Everything You Need to Know About Maintaining Your Kitchen Countertops

Despite their durability, kitchen countertops experience problems from time to time. This guide will help you keep your kitchen work surfaces looking their best. Stains on laminate counters are usually caused by spills or overexposure to heat. Use a laminate repair paste or a color-matched repair pen to remove them.

Granite

Granite is a popular choice for kitchen countertops because it looks natural and is highly durable. It is also resistant to chemicals, including acids and bases. It will also withstand high temperatures so you can set hot pans directly on it. Granite is scratch-resistant and will not chip easily, even if you drop something heavy. However, following your installer’s guidelines on re-sealing is essential because some sealers can wash away over time. It is a beautiful and unique material that can add value to your home if you ever decide to sell it. The varying color options make finding the right match for your décor easy. Additionally, it is a more sustainable option than other types of countertop materials. It requires minimal processing before it ends up in your kitchen, while engineered materials undergo a longer production process and may release toxic chemicals into the air during manufacturing.

Quartz

Choosing countertops is one of the most exciting parts of remodeling your kitchen or building a new home. Quartz is a popular option that combines beauty with durability and ease of maintenance. Unlike granite and marble, quartz is non-porous, so liquids can’t seep into the surface and cause staining. This also means it resists wine, tomato sauce, juice, and coffee stains better than natural stone. Quartz is scratch-resistant and heat-resistant. However, it is not indestructible, so be careful when using crock pots or electric pressure cookers, and use hot pads or trivets to protect your counters. When cleaning quartz counters, you should always use a cleaner specially formulated for stone flooring care. Avoid abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the protective sealant. You should also avoid exposing your countertops to bleach, household chemicals, and trichloroethane or methylene chloride products.

Laminate

Laminate countertops are an inexpensive option that is masterful at imitating its more expensive counterparts. They are easy to maintain and do not require sealing. Using a mild soap and water or a non-abrasive cleaning cloth is all that’s needed to keep your laminate countertops looking brand new. They are also heat resistant, although it’s best to use hot pads or trivets to avoid damage. Homeowners can find various options for their countertops in laminate, including different edge treatments and patterns. Specialty cabinet retailers and local home centers also have a vast selection of design options for stock laminates. Many of these designs have antimicrobial protection baked into them, which helps to reduce the spread of harmful pathogens in food preparation areas. This is a great feature to consider for families with children.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a common countertop material in many commercial kitchens. It is durable, resistant to heat, and does not stain. Unlike granite, stainless steel counters are non-porous. This makes them perfect for families with young kids that want to assist with preparing dinner. You don’t have to worry about oils, beets, acids, or wine staining the counters as long as you consistently clean them. Stainless is also design-neutral and works well with any decor style. The downside to stainless steel is that it does scratch easily and can develop large dents. These dents will dull the surface and may harbor bacteria. Avoid using harsh cleaners on the surface as they can corrode it. Use a soft cloth with warm water daily to wipe down the countertops. Always clean in the direction of the grain to prevent scratches. If you notice a spot or a smudge, mix baking soda and water into a paste and apply them to the area. If you want to try something more intense, metal polish or denatured alcohol will work too.