GRANITE
Stone countertops are a durable and beautiful addition to your kitchen, bathroom or floors. However, they cannot stay beautiful without your care and maintenance. It is imperative that you take proper care of your stone so it can reach its full potential and dazzle anyone who comes through your home. The easiest way to keep your stone looking great is to avoid bad habits that may damage it. We recommend sealing granite countertops every year. If you cook frequently in your kitchen and use the countertops daily, you might need to reseal the granite even more frequently. After the installation of your new granite countertops is completed, a sealer will be applied on your countertops. Please let it dry for 2 hours and use a soft cloth to buff it off.
QUARTZ
Our quartz countertop surfaces are designed to combine the quality and durability you need for everyday life with the colors and styles to match nearly any design aesthetic. These handcrafted quartz slabs are nonporous, stain and scratch resistant, maintenance-free, and guaranteed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty. Our quartz surfaces are ideal for kitchens and are also perfect for bathroom vanities, shower and tub surrounds, and tub-to-shower conversions. You’ll especially love our quartz surfaces in your bathroom as they are mold and mildew-resistant.
Keep quartz’s quality and shine with proper care and minimal maintenance. Basic cleaning involves a soft cloth with a little soap and warm water. Another cleaning product to use is liquid Barkeeps Friend ( do not use powder) and a white scrubbing pad like the magic eraser. Avoid using cleaning products with strong acidity, particularly citrus or lemon-based cleaners as these could eat away at the sealant and damage or change the color of the quartz surface. Never clean quartz counters with products such as paint strippers or rust removers with high pH levels. Dry steel wool or non-scratch scrubbing pads are alternatives. Do not let any liquids or oils remain on counters overnight.
Although quartz is also resistant to heat like marble and granite, rapid temperature changes will still damage or affect the quartz. So be sure to use coasters and placemats when placing hot cookware on the quartz surfaces.
Due to how quartz is manufactured there is no need to add sealants to quartz, as additional sealants can cause damage to the stone.
QUARTZITE
Quartzite is rock hard, which prevents chipping and etching during kitchen activity. However, it is also porous and liable to suck up wine and tomato sauce spills. That’s why quartzite should be sealed at least once a year, which will prevent stains and keep counters looking shiny and new for many years to come. If you cook frequently in your kitchen and use the countertops daily, you might need to reseal them even more frequently. Unlike engineered quartz, quartzite countertops are heat-resistant, and a great choice around cooktops, grills, or other hot spots.
Although quartzite is a tough material, over time and with heavy use it can eventually discolor, chip, crack, and develop holes.
Contertop Do’s:
- Blot up spills immediately especially acidic substances like wine, coffee, fruit juices, tomato sauce, sodas, and cooking oils. Even when sealed, a substance that remains on the surface for an extended period may stain granite (and etch marble and other stones)
- Clean surfaces using a soft cloth and by wiping with clean water, or the proper cleaner, then wiping it a dry cloth. Hot water will do for quick cleanups, but using a specially formulated natural stone cleaner is recommended to keep your tops in the best condition and protect the sealer
- Dish soap won’t permanently damage your granite, but repeated use of soap will cause build-up and dull your countertop’s shine.
- Use coasters under all glasses, bottles, and cans.
- Use trivets and hot pads under pots & pans.
- Use cutting boards. Cutting on the stone will dull and damage your knives’ edges quickly.
Countertop Dont’s:
- DO NOT use generic cleaning products such as bleach, glass cleaners, degreasers or other common household cleaners.
- DO NOT use vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange as cleaners.
- DO NOT use a bathroom, tub & tile or grout cleaners.
- DO NOT use abrasive cleaners such as “comet” or paste products such as “soft scrub”
- DO NOT sit or stand on your countertops.
- DO NOT store liquids or toiletry products directly on your countertop surface.
- DO NOT turn your countertop into a worktable; don’t put your toolbox on it. Use a blanket.
