to 12 months to maintain their resistance to stains and damage.
  • How: Perform a water test by placing a few drops of water on the surface. If the water is absorbed and leaves a dark mark, it’s time to reseal. Apply a high-quality granite sealer following the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, you’ll need to apply the sealer evenly with a soft cloth, let it sit for the recommended time, then buff off any excess with a clean, dry cloth. (Check out our “How to Seal Your Natural Countertops” Tab)
• Professional Inspection and Maintenance: Consider having a professional inspect and maintain your granite countertops once a year.
  • How: Schedule a professional service to thoroughly inspect the countertops, address any issues, and perform any necessary maintenance, such as resealing or repairing chips and scratches.

Additional Tips

• Use Cutting Boards and Trivets: Always use cutting boards for food preparation and trivets or hot pads for placing hot pots and pans to prevent scratching and thermal shock.
• Avoid Standing on Countertops: Never stand or sit on your granite countertops, as this can cause cracks and damage.
• Coasters and Placemats: Use coasters under glasses and placemats under dishes to protect the surface from spills, scratches, and heat.

By following these daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance tips, you can keep your granite countertops looking their best for years to come. If you have any specific concerns or need further advice, please feel free to contact us.

Happy maintaining!

How to Take Care and Maintain Your Granite (Honed) Countertop

Daily:

Daily cleaning of your honed granite countertop is similar to care needs for other natural stone. Wipe down the surface with a damp cloth, and then dry it well with a new towel in order to help prevent water spots from forming. To get a deeper clean for your counter, you can use a gentle dishwashing detergent soap and warm water or apply non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaning products that are safe to use on granite. Rinse the countertop with clear water, and wipe the stone dry using a soft cloth so that the surface does not get scratched. Some stone cleaners contain a bit of sealant, so you just spray the product, seal as you clean, and wipe the surface dry with a cloth or paper towel.

Special Care Considerations:

Never use any cleaners that include ammonia, as this chemical might ruin the protective sealer on the stone. Some of these popular cleaning brands include Windex, Fantastik, and 404. Also, acid-containing cleaners like tile, tub, or grout cleaners should also be avoided. Remember that with any natural stone, the porous surface is prone to absorbing water and stains, so it is imperative to carefully blot up any spills or splashes as quickly as possible. Wiping liquid on the countertop will actually spread it more. This is even truer for honed granite because the smooth surface is more susceptible to liquids than polished granite.

Even if it is sealed, a honed granite counter may still discolor or stain from food and drink spills. It will even etch from anything acidic that contains lemon juice or vinegar. A honed finish does require more maintenance to help keep it protected, and that means resealing it every few months. It is important to note that some honed granite in darker colors, such as Absolute Black, may also show more fingerprints or oil stains. While cleaning and sealing often can help, it will not completely rid the counter of these markings. Instead, if you choose a dark color like this one, you should be confident about the lived-in characteristics it will develop over time.

How To Seal:

The best thing you can do to keep your honed granite in tip-top shape is to learn proper sealing techniques. Remember that granite varies in its porosity. Typically, lighter colors, like white granite, are more porous than darker ones and will need to be sealed more often. The two main types of sealers are topical sealers and impregnators. Since there are different products available that vary in how they are applied and how long they will last, you should always read the manufacturer’s instructions and safety warnings before applying the sealant. Before getting started, make sure to have proper air circulation by opening up windows and masking off any areas around the countertop that should not be sealed. For sealers that penetrate the surface, use a brush or roller to apply an even coat. Let the layer of impregnator soak in for approximately 15 to 30 minutes.

Depending on the color of your honed granite, it may require a second coat if it is even more porous. If the granite absorbs the sealer, then apply another coat. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe up any excess, and let it sit for 24 to 72 hours, per the instructions. Note that this type of sealant is especially suited for bathroom vanities and food prep areas in the kitchen. A water-based sealer that binds to the pores of the stone is another option. Instead of penetrating the surface, it creates a protective layer over the honed granite counters.

This topical sealer is available in a spray bottle, so all you have to do is spray down the countertops, and let the product soak in for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. If it does penetrate the surface, then you should apply a second coat. With this application, you will also wipe up the excess sealer using a clean, dry cloth, and let it sit for 24 hours only. Granite is a very hard, very hygienic natural stone, which is a perfect surface for food prep in the kitchen, and its strength will not vary because of its honed finish. But, even though the durable surface is expected to last for years, certain care and maintenance is required. Follow these tips on how to clean your honed granite countertops, and you can expect them to look like new for a long time!

Stains:

Harder to remove stains is also a scenario that we cannot avoid. The same goes for fingerprints and oil stains. We have a better way to deal with this than the usual stronger cleaners that may only do more damage than good.

1. Create a thick paste by slowly pouring in warm water to half a cup of baking soda. Mix and work on a
   consistency that is not too runny nor thick.
2. Apply the paste on to the tough stain and cover it with cling or plastic film. Keep the film in place with
   adhesive tape and keep it on overnight.
3. Take off the plastic wrap the next day. The past should have hardened on the surface, so carefully scrape it
   off with a silicone or plastic putty knife.
4. Rinse the remaining paste with warm water. You can wipe it off with a soft kitchen towel afterward.

Thank you for choosing Quick Countertop & Cabinets.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at 301-321-8628.

How to Take Care and Maintain Your Quartz Countertop

Maintaining Quartz is easy. But Please keep in mind Quartz Is Stain-Resistant, Not Stain-Proof.

Simply wash with a soft cotton cloth and warm water, and mild soap if desired.

Do not expose, in use or otherwise, Quartz to abrasive, strong alkaline, acid, free radicals, oxidizers or cleaners of the like (whether high, neutral, or low pH). Various chemicals are corrosive and/or erosive in their ability to attack any surface, including Quartz. Be very aware of these potential damages to its surface. Quartz is not heat proof, chemical proof, or fracture proof in any form. Be aware of damaging exposure to these
potentially damaging acts.

Do not use or expose quartz to certain cleaning products, including, but not limited to, bleach, oven cleaners, Comet®, Soft Scrub®, S.O.S.® pads, products with pumice, batteries, paint removers, furniture strippers, tarnish or silver cleaners, or the like. Do not use abrasive or harsh scrub pads. Do not apply any sealers, penetrants or topical treatments to quartz under any circumstances. Such products will wear off and cause the gloss to appear dull or inconsistent.

1. Variation in natural quartz stone color, pattern, size, shape, and shade are unique and inherent characteristics of this product.
2.  Color blotches are intentionally included in many designs to enhance the Product’s natural beauty. Samples are small select cuts from a larger slab and may not fully exhibit all the design characteristics of the final installed product. These variations do not affect performance and do not qualify for product replacement.
3. Quartz is durable and resistant to surface damage. However, all stone can be damaged by force and no stone is chip proof. Objects hitting edges, particularly at sinks or dishwashers, may cause chips. Though a minor knife slip will dull the knife and not harm quartz, no stone surface is scratch proof. Surface markings are more visible on monotone designs than multi-colored design surfaces.
4.  Quartz is not a seamless product; seams are visible. Where there are seams changes in the product pattern and shade will be visible.
5. Natural stone surfaces can be damaged by sudden and/or rapid change of temperature, especially near the edges, as well as direct and/or sustained heating of the top. Quartz may not withstand the direct transfer of heat from pots and pans and other cooking units such as electric frying pans and griddles, slow cookers, roaster ovens, and heat lamps. Therefore, the use of a closed-weave hot pad or solid trivet, like a bread board, is always recommended to prevent heating the product.
6. Quartz is not a structural support material and must be supported in every application. 2cm and 3cm thicknesses are for countertops and other horizontal surfaces; 1cm thickness is for vertical surface finishes such as walls, tub and shower surrounds.
7. Quartz Matte finish will show surface markings caused during normal use, which are easily removed with an all-purpose cleaner such as concentrated Simple Green® cleaner. Semi-polished and Matte finishes do not shine, and may soil and/or appear to stain from soiling, especially when used in heavy traffic areas such as flooring.
8. Installation of Quartz requires walls and cabinets to be properly prepared for installation, which includes, but is not limited to, structurally sound, straight, level and square walls and cabinets. Lack of proper preparation may cause poor installation and poor seam fit or inconsistent countertop overhang and placement.

Thank you for choosing Quick Countertop & Cabinets.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at 301-321-8628.

How to Take Care and Maintain Your White Quartz Countertop

We understand that maintaining the pristine appearance of your white quartz countertop is essential to you, and we’d like to provide some guidance on proper care and cleaning.

White countertops, including white quartz, can be truly stunning. But even a white quartz countertop is vulnerable to staining from products such red wine, tea, coffee, tomato sauce, and more, if not addressed promptly. The unique aspect of quartz is that it doesn’t absorb these liquids, but staining can
occur when they react with the resin in the quartz, leading to discoloration that can be challenging to remove.

Preventative Measures:

• The first line of defense against stains is to clean up spills promptly. This ensures that the staining liquid doesn’t have time to react with the quartz’s resin.
• To further protect your countertop, consider using items like trays, trivets, and cutting boards to prevent direct contact with potentially staining substances. 

Proper Cleaning:

• Staining can also result from improper cleaning. Its important to note that some cleaning agents intended to eliminate bacteria and make your kitchen sparkle can have an adverse effect on the appearance of your countertop.
• Avoid using chemical-containing solvents such as paint thinners, detergents, or oil soaps. These substances may compromise the pristine look of your white quartz countertop.
• Steer clear of cleansers containing bleach as well, as they can affect the color and finish of your countertop. 

Recommended Cleaning Methods:

• The best way to clean your quartz countertop is by using a gentle soap, like dishwashing liquid, and warm water. A soft cloth or sponge is ideal for this purpose.
• For tougher, stuck-on messes, you can rely on non-abrasive cleaners like Barkeeper’s Friend to maintain the quartz’s integrity while effectively removing stains.

By following these guidelines, you can preserve the immaculate appearance of your white quartz
countertop and ensure it remains a spectacular focal point in your kitchen. If you ever have questions or
need further advice on countertop care, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to assist
you.

Thank you for choosing us for your countertop needs. Your satisfaction is our top priority.

How to Take Care and Maintain Your Marble Countertop

Marble countertops add a touch of elegance and luxury to any kitchen or bathroom. To keep your marble surfaces looking pristine and to extend their lifespan, proper care and maintenance are crucial. Follow these guidelines to preserve the beauty and functionality of your marble countertops.

Daily Care and Cleaning

• Wipe Spills Immediately: Marble is highly porous and can stain easily. Wipe up spills as soon as they occur using a soft cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing the spill into the countertop.
• Use Gentle Cleaners: Clean your marble countertops daily with a pH-neutral cleaner or a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the surface. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners as they can etch the marble.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or any acidic or abrasive cleaners on marble surfaces. These substances can damage the stone and dull its finish.
• Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, always dry the countertop with a soft, dry cloth to prevent water spots and mineral deposits.

Regular Maintenance

• Sealing: Marble is highly porous and should be sealed regularly to help protect it from stains and etching. Depending on the type of marble and the amount of use, sealing should be done every 3 to 6 months.
  • Perform a Water Test: To check if your marble needs resealing, place a few drops of water on the surface. If the water is absorbed and leaves a dark mark, it’s time to reseal.
  • Sealant Application: Follow the instructions on the marble sealer product. Generally, apply the sealer evenly with a soft cloth, let it sit for the recommended time, then buff it off with a clean, dry cloth. (Check out our “How to Seal Your Natural Countertops” Tab)

Protecting Your Marble Countertop

• Use Cutting Boards and Trivets: Always use cutting boards for food preparation to avoid scratching the surface. Use trivets or hot pads for placing hot pots and pans to prevent thermal shock and potential cracking.
• Avoid Heavy Items: Do not place heavy items directly on the marble surface as it can cause cracks or damage.
• Coasters and Placemats: Use coasters under glasses and placemats under dishes to protect the marble from spills, stains, and scratches.
• Avoid Acidic Foods: Be cautious with acidic foods such as lemon juice, vinegar, and tomatoes. These can etch the marble surface if left in contact for too long.

By following these care and maintenance tips, you can keep your marble countertops looking beautiful and elegant for years to come. Regular cleaning, prompt attention to spills and stains, and proper protection measures will ensure your marble surfaces remain in top condition. If you have any specific concerns or need further advice, please feel free to contact us.

Happy maintaining!

How to Take Care and Maintain Your Quartzite Countertop

Quartzite countertops are a beautiful and durable addition to any kitchen or bathroom. With proper care and maintenance, you can preserve their natural beauty and ensure they last for many years. Follow these guidelines to keep your quartzite countertops in pristine condition.

Daily Care and Cleaning

• Wipe Spills Immediately: Although quartzite is more resistant to staining than other natural stones, it is still important to clean spills promptly. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot spills rather than rubbing them into the surface.
• Use Gentle Cleaners: Clean your quartzite countertops daily with a mild dish soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the surface. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the stone.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or any acidic or abrasive cleaners on quartzite surfaces. These substances can etch the stone and dull its finish.
• Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, always dry the countertop with a soft, dry cloth to prevent water spots and mineral deposits.

Regular Maintenance

• Sealing: Quartzite is less porous than marble, but it can still benefit from periodic sealing to protect against stains and etching. Depending on the type of quartzite and the amount of use, sealing should be done every 6 to 12 months.
  • Perform a Water Test: To check if your quartzite needs resealing, place a few drops of water on the surface. If the water is absorbed and leaves a dark mark, it’s time to reseal.
  • Sealant Application: Follow the instructions on the quartzite sealer product. Generally, apply the sealer evenly with a soft cloth, let it sit for the recommended time, then buff it off with a clean, dry cloth. (Check out our “How to Seal Your Natural Countertops” Tab)

Protecting Your Quartzite Countertop

• Use Cutting Boards and Trivets: Always use cutting boards for food preparation to avoid scratching the surface. Use trivets or hot pads for placing hot pots and pans to prevent thermal shock and potential cracking.
• Avoid Heavy Items: Do not place heavy items directly on the quartzite surface as it can cause cracks or damage.
• Coasters and Placemats: Use coasters under glasses and placemats under dishes to protect the quartzite from spills, stains, and scratches.
• Avoid Acidic Foods: Be cautious with acidic foods such as lemon juice, vinegar, and tomatoes. These can etch the quartzite surface if left in contact for too long.

By following these care and maintenance tips, you can keep your quartzite countertops looking beautiful and elegant for years to come. Regular cleaning, prompt attention to spills and stains, and proper protection measures will ensure your quartzite surfaces remain in top condition. If you have any specific concerns or need further advice, please feel free to contact us.

Happy maintaining!

How to Seal Your Natural Countertops

Natural Stone countertops are a stunning and durable choice for kitchens and bathrooms, but
to keep them looking their best, it’s essential to seal them properly. Sealing helps protect the
granite from stains, spills, and everyday wear and tear. One of the best products on the market
for this task is the 511 Impregnator Sealer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to
seal your granite countertop effectively.

Why Seal Your Natural Stone Countertop?

Natural stone is a porous surface. If left unsealed, liquids can seep into these pores, potentially
causing stains and damage. Sealing creates a protective barrier, preserving the countertop’s
beauty and extending its lifespan.

By following the instructions on the 511 Impregnator Sealer’s label, you can ensure that
your countertops are well-protected and maintain their stunning appearance for years to
come. Regular maintenance and resealing will keep your countertops looking beautiful
and resistant to everyday wear and tear.

Maintenance Tips

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your countertops regularly with a pH-balanced
  cleaner to maintain their luster.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can
  damage the sealer and the countertop.
• Re-Sealing: Granite countertops should be sealed every 6 to 12 months. To
  check if your countertop needs to be sealed, perform the 30-minute water
  test. Place a few drops of water on the surface and wait for 30 minutes. If
  the water is absorbed and leaves a dark mark, it’s time to re-seal.