How to Care for Natural Stone Countertops

Natural stone countertops are all the rage in today’s kitchens. Not only do they add a sense of luxury thanks to their aesthetically-pleasing appearance, but they are also high-quality, durable features that can last you for a very long time, just so long as you stay on top of regular maintenance.

You’ve likely been told of the importance of resealing your natural stone countertops every few years or so as the sealant wears down. However, it’s also important to remember to regularly clean your countertops in between resealing procedures so the sealant does not wear down as quickly. It’s a good idea to clean your countertops after regular usage, and to make sure you clean up spills as soon as they happen to prevent them from eating away at the sealant.

Here are some steps for you to follow as you engage in countertop cleaning in Phoenix, AZ.

• Collect all your cleaning supplies: You don’t need a whole lot of supplies or equipment to clean your stone countertops. Simply mix warm water with a mild dish detergent, have a dish cloth to wipe the countertops and a clean towel to dry off the surface when complete. You shouldn’t need any other items to get the job done.
• Soak up liquids before beginning: Before you begin the actual cleaning process, you should remove any standing liquids that are present on the surface of the countertop. Use a paper towel or dish cloth to soak up the liquid. This is especially important to do immediately if the liquid is something like wine or any other type of liquid that can easily create a stain—you’re going to want to get it off the surface of the countertop as quickly as possible.
• Create the soap mixture: Create a mixture of warm, soapy water in a bowl or bucket, and get your dish cloth plenty wet as you prepare to wipe the surface.
• Wipe down all countertops: Using your wet, soapy dish cloth, carefully and gently wipe down the entire surface of the stone countertops, making sure you remove all traces of liquids, crumbs and debris. Take your time—if you rush, you’ll be more likely to miss some spots. If there are still liquids, you might consider pushing them toward the sink. You can also push crumbs off the counter into your hand or a garbage can.
• Dry off: Once you’ve finished the process of wiping down all the countertop surfaces with a wet, soapy cloth, use a soft, dry cloth towel to dry off the surfaces. This will help avoid streaking. Again, don’t feel like you need to rush—go slowly and smoothly and make sure you hit every area that you cleaned.

You can find helpful instructional videos online if you need additional assistance, but the process is quite straightforward. Make sure you clean your natural stone countertops in Phoenix, AZ on a regular basis so you can avoid issues with staining or long-term damage!

For more information about caring for your stone countertops, reach out to the experts at Petrus Countertops and Remodeling today.

Categorised in: Kitchen Countertop Cleaning