One of the benefits of installing natural stone countertops is that they have a built-in resistance to bacteria and other germs. Cleaning countertops made of a material like granite or marble involves more work than you would have to put in for other surfaces.
You should also think about whether the products you’re using effectively clean and disinfect your stone surface choice.
Cleaning Marble Countertops
When it comes to cleaning marble countertops, you should go with the most basic cleaning solutions because marble surfaces are vulnerable to scratching by general cleaners. Fill a spray bottle with water a spray bottle to apply water to your marble countertop, add a drop of dish soap and wipe it with a soft sponge. Make sure you scrub hard enough to whip up a lot of suds.
Next, rinse out the sponge and use it to wipe the soap off the marble countertop surface. Once all the suds are gone, buff the marble dry with a clean dishtowel until it shines. After cleaning, go through the process of resanding and polishing the surface to get rid of any imperfections in the marble stone.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
While sealed granite is stain-resistant, that doesn’t mean it can’t be blemished when someone spills wine, oil, or juice. Remember to blot up stains versus wiping them up to avoid spreading the dye across a larger area. You only need warm water and mild dish detergent for cleaning granite countertops. Rinse it off with water before drying with a soft dish towel.
If your granite countertops need a deeper clean, look for pH-neutral products specifically made for natural stone. They’re also good for removing any soap build-up left from cleaning with a dish detergent.
Cleaning Quartz Countertops
You have two different options when it comes to cleaning granite countertops. The first one involves mixing isopropyl alcohol and water and using it to wipe the surface. You can also use antibacterial soap and water to clean the surface. Use a sponge to avoid scratching the quartz as you clean. If you want to really clean and disinfect your quartz countertops, mix all three ingredients to create a super cleaner.
Avoid using any cleaning products with ingredients containing vinegar or bleach. You can end up permanently damaging your quartz surface. Ensure you keep products like glass cleaner and nail polish away from your quartz countertops as they can break down the bond holding the quartz and resin together.
Cleaning Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone countertops are extremely stain-resistant, making them perfect for withstanding the abuse of day-to-day living. You can use soap and water to clean soapstone or purchase an all-purpose cleaner. The strength of soapstone makes it nearly invulnerable to the chemicals in most cleaners, unlike quartz, marble, or granite.
If you oil your soapstone, you will need to apply a new coating of mineral oil once per year to maintain the look. Pour it directly onto the soapstone countertop and spread a thin coat around with your hand. It can take time for the mineral oil to soak into the stone since soapstone is not naturally porous.
General Stone Countertop Care and Cleaning Tips
You can avoid cracking your stone countertops by using trivets underneath hot items like pans or food dishes. Wipe up spills immediately so that it doesn’t stain and damage the stone, especially wines, vinegar, and citrus juices. You should also be careful with any food or drinks containing dyes.
GranitePro can bring the beauty and luxury of stone countertops into your home. Choose from among a wide selection of products in our storeroom. Other services we provide to Eldersburg, Maryland residents include:
Call GranitePro at 410.875.7579, or contact us online to start transforming the look and feel of your home.