How To Care For Your Countertops: The Definitive Guide

When it comes to instantly upgrading your home, few things make as big of an impact as new countertops. The shine, sheen, and luster of a beautiful new counter can turn even the most mundane kitchen or bathroom into a showstopper (even if they’re often covered up by clutter and appliances!).

But as anyone who's ever accidentally scratched or stained their countertops can attest, that initial investment can quickly lose its lustrous appeal without the proper care and maintenance. High-end countertops deserve high-end treatment, and that's where this guide comes in.

We'll cover everything you need to know about keeping all types of countertops – from natural stone to laminate – in pristine condition. You'll be a countertop care expert when you're done reading!

First, let's take a closer look at some of today's top countertop materials:

Natural Stone Countertops

You know the look of natural stone – it's classic, textured, and ever-so-slightly imperfect. That's part of its charm! But those same qualities can make natural stone a bit tricky to care for if you're not used to it.

Natural stone countertops are made from materials like marble, granite, soapstone, and limestone. They require special care because they’re more susceptible to staining and scratching than other types of countertops. And when a stone countertop cracks, it's much more difficult (and expensive) to repair than a laminate or solid surface countertop. It may truly be the crack heard 'round the world.

Quartz Countertops

While natural stone is heralded for its unique imperfections, quartz countertops offer a more uniform look. They’re made from engineered stone, a combination of quartz crystals and resins. Quartz is one of the hardest minerals on earth, so it's extremely durable – perfect for high-traffic areas like the kitchen.

Quartz countertops come in a wide range of colors and patterns, so it's easy to find one that fits your style. They’re also non-porous, so they won't absorb spills or stains like natural stone. A quartz countertop can offer the high-end look of natural stone without some of drawbacks. However, this material does require special care when cleaning – more on that later!

3. Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops are made from a combination of acrylic, polyester, and other minerals. They were first introduced in the 1960s and have become increasingly popular in recent years as a cost-effective option.

Solid surface countertops are non-porous, heat-resistant, and very low maintenance. They can be cut and molded into nearly any shape, which makes them perfect for custom designs. And if they get damaged, they can be repaired quite easily with sandpaper and a little elbow grease.

The appeal of solid surface countertops is easy to see. But to a trained eye, they can be less than convincing as a high-end countertop material. That's because solid surface countertops lack the depth and richness of color that natural stone and quartz countertops have.

4. Laminate Countertops

Laminate is the way to go if you're looking for the most affordable countertop option. Laminate is made from several layers of paper that are bonded together with resins. It's then topped with a layer of clear plastic that protects the design.

Laminate comes in thousands of different colors and patterns, so you're sure to find one that fits your style. It's also very easy to care for – just wipe it down with a damp cloth and you're good to go.

The downside of laminate is that it's... well, laminate. It's not as durable as natural stone, quartz, or solid surface, and it can't quite match its high-end look. But if you're on a budget, laminate is a perfectly acceptable countertop option.

Tips to Keep Your Countertops Shining

When it comes to countertop care, there are a few basic rules that apply to all types of countertops. But each material also has its own unique quirks that you'll need to take into account. Here are some general tips for caring for your countertops:

1. Always use placemats, coasters, and trivets.

You can almost hear mom now: "Use a coaster!" And she's right – sort of. Coasters protect your countertops from water rings, but they won't do much for hot pans or spills. 

Instead, use placemats and trivets to protect your countertops from heat and spills. Placemats are easy to find (and inexpensive) at any home goods store. The heat-resistant silicone trivets that are all the rage these days are also excellent for protecting countertops from hot pans.

Here's a rule of thumb: if you wouldn't want to touch it with your bare hand, don't put it on your countertop without a placemat!

2. Spills happen – just clean them quickly!

Countertops are made for being used – so spills are going to happen! The problem comes when spills are left to sit. They can stain or damage your countertop if you're not careful.

So, the best thing to do is clean up spills immediately. Use mild soap and warm water for most spills. But for tougher stains (like red wine or coffee), you may need to use a little elbow grease. Just be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage your countertop.

3. Your countertop isn't a cutting board!

We know, we know. It's so tempting to use your countertop as a cutting board. But resist the urge! Cutting directly on your countertop will damage the finish (and possibly void your warranty).

Instead, use a cutting board made from wood or plastic. Or, better yet, invest in a good-quality cutting board specifically designed for your countertop material. Many companies make cutting boards perfect for quartz, granite, or solid surface countertops.

4. Give your countertop some TLC.

Most countertops only require a little bit of basic care to keep them looking their best. But every now and then, they could use a little extra TLC.

For example, natural stone countertops should be sealed every few years to prevent staining. And all countertops can benefit from being polished or buffed from time to time. This will help to restore their shine and remove any built-up residue.

How to Clean Your Quartz Countertops

At Llano Real Estate Group, our custom-built homes feature the best in quartz countertops. So, we want to make sure you know how to properly care for them!

Quartz is one of the easiest countertop materials to care for – but failing to do so can lead to some pretty big problems. If you want to ensure your quartz countertops always look their best, here's a guide to keeping them clean:

What You'll Need:

• Mild soap

• Water

• Soft cloth or sponge

• Non-abrasive cleaner (like Windex)

1. Start with a clean slate.

Quartz requires very little maintenance, but it's important to start with a clean surface. Before you add any soap or cleaners, remove any dirt or debris from your countertop with a soft cloth or sponge. This will ensure that you don't end up trapping any dirt or debris being scrubbed into the surface.

2. Add soap and water.

Once your countertop is clean, it's time to add soap and water. Use mild dish soap and warm water to create a soapy solution. Then, use a soft cloth or sponge to lightly scrub the surface of your countertop. Be sure to rinse away all the soap and water when you're finished.

3. Wipe with a non-abrasive cleaner.

After you've cleaned your countertop with soap and water, you can use a non-abrasive cleaner to remove any stubborn dirt or debris. Common household cleaners like Windex work well for this purpose. Just be sure to avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasives, as they can damage your quartz countertop.

4. Dry the surface.

Once you've cleaned your countertop, be sure to dry the surface completely. This will help to prevent any water spots from forming. A soft cloth or lint-free towel works well for this purpose.

Resealing Quartz Countertops

As we mentioned, one of the benefits of quartz countertops is that they don't require sealing. But if you notice that your countertop is starting to lose its shine, it may be time to reseal it.

You can purchase a sealer specifically designed for quartz countertops at most home improvement stores. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that you apply the sealer properly. However, if you want to ensure your countertop is sealed correctly, we recommend hiring a professional to do it for you.

Enjoy Beautiful Countertops with the Right Care

Your countertop is an important part of your kitchen, so it's essential to take proper care of it. With a little bit of elbow grease and the right cleaners, you can keep your countertop looking its best for years to come – and be the envy of all your friends!

Remember to put in place daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routines. These will help to keep your countertop looking its best and prevent any significant problems from developing. If you have any questions about caring for your countertop – or any other custom home design or building needs – contact our team today! As Amarillo, Texas's trusted custom home builders, we're always happy to help.

Visit us online today to schedule a consultation with one of our expert designers – and learn how easy it can be to build the home of your dreams!