Countertops, whether inside of the kitchen or bathroom, are not only great for functional purposes, but they also add a beautiful design element. To help your kitchen countertops stay beautiful, it is important to keep up on a regular care and maintenance routine. That being said, countertops and their characteristics can differ, so it is important to understand your countertop’s needs. Today, we are going to take a look at ICC Home’s countertop selection, and let you know how to care for them properly. Let’s get started!
Ceramic Tile
Fortunately, ceramic tile is a low-maintenance countertop solution. On a daily basis, you will want to take a sponge or a soft washcloth and wipe down your countertops and backsplash. With a manufacturer-recommended cleaner, you will want to clean the tile and grout.
When deep cleaning, you will want to consult with your manufacturer to guarantee you are using approved products. After using an approved cleaner (i.e., one to remove soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew stains), you will want to wipe down and rinse off any leftover product thoroughly.
Things to Remember:
- You will want to clean spills right away, so your tile and its grout do not become stained.
- Never use abrasive cleaners or steel wool since they can scratch the surface.
- Always use a cutting board.
- Do not sit or stand on your ceramic tile countertops.
- You can use a soft brush when deep cleaning your countertops.
Laminate
With the way that it is made, the color and/or patterns you see on your laminate countertops are not consistent through the entire product, which means scratching can occur. Homeowners will want to avoid any scratches on their laminate counters because the scratches cannot be repaired. Additionally, laminate is a non-porous material; however, its seams are not non-porous. It is important to clean the seams to eliminate bacteria growth. To clean your laminate countertops, simply take soap and water with a clean sponge or washcloth. Afterward, be sure to completely dry the seams as well as your counters.
Things to Remember:
- Never use abrasive cleaners on your laminate countertops.
- Normal wear and tear are normal on laminate counters; however, heat will cause damage. Always use a trivet with hot pans.
- Avoid acidic or vinegar cleaners.
- Always use a cutting board.
Slab Stone
To clean your slab stone countertops, we recommend going with a manufacturer-approved cleaner, specifically made for their stone countertops. If you are unable to get the approved cleaner, you can use a neutral pH dish soap or pure, dye-free soap for daily cleaning. When cleaning, be sure to rinse the countertops thoroughly and buff them dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Things to Remember:
- Each natural stone is a different level of porous; therefore, it may be wise to seal your countertops annually.
- Sealing also helps slow down the staining process.
- Too much cleaner or soap on your countertops can leave a film or even streaks.
- Never use products that contain vinegar, abrasives, or any ammonia-based cleaners.
- Do not use retail grout cleaners or bathroom cleaners on your stone countertops.
- Avoid acidic foods on your countertops since they can change the color of your stone countertops. Avoid oil-based products since they can stain your countertops.
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops are loved for their low-maintenance properties, as well as their ability to be resurfaced. For everyday cleaning, simply take soap and water or an ammonia-based cleaner. For deep cleaning, you can use a damp washcloth with a household detergent. To remove more stubborn stains, you can use fine sandpaper to resurface your countertops. Just be sure to reference your manufacturer’s guide for the correct sanding process.
Things to Remember:
- Always use a cutting board.
- Be sure to use a trivet for hot pots and pans.
- Never use nail polish remover, oven cleaner, drain cleaners, lacquer thinner or paint removers on your countertops since they will stain or discolor the surface.
Quartz
Quartz is one of the most beautiful countertop solutions and is practically maintenance-free. Fortunately, there is no sealing, buffing, polishing, or reconditioning required with quartz. For daily cleaning, all you need is soap and water.
Things to Remember:
- Quartz countertops are non-porous; therefore, they do not need to be sealed in order to prevent staining.
- Quartz can tolerate moderate temperatures for a short amount of time; therefore, you will want to use a trivet when dealing with a hot pan or pot.
- Always use a cutting board with quartz countertops.
- Avoid strong chemicals, solvents, oven cleaners, and floor strippers on your quartz countertops.
- Continuous long-term exposure to direct sunlight may result in slight discoloration of natural quartz surfaces.
As always, if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to leave us a comment.