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n elevating the appearance and functionality of your kitchen, granite and quartz countertops demand more than just admiration—they require thoughtful care to preserve their enduring beauty. From resisting stains to maintaining a lustrous sheen, understanding and implementing proper care for these surfaces is essential. In the realm where style meets practicality, the significance of nurturing your granite and quartz countertops goes beyond aesthetics, ensuring a lasting investment that stands resilient against the tests of time and daily use.
Taking Care of Your Granite
Granite countertops stand as timeless testaments to both elegance and resilience. Crafted from natural stone, each slab possesses a unique pattern, adding a touch of nature’s artistry to your kitchen or bathroom. With proper care and occasional sealing, these majestic surfaces become enduring focal points that gracefully endure years of purpose in your home.
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Daily Cleaning:
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Wipe down the countertops regularly with a soft, damp cloth or sponge using mild soap and warm water. Soap film and hard water deposits can build up on the surface and can affect the polish, so we recommend using a natural stone polisher once a week to break the buildup and maintain the polish surface.
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Avoid abrasive sponges or scouring pads, as they can scratch the surface.
- Dust your countertops frequently.
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Spill Cleanup:
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Address spills promptly to prevent staining.
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Blot liquids immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone with a paper towel.
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Avoid letting acidic substances like lemon juice, vinegar, or wine sit on the surface for an extended period. Use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
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Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
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Steer clear of acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the sealant and the surface of the granite.
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Do not use products containing ammonia, bleach, or citrus, as they can dull the finish over time.
- The fabricator recommends STONE SAVIOR for cleaner and polisher, which contains sealer to extend the function of your sealer; any over-the-counter cleaner for a natural stone will work.
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Sealing:
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Granite countertops should be sealed to protect against stains and spills.
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Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific granite type, but generally, resealing is recommended every 1 to 3 years.
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Perform a simple water test: Pour a small amount of water on the surface; if it beads up, the seal is intact.
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Heat Protection:
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While granite is resistant to heat, it’s advisable to use trivets or hot pads under cookware to avoid thermal shock.
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Avoid placing hot pots or pans directly on the surface for extended periods.
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Prevent Scratches:
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Use cutting boards when chopping or slicing to prevent scratches.
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Avoid sliding heavy or sharp objects across the countertop.
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Stain Maintenance:
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Use stain paste remover if you sustain a stain on your stone surface. The fabricator recommends MANGA MACCHIA, which can be purchased online. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully as to not damage the surface if used incorrectly.
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By following these care guidelines, you can enjoy the enduring beauty of your granite countertops for years to come.
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Quartz Care Essentials
Composed of engineered quartz crystals, these countertop surfaces offer a stunning array of colors and patterns, mimicking the allure of natural stone. Renowned for their non-porous nature, quartz countertops resist stains and require minimal maintenance. With a durable composition that can take the daily wear and tear, these countertops embody a perfect harmony of practicality and elegant appearance, and provide a lasting centerpiece for your kitchen or bathroom.
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Daily Cleaning:
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Wipe down the countertops daily with a soft, damp cloth or a mixture of mild dish soap and water.
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For tougher stains, use a non-abrasive, pH-balanced cleaner.
- Avoid alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for stone.
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Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
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Steer clear of harsh chemicals, such as bleach, abrasive cleaners, bathroom cleaners, ammonia, and those with high pH levels.
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Never use products containing acids, as they can damage the resin in the quartz.
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Stain Prevention:
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Promptly clean up spills, especially from acidic substances like citrus, wine, or vinegar.
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For tough stains, create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and gently scrub.
- Keep cans or containers of paint thinners, acetone, nail polish remover and goof off away from the surface of your countertops.
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Heat Protection:
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While quartz is generally heat-resistant, it is not heat proof. Use trivets or hot pads under hot cookware to prevent thermal shock.
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Avoid placing hot pans or pots directly on the surface for prolonged periods.
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Avoid Abrasive Tools:
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Do not use abrasive pads, scouring pads, or steel wool, as they can scratch the surface.
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Use cutting boards to prevent damage from knives.
- Use placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that may scratch your stone surface.
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Sealing Not Required:
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Unlike natural stones, quartz is engineered and generally does not require sealing.
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The resin used in the manufacturing process makes quartz highly resistant to stains.
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Professional Cleaning:
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Consider periodic professional cleaning to ensure a thorough and deep clean of the entire surface.
- If truly necessary, such as with cases of removing glue or dry paint from the surface, gently scrape it off with a plastic putty knife or razor. Use pH neutral cleaner or soap and water to finish cleaning the surface thereafter.
- On extremely tough stains, damp a cloth with goof off or acetone (DO NOT POUR SOLUTION DIRECTLY ON STONE OR LEAVE A CAN OR CONTAINER SITTING ON TOP OF THE STONE DURING THIS PROCESS.) Rub the cloth on the stain and only where the stain is. Immediately clean the area with soap and water.
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By adhering to these care tips, you can preserve the beauty and longevity of your quartz countertops, ensuring they remain a stunning and functional centerpiece in your kitchen.
