Countertop Care
Granite
For routine cleaning, simply use warm water and mild, phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish soap,
preferably light-colored and containing no aromatics.
If you use plain soap and water, this can lead to soap build up and over time, will dull the glossy finish of
your polished granite.
After cleaning, rinse the countertops thoroughly and dry with a cotton cloth. You can also buy special granite cleaners specifically designed for cleaning stone. Never use powdered cleansers to clean your stone as they contain pumice which is an abrasive, and never
use acidic cleaners that contain ammonia.
Our #1 piece of advice for granite countertop care is to seal your granite using a natural stone sealer. A
good granite countertop sealer will help block the absorption of liquids and oils that can stain your granite top. This can be done once a year or as necessary. Applying the granite countertop sealer is as easy as wiping it on, using a soft cotton cloth. The sealer is absorbed into the microscopic pores of the granite and is safe for food handling.
Laminate
For routine cleaning, use a clean, damp, nonabrasive cotton cloth and a mild liquid detergent or household cleaner. Rinse with clean water, then dry the surface. Do not flood the laminate, especially near seams-water can penetrate and cause the substrate to swell.
Quartz
For routine cleaning, simply wipe down your countertop with a damp cloth or paper towel and, if necessary,
a small amount of non-bleach, non-abrasive cleanser.
Never use sealants or waxes, cleaners containing bleach, high-ph cleaners, or strong chemicals and
solvents.
Quartz surfaces are heat- and scratch-resistant, but not heat- and scratch-proof. Use trivets or pads with hot pots, and always use a cutting board.
Quartz surfaces are heat- and scratch-resistant, but not heat- and scratch-proof. Use trivets or pads with hot pots, and always use a cutting board.
Solid Surfaces
For routine cleaning, use soapy water, ammonia based cleaner, or a dedicated countertop cleaner, rinse,
and wipe completely dry.
- Avoid window cleaners, as they can leave a waxy build-up that dulls the surface.
- Avoid getting strong chemicals, such as paint removers, oven cleaners, etc., on countertop. If a spill does occur, promptly flush the surface with water to fully rinse off the chemical.
- Do not cut directly on countertops. Use a cutting board.
- Boiling water alone will not damage your solid surface sink; It is a recommended practice to run cold water from the faucet while pouring boiling water into the sink.
Marble
For routine cleaning, use a soft cloth and warm, distilled water – especially after contact with food – and
then use another cloth to dry the surface.
For deeper marble cleaning, use a PH-neutral dish soap, but you may also use acetone (for dark marble
only, to be safe), hydrogen peroxide (for light marble), or clear ammonia mixed with water.
The safest and easiest way to polish marble is with a chamois (shammy) on a damp surface; the chamois
will polish at the same time as it dries.
Because marble is quite porous, it is wise to use a sealer to protect against staining and interior damage. Avoid contact with vinegar and other acidic cleaners, wine, orange juice, tomatoes, and even soft drinks. With marble sealer, be sure to use one that is nontoxic and – if you’re using it on countertops – safe for food preparation.
Because marble is quite porous, it is wise to use a sealer to protect against staining and interior damage. Avoid contact with vinegar and other acidic cleaners, wine, orange juice, tomatoes, and even soft drinks. With marble sealer, be sure to use one that is nontoxic and – if you’re using it on countertops – safe for food preparation.
Butcher Block
Sanitize your butcher block by wiping all surfaces down with mild dish soap and water. Dry thoroughly. A
minimum of once a month (depending upon the use and household conditions), apply an even coat of food-grade oil to all surfaces of your butcher block using a cloth or disposable towel.
This food-grade oil penetrates deeply into the grain of the wood to help protect, revitalize, and moisturize
the wood fibers.
Allow the oil to fully penetrate through the wood fibers overnight, then wipe off any excess oil. Apply
additional oil to any visible dry spots or for any other necessary reasons.
For additional protection, it is recommended to use board cream to seal the top of the wood surface in
conjunction to the oil.
Board Cream is denser, thicker which gives a protective top layer to the wood surface against foods and
liquids. It helps keep the water out and the oil in.
Apply an even coat of the board cream using a cloth or disposable towel. Allow the board cream to
penetrate the wood surface overnight, then wipe off any excess cream
- Don’t allow liquids of any type to stand on the butcher block for long periods of time.
- Don’t let fresh, wet meats lay on the butcher block longer than necessary.
- Don’t cut fish or poultry on the butcher block work surface, unless you have thoroughly cleaned the surface
- Never cut continuously in the same surface area. Distribute your cutting over the entire work surface so that it will wear evenly.