The holidays are fast approaching! With family members coming in from all over the country (or even the world) now is the time to get your kitchen looking its best.
It’s important to know what type of surface you have in your kitchen, cleaning instructions differ depending on the counter-top that you have.
Below you’ll find some tips and tricks to get your counter-tops looking their best.
Granite & Natural Stones:
Avoid using ammonia, vinegar and citrus-based cleaners on your granite tops as they may dull the shine. If a quick clean is all you need, make sure you use a granite safe cleaner. Cleanser brand Method makes a cleaner specifically for granite and marble.
If you’d prefer a more DIY method, mixing warm water and a small amount of dish detergent is an easy way to keep up with daily messes. Make sure to dry your counter-tops after to avoid water stains.
Because granite is a porous surface occasional stains do happen. Oftentimes these stains need more than a quick wipe down. When dealing with a water-based stain, make a quick paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Spread the mixture over the stain and allow it to sit for a few hours, then simply rinse and dry. If you have an oil-based stain follow the same directions, but swap out the hydrogen peroxide for water.
Corian® & Solid Surfaces:
Unlike granite, it is recommended that you use ammonia-based cleaners (avoid window cleaners though, they will create buildup) on your Corian® counter-tops. For everyday dirt, your favorite household cleaner will do the trick.
You might need something tougher for bigger messes though. Dupont recommends Deep Cleaner for Dupont Corian®, sold by Stone Care International.
Disinfecting Corian® is simple too! Dilute bleach about 50% with water and wipe your counter-tops down. Make sure to dry your Corian® after you’re done; water stains will dull its shine.
Zodiaq® & Quartz:
If you have Zodiaq® or another Quartz based counter-top you’re in luck. The make-up of these products allows them to be tough, non-porous, and chemically resistant. What does that mean for you? Easy upkeep!
Basic spills and messes require nothing more than soap, water and a paper towel. Your preferred daily household cleaner will work as well, as long as it is bleach free. Though Zodiaq® and Quartz are stain resistant and non-porous it’s best to avoid bleach based or high pH cleaners; repeated use over time may lead to unwanted side effects.
For the tougher messes on your Zodiaq® or Quartz counter-top Dupont recommends scraping them off as best you can with a blunt edged object (a putty knife) and cleaning the rest with soap and water or your preferred household cleanser.
Taking it to the next level:
Once you’ve got your counter-tops mess free you might want to consider taking the next step. Depending on the age of your surfaces it might be time to re-seal or polish to further protect and brighten them.
Granite:
Because of the porous nature of granite and other natural stones, it’s important to seal your granite counter-tops. Sealing your top will stop future spills from turning into hard to remove stains. Dupont offers a granite and marble counter-top sealant for interior and exterior use.
Corian® & Solid Surfaces:
To infuse shine into your lackluster solid surface counter tops there are a few different counter-top polishes on the market. Countertop Magic comes in an aerosol or a spray bottle and is available at most home improvement stores.
Zodiaq® & Quartz:
Because Zodiaq® and Quartz are non-porous they require no waxing or sealing. They will keep their gloss finish- no polishing necessary.