Countertops are the cornerstone of many kitchen and bathroom designs, serving both a functional and aesthetic purpose. Whether you’ve chosen marble, granite, or quartz, investing in high-quality countertops means you’ll want to keep them looking pristine for years to come. However, not all countertops are created equal, and each material requires specific care to maintain its beauty and strength.
From the delicate nature of marble to the robustness of granite and the versatility of quartz, understanding the right cleaning techniques is key. Each material reacts differently to daily wear and tear, and without the proper care, even the finest countertops can lose their charm over time. By following our maintenance steps, you’ll safeguard your investment and keep your countertops looking as luxurious and polished as the day they were installed.
General Countertop Cleaning Tips
Regardless of the material, there are a few basic cleaning practices that apply to all countertops. By following these simple steps, you can keep your countertops looking fresh and well-maintained:
Wipe Spills Immediately: Whether it’s water, juice, or oil, spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent staining or damage. This is especially important for porous materials like marble or granite, which can absorb liquids over time.
Use Non-Abrasive Cloths: Always clean your countertops with a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the surface. Avoid using steel wool, rough scrubbers, or any material that might damage the finish.
Opt for Mild Cleaners: A mixture of warm water and mild dish soap is usually all you need for daily cleaning. Harsh chemicals, particularly bleach or acidic cleaners, can weaken the surface and dull the finish over time, especially on materials like marble and quartz.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stay away from cleaning agents that contain bleach, ammonia, or acidic components like vinegar and lemon. These can strip the surface of its protective sealant and cause discolouration or damage to the material.
Routine Cleaning: Make cleaning a regular habit to avoid grime and dirt buildup. Countertops used in high-traffic areas, like kitchens, should be wiped down daily to prevent bacteria growth and ensure a clean, hygienic surface.
Cleaning Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are prized for their timeless elegance, but they require special care due to their sensitivity to acidic substances. Everyday items like lemon juice, vinegar, and wine can cause etching - a chemical reaction that leaves dull spots or marks on the surface. To maintain the beauty of marble, it’s essential to use the right cleaning methods and be proactive about protecting the surface.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions:
Use a pH-neutral Cleaner: Always clean marble with a pH-neutral cleaner or a mild soap mixed with warm water. Avoid anything acidic or too alkaline, as it can damage the surface.
Tip: Look for cleaners specifically designed for natural stone surfaces.
Wipe Gently: Use a soft microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive sponge to clean the countertop. Avoid scrubbing too hard, which can cause scratches.
Rinse and Dry: After cleaning, rinse the surface with clean water to remove any soap residue. Dry the countertop with a soft towel to prevent water spots and maintain its shine.
Tips for Addressing Etching and Scratches:
Dealing with Etching: If acidic substances do come into contact with your marble and cause etching, the dull spots can sometimes be buffed out with a marble polishing powder. For more severe etching, professional refinishing may be needed.
Repairing Light Scratches: Light scratches can often be polished out using a marble polishing powder or a buffing pad. For deeper scratches, it’s recommended to contact a professional to avoid further damage to the surface.
Additional Tips:
Seal Regularly: Marble is porous, so it’s important to apply a sealant regularly (every 6-12 months) to protect it from spills and stains. This provides an extra layer of protection against everyday wear and tear.
Preventative Care: To minimise the risk of damage, always use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards. Keeping acidic substances away from the surface will help prevent etching and staining.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
Granite is known for its natural durability and resilience, making it one of the most popular choices for kitchen and bathroom countertops. While it’s more resistant to scratches and heat than many other materials, granite still requires regular care to maintain its beauty and ensure it remains in top condition over time.
Daily Cleaning Tips:
Use Warm Water and Mild Soap: For everyday cleaning, simply wipe the surface with warm water and mild dish soap. A soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge is ideal to avoid scratching the surface.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Steer clear of abrasive cleaners, bleach, or anything acidic. These can strip away the sealant, leaving the granite vulnerable to stains and damage.
Wipe Spills Immediately: Although granite is less porous than other materials, it’s still a good idea to wipe up spills as soon as possible, especially liquids like wine, juice, or oil, which can leave stains if left untreated.
Sealing Granite Countertops:
Seal Regularly: Granite should be sealed periodically (about once a year) to maintain its resistance to staining and moisture. You can easily check if your countertop needs sealing by pouring a few drops of water on the surface - if it absorbs within a few minutes, it’s time to reseal.
How to Seal: Use a high-quality granite sealant, applying it evenly across the surface. Let it sit for the recommended time (usually a few minutes) before wiping away the excess. This will ensure that your granite stays well-protected from spills and everyday wear.
Common Issues and Solutions:
Water Spots: Hard water spots can sometimes appear on granite, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. These can typically be removed with a mixture of water and a small amount of mild dish soap. For stubborn spots, use a soft cloth dampened with a stone-safe cleaner.
Oil Stains: If oil or grease gets on your granite, it can leave a noticeable stain.
Tip: Create a paste using baking soda and water (or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for oil-based stains), apply it to the affected area, and let it sit for 24 hours before wiping it clean.
Additional Care Tips:
Avoid Heat Damage: While granite is heat-resistant, it’s still a good practice to use trivets or hot pads under hot pans or dishes to prevent any potential heat damage or discolouration.
Use Cutting Boards: Always use a cutting board when preparing food. Not only does this protect your knives, but it also ensures that you don’t risk scratching or dulling the granite surface.
Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are engineered from a combination of natural quartz and resins, making them non-porous and more durable than natural stone like marble or granite. This composition gives quartz an edge in terms of resistance to stains, scratches, and bacteria, making it a low-maintenance option. However, quartz still requires proper care to maintain its beauty over time.
Day-to-Day Upkeep:
Use Mild Cleaners for Everyday Cleaning: For daily cleaning, simply wipe down the surface with warm water and mild dish soap. Quartz can handle more aggressive cleaning agents than marble or granite, so you can also use surface-safe antibacterial cleaners for disinfecting.
Avoid Abrasive Pads: While quartz is more scratch-resistant, it’s still a good idea to use non-abrasive sponges or microfiber cloths to avoid any dulling of the surface over time.
Wipe Spills Promptly: Although quartz is non-porous and highly stain-resistant, it's still best practice to wipe up spills immediately - especially substances like coffee, tea, and red wine that may leave marks if left to sit too long.
Dealing with Stains and Tough Marks:
Tackle Tough Stains with a Non-Abrasive Cleaner: If you encounter stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for quartz surfaces or a mixture of water and vinegar for spot treatment. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or concentrated acids, as they can cause damage over time.
Use a Plastic Scraper for Sticky Residue: For tough residues like gum or dried food, a plastic scraper can be gently used to lift it off without damaging the surface. Be careful not to scratch the quartz.
Preventing Heat Damage:
Avoid Direct Heat Exposure: Quartz is not as heat-resistant as granite, and exposure to high temperatures can cause permanent damage. Always use trivets, hot pads, or heat-resistant mats under hot pots and pans to avoid heat-related discolouration or cracking.
Do Not Use Quartz as a Cutting Surface: Even though quartz is more scratch-resistant, it's still best to use a cutting board for food preparation. Repeated cutting directly on the surface can cause micro-scratches, dulling the finish over time.
UV and Discoloration Issues:
Avoid Prolonged UV Exposure: One downside to quartz is that prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading or discolouration over time. If your quartz countertop is in an area that gets a lot of sunlight, consider using blinds or window treatments to protect it from UV rays.
Additional Care Tips:
Polish for Extra Shine: If you want to enhance the shine of your quartz countertops, you can use a quartz-safe polish occasionally. This will help keep the surface glossy and smooth.
Avoid Heavy Impact: While quartz is strong, it’s not indestructible. Avoid dropping heavy objects on the surface, as this can cause chips or cracks.
Regular maintenance not only enhances the longevity of your countertops but also keeps them looking as pristine as the day they were installed. If you’re considering upgrading your kitchen or bathroom surfaces, investing in high-quality materials is key to ensuring both aesthetic appeal and long-term durability.
At Tile King, we offer a wide range of premium countertops, from luxurious marble to custom quartz solutions, along with expert installation services. Visit our showroom in Dubai to explore our full collection and receive personalised advice from our team. We're here to help you choose the perfect countertop and ensure it remains a stunning centrepiece in your home for years to come.
If you found this article useful, check out our guide on keeping tiles clean
