In the last two years, several of the AnswerLine staff members have remodeled their kitchens and bathrooms. During the remodeling process, a big topic is always what sort of countertops are the best for my situation and what kind of maintenance will the countertops require. I have done a bit of research on several of the existing options.
Granite counters are very popular right now. They do not require a lot of maintenance but it is a good idea to wash the counters regularly with a soapy cloth to prevent stains. Blotting spills with paper towels eliminates the possibility that you will spread a stain while swiping it with a cloth. Acidic cleaners like lemon juice, ammonia, and window cleaner may damage granite counters. Instead, you can make your own cleaner with three parts of dish detergent and one part rubbing alcohol.
Granite countertops need to be sealed several times a year. Test yours to see if the previous seal has worn away. Place a few drops of water on the countertop and check for beading. If the water beads up, the counter does not need to be resealed. If it does not bead up, then seal the counter with a granite stone sealer. Follow the directions on the package. If you are sealing kitchen countertops, be sure that the sealing compound is non-toxic. Apply sealer to clean countertops and allow it to rest for a half hour or so. Sealing the countertop will not eliminate the chance of staining but it will help the granite be more resistant to staining.
Kitchen countertops are not just functional elements but also contribute greatly to the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen. Choosing the right material and design can elevate the entire look of the kitchen. Besides granite, there are many other options such as quartz, marble, and even custom butcher blocks that can give your kitchen a unique and personalized touch. When selecting a countertop material, it is important to consider factors like durability, maintenance, and budget. Whether you opt for granite or custom butcher blocks, taking care of your kitchen countertops is essential to ensure their longevity and beauty.
Quartz countertops are also very popular right now. I chose them for my kitchen because they do not require sealing. Quartz is actually a manufactured product, made of quartz stone and a synthetic polymer. They are very easy to care for and do not require polishing. I clean my countertops with a warm, wet dishcloth. Clean spills and sticky foods as soon as the spill occurs to avoid stains. Glass and surface cleaners will not damage quartz surfaces. However, avoid bleach and harsh, acidic cleaners on quartz as well as granite surfaces. In addition, hot pans set directly on the quartz countertops can cause damage.
Marble countertops are not quite as popular as granite and quartz. Marble is a porous surface even though it is very durable. Remember to use only mild dish soap and warm water to clean marble. Test your marble counter top every couple of months to see if the marble needs to be resealed. Test marble in the same manner you test granite. If needed, apply the sealer over clean countertops and let it sit on the countertop for about 30 minutes.
Soapstone is another choice for stone countertops. This stone is very durable and hard to scratch or etch. Soapstone is a non-porous surface that is hard to stain and is tolerant of hot pans. Remember that soapstone can be damaged by dropping heavy objects on it. Soapstone is more likely to dent than scratch or chip. Soapstone does not need to be sealed, but like a butcher block counter, it does need to regular oiling. Oil the counter by spreading some mineral oil on the surface. Use a towel to rub the oil into the stone. Leave for 30 minutes and the remove excess oil. Not oiling the surface will result in dark spots showing on the surface of the stone—over time. Again, harsh or acidic cleaners are not recommended.
We are lucky to have so many different choices for countertops these days. Stone countertops do not require much more care than my old Formica countertops and I do enjoy the look of stone.
There is good information on considerations for countertops in this link.
Lords of good pointer here! Keep posting useful like this!!
Thank you for letting me know. In fact, I also thought for a long time about which countertop I should choose and could not stop my choice on anything. Now I have opted for a quartz countertop and it is thanks to your article that I was able to figure out what would suit me the most. Thanks for the informative article.
Great tip with the mildly hot water and dish soap for marble benchtops.
Marble is one of our most requested materials when we do kitchen renovations.
Stone countertops exude elegance, but they do require proper care to maintain their beauty. I’ve found that using pH-balanced cleaners and avoiding harsh chemicals is essential to prevent any damage. The tip about using cutting boards to protect the stone from scratches is spot-on – I learned this the hard way. It’s reassuring to see a comprehensive guide on stone countertop care, as it ensures our investment remains stunning for years to come.