When considering everyday maintenance for a new set of countertops, the volume of information available from different (and sometimes conflicting) sources can certainly be overwhelming. The specifics do vary a bit based on the nature of the material used, but as a general rule, be gentle and treat them like anything else you’d want to keep clean. When properly maintained, your countertops will remain beautiful for years to come.

Now, for the details. With most stone countertops, wiping down with soap and water or a pH-neutral light-duty cleaner is sufficient for everyday cleanup. If food or drink is spilled on a countertop, wipe it up right away, particularly on light-colored marble or quartzite. These stones are somewhat prone to staining (especially from oils or greasy foods), and marble can be chemically etched by acidic foods like vinegar, lemon juice or tomato juice, but prompt cleanup prevents the offending mess from having enough time to produce damage or staining.

General-purpose cleaners such as Windex and 409 Cleaner can be used to clean countertops, but they will prematurely degrade the sealer we apply to natural stone if used regularly. A paste of baking soda and water can also be employed on stubborn messes, but avoid scrubbing too hard as baking-soda crystals may scratch or dull softer materials like marble and soapstone.

Some cleaners, such as Barkeeper’s Friend or Soft Scrub, have other chemicals like bleaches in them as well as an abrasive scouring powder (Magic Erasers also fall under this category). These are usually safe on granite and quartzites, but do test your cleaner before use in a corner or other hidden area of your countertop to ensure that it will clean without doing any damage. These cleaners can also be used gently on quartz countertops to remove metal marks or other residues, but avoid applying excessive pressure while scrubbing as the abrasive can leave a dull patch on the surface. Similarly, we do not recommend cleaning with scouring pads or steel wool, as these may also damage the countertops surface and/or abrade away any sealers that have been applied.

Harsh cleaners such as Brasso, oven cleaners, Lime-Away and CLR are not recommended for use on any type of natural or engineered stone. These cleaners contain substances like ammonia, sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid that can chemically etch the surface of your countertops, eating away at the stone itself and leaving damage that can only be removed by physically grinding into the surface and re-polishing.

CEK Stone Cleaner

 

CEK Stone Cleaner is an oxygenated, non-abrasive cleaner that is safe to use on stainless steel, stone, other hard surfaces, and fabrics as well. Works great as a degreaser and has a fresh, clean scent too!CEK Stone Cleaner is biodegradable, non-bleach and non-toxic.

REMOVES SOILS SUCH AS

Great, Ink, Crayon, Lipstick, Coffee, Soda, Tea,Kool-Aid, Blood, Pet Stains, Juice, Grass Stains, Red Wine and more.

USE ON MANY SURFACES

Metal, Sinks, Tile, Furniture, Walls, Floors, Grout, Plastic, Countertops, and Stainless Steel

 

LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

After several years, or with excessive use of harsh cleaners, countertop sealers can break down and leave stone more vulnerable to staining or chemical damage. This is especially true if the stone is located outdoors, as direct sunlight, seasonal temperature fluctuations and acidic rain all accelerate the degradation of sealers. We can professionally strip and reseal all-natural stone countertops, giving them a new lease on life and ensuring you’re happy with them for years to come. Some types of stone, such as white quartzite and marble, may also benefit from a premium silicone-based sealer that will help prevent staining and chemical damage on sensitive surfaces over long periods of time.

Despite everyone’s best efforts to keep their new countertops pristine and perfect, life happens, and perfection can’t be maintained forever. We understand, it’s inevitable. A bit of overzealous cleaning leaves a dull patch, a slippery pan or bowl falls and chips an edge, somebody leaves a coffee cup without a coaster for much too long, a playful child draws his magnum opus on a stone “canvas”.

If your well-loved countertops need some TLC to look their best, give us a call. We are happy to offer a consultation with one of our repair & restoration experts and provide a bid for anything from scratch-and-stain removal or chip repair to reconstruction of broken pieces and even a full refinishing of your countertops.

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