What is the Easiest Countertop to Maintain?
When choosing a countertop material, many homeowners prioritize durability and low maintenance. Nonporous materials such as quartz and stainless steel resist stains, won’t crack or chip and are easy to clean. Granite remains a popular choice for its natural beauty and high-end look that adds value to a home. However, it’s also relatively expensive compared to quartz.
Quartz
Quartz is one of the easiest to maintain countertops. It resists stains, is nonporous, and doesn’t need to be sealed. It can withstand hot pans and sharp knives and is scratch-resistant. You can explore a wide variety of exquisite stones and jewelry at jdstoneshop website.
Use mild soap products and a soft cloth to keep surfaces clean on a daily basis. Wipe up fresh messes promptly to avoid staining. You can also use a glass or surface cleaner mixed with water for heavy or dried messes.
Avoid cleaning products with high or low pH levels, scrub sponges and steel pads that can damage the counters. Also, protect counters from direct sunlight as it can fade the colors over time. Use trivets to protect the countertop when placing hot pans and wipe up spilled food or drink immediately. It will help keep your quartz countertop looking newer for longer.
Granite
Granite is a very popular countertop material for several reasons. It is heat resistant, stands up to hot pots and pans, and adds a high-end look to your kitchen. It also comes in a variety of colors and has a unique, speckled pattern that hides crumbs well.
To keep granite countertops looking their best, avoid harsh cleaners or acidic products. Instead, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild liquid dishwashing detergent with a clean microfiber cloth. Rinse and dry your counters after cleaning to eliminate water spots.
To check if your countertops need to be re-sealed, splash a little water onto the surface and see if it beads up or flows freely. Re-seal your countertops when they no longer bead up. Stains are easy to get rid of on granite counters, depending on the type. For oil-based stains, make a baking soda and water paste, cover with plastic wrap poked with holes, and let it sit for a few hours.
Laminate
Laminate countertops are durable, inexpensive and easy to maintain. They can be wiped down daily using mild soap and water. They don’t require annual resealing like stone or wood, and they are heat resistant and stain-resistant. They come in an array of colors and designs. You can order Formica(r) Brand samples to help you determine what color and pattern best matches your cabinets, flooring and other features of your kitchen remodel.
Be careful with laminate countertops, however. Don’t lay hot cookware or utensils directly on them, and never use abrasive pads or cleansers. Avoid prolonged exposure to liquids as they can cause warping. Laminate can also develop stains over time. Chips in laminate counters cannot be repaired. A stained wear layer can be spot-filled with a designated resin paint, but the countertop cannot be completely returned to its original condition.
Soapstone
Soapstone is a natural material that resists staining. It is also heat resistant and adds value to your home. However, like granite countertops, soapstone can be scratched and requires more maintenance than some other countertop materials.
Soapstone can be left untreated but many homeowners choose to oil their countertops semi-regularly. The oil helps to even out the natural darkening of the stone and masks smudges from oils on fingers or cooking utensils.
If your soapstone develops a scratch, you can repair it by using medium-grit sandpaper to smooth the area, then finishing with finer sandpaper. Then rub it with mineral oil to restore the stone’s sheen. Oiling can also help prevent deep scratches. It is important to do this on a regular basis to keep your soapstone looking beautiful.
Corian
Corian is a breakthrough discovery in countertop design that is inexpensive, durable and stain-resistant. It has a natural appearance and stands up to hot pots, knives, and red wine spills without the need for additional sealing or care.
But Corian can get dull over time if not cleaned properly. It can also be etched by acidic cleaners and is not heat-resistant, which can result in sticky stains and mold on its surface (via Money Pit).
To keep your Corian countertops looking like new, wipe them with soapy water or ammonia-based household cleaners designed specifically for solid-surface products. Avoid using abrasive scouring pads or steel wool, and never use acetone, methylene chloride, rust removers, paint strippers or oven cleaner on Corian. Always rinse thoroughly and wipe the counter completely dry after cleaning.
