COUNTERTOP CARE AND MAINTENANCE
It is essential to properly maintain your new countertops to ensure they last for years to come. While no material is chip or stain-proof, nor is it maintenance-free, there are some simple steps to help keep your countertops looking their best. Begin by regularly wiping down your countertops with a damp cloth or sponge and a mild soap or detergent. For tougher stains, gently scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleaning product. After cleaning, rinse the surface with a clean cloth and warm water to remove any soap residue. To prevent scratches and stains, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners and never cut directly on the countertop surface. Additionally, always use a cutting board and trivets when placing hot dishes on the countertop. Following these simple steps will help keep your countertops looking great for years to come.
Granite Countertops
TAKING CARE OF YOUR GRANITE SURFACES
Granite countertops are durable and easy to maintain. However, taking suitable precautions can prevent damage to them. Proper care and maintenance will ensure your granite countertops’ lasting beauty. With some minor daily, weekly, and annual attention, your granite will retain and maintain its shine. Granite countertops are elegant, unique, and durable and enhance the beauty of your kitchen and bathrooms. Using these tips in your daily routine will keep your granite countertop surfaces sparkling for years to come.
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HOW TO CLEAN
A clean rag, water, and a small number of neutral cleansers, such as mild dish soap or using 3-N-1 Cleaner weekly (available at Insignia), are more than sufficient to maintain a safe and clean surface. Rinsing thoroughly is a good practice to avoid soap scum build-up. Dry the surface after cleansing. For oily spills that may occur, wash with a mild cleanser (such as Dawn or Palmolive liquid dish soap), wipe with water, and dry.
BLOT UP SPILLS IMMEDIATELY
Spilling anything other than water or mild soaps, especially acidic substances, must be avoided on these countertops. Substances like wine, tomato sauce, fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, coffee, and soft drinks won’t necessarily etch the granite as they do with marble. Still, they can stain the surface if neglected. Moreover, cooking oils can leave their stains if not wiped up immediately.
CLEANING AGENTS TO AVOID
Many common household cleaners, such as bleach, kitchen degreasers, and glass cleaners, contain acids, alkalis, and other chemicals. These harsh cleaners can degrade the sealer, making the granite susceptible to staining. Bathroom, grout, tile, or tub cleaners must be strictly avoided. Moreover, ammonia, vinegar, orange, or lemon must also not be used as cleaners.
AVOID ADDING WEIGHT
It is crucial to avoid putting unnecessary weight on the overhangs of the countertops. Increased pressure and weight in your sink area can damage the tops. Activities such as using the countertop to climb up and clean something or reach a shelf, grabbing onto the countertop for balance, etc., must be avoided. All this can cause the attractiveness of the granite to diminish.
SCRATCH RESISTANT
Cutting boards must be used, and all possibilities of causing scratches must be avoided. Moreover, cutting on granite will dull the stone and damage the knives’ edges.
HEAT TOLERANCE
Granite countertops can withstand heat very well, unlike other surfaces. Granite is a hard stone and can take tons of abuse without getting damaged. However, the granite surface comprises some soft, thin strips of granite. These light strips lack enough surface area to absorb all the heat from the piping hot pots and pans, resulting in chipping and scratching of the lustrous surface. Generally, scratches are not formed so quickly. However, it is advisable to use trivets or hot pads.
Quartz Countertops
TAKING CARE OF YOUR QUARTZ SURFACE
Quartz surfaces blend modern sophistication and timeless luxury with unbeatable strength and durability. The ever-lasting finish requires only simple and routine care to maintain its good looks. To clean quartz, we recommend using warm water and a mild detergent or quality spray and wipe-type cleaner to enjoy enduring beauty and unmatched performance for years to come.
MINIMAL MAINTENANCE
Quartz is a hard, non-porous surface that requires no sealing to renew its luster and is simple to clean. In most cases, soap and water or a mild detergent are enough to keep your quartz countertop looking new. If necessary, use a non-abrasive soft soap and a non-scratch or delicate scrub pad. Afterward, thoroughly rinse with clean water to remove residue.
STUBBORN STAINS AND DRIED SPILLS
If needed, apply a non-abrasive household cleaner (a non-abrasive cleaner will not dull the surface shine) and rinse to remove residue. To remove adhered material such as food, gum, nail polish, or even dried paint, first scrape away excess material with a plastic putty knife and then use a damp cloth to remove any marks or residual dirt. For extra-stubborn stains, a no-scratch Scotch-Brite® pad is recommended, along with the non-abrasive cleaner recommended by your local distributor.
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HEAT TOLERANCE
Quartz is less heat resistant than other stone surfaces, including most granite, marble, and limestone, and is not affected by temperatures lower than 150°C (300°F). However, like all stone materials, quartz can be damaged by sudden and rapid temperature changes. Therefore, we suggest that hot pots and pans never be directly placed on the surface. We also recommend that a hot pad or trivet be placed on the surface under cooking units such as electric frying pans, crock pots, or roaster ovens.
SCRATCH RESISTANT
Quartz is a highly scratch-resistant surface; however, avoid abuse of the surface by refraining from using sharp objects such as knives or screwdrivers directly onto the surface.
CLEANING AGENTS TO AVOID
It’s essential to be aware that, like any other surface, quartz can be permanently damaged if exposed to strong chemicals and solvents that can damage its physical properties. Never clean your quartz surface with products that contain Trichloroethane or Methylene chloride, such as paint removers or strippers. Avoid using highly aggressive cleaning agents such as oven/grill cleaners and dishwasher polishing agents with high alkaline/pH levels (pH 8.5 or higher). Products containing oils or powders may leave a residue and should be rinsed thoroughly. Should your surface accidentally be exposed to any of these damaging products, rinse immediately with clean water to neutralize the effect.
Marble Countertops
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Regular maintenance procedures are essential to protect your investment and give you numerous years of beautiful, natural stone surfaces.
HOW TO CLEAN
A clean rag, water, and a small amount of neutral cleansers, such as mild dish soap or stone soap (available at most hardware and building centers or from your dealer), are sufficient to maintain a safe and clean surface. Rinsing thoroughly is a good practice to avoid soap scum build-up. Dry the surface after cleansing. For oily spills that may occur, wash with a mild cleanser (such as Palmolive liquid dish soap), wipe with water, and dry.
Rule-of-thumb: wipe up spills as soon as they occur. Prevention is the best policy for not allowing spills from sitting on the surface for any significant length of time helps to avoid staining.
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CARING FOR YOUR SURFACE
When caring for any natural stone surface, it is vital not to use harsh commercial detergents or ammonia-based cleansers. This includes V.I.M., Mr. Clean, S.O.S. pads, Windex, et cetera.
Coasters are an excellent and easy way to protect your surface from harsh acids in most alcoholic beverages and citrus juices.
Avoid exposing a natural stone surface to substantial acidic products standard in the kitchen, like lemons, limes, mustards, et cetera, by using a cutting board during food preparation. Use trivets and hot pads to guard against hot items damaging the stone's surface. Though natural stone is highly heat-resistant, prevention is the best policy! Avoid ammonia-based cleansers as they will dull the sheen and texture of the stone. Use non-acidic scum removers in the event of soap scum. Always use a cutting board when using knives or other cutting utensils.