What materials are your kitchen countertops made from? Here’s how to keep them looking like new for longer!
Your kitchen remodeling is a worthwhile investment, so it makes sense you would want to preserve your refaced cabinets and new kitchen countertops. You may have picked your kitchen design for aesthetic purposes, but kitchens are meant for functional and practical use. As time goes on, there are simple cleaning and care steps you can take to keep your kitchen countertops looking like new for longer! In general, make sure to treat your counters well by wiping down daily, using cutting boards, and placing heated items on trivets. Still, if you run into a few scratches or stains, don’t fret. Check out our tips for maintaining your fabulous kitchen countertops of any material.
Granite and Marble
Natural stones like granite and marble are generally stained or sealed. You can use a mixture of warm water and dish soap to wipe down the surface daily. Just be sure to wipe up excess moisture, which can still stain and darken the sealed stone. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can strip or scratch the stone countertop. Granite should be resealed about once a year, and marble should be resealed every few months.
Laminate
Cleaning and caring for laminate kitchen countertops is easy. Wipe down with damp cloths and use mild cleansers as needed. Avoid scrubbing the surface with steel wool or scouring pads. You can lift any stubborn stains by applying a baking soda paste to the spot for a few minutes, then gently wiping it away. Laminate counters don’t require sealing. However, use a sealant on deep scratches or seams, such as edges around kitchen islands.
Wood
Wooden kitchen countertops are rarer but still an excellent aesthetic option. To keep clean, wipe daily mix of water and white vinegar dilution. Wipe until dry after cleaning, since long term water exposure can warp or crack the wood. Wood counters are susceptible to scratches. If you notice any minor scratches, sand down the wood before reapplying a wood-safe sealant or protectant.
Quartz or Engineered Stone
Human-made stones like quartz or other engineered stones require very little maintenance. Like natural stone, clean the surface with mild cleaning solutions and wipe dry. Quartz countertops are durable and stain-resistant, without needing any resealing to stay looking polished.
Call Bowen Remodeling & Design
Are you ready to remodel your Maryland home? The team at Bowen Remodeling & Design can help! Learn more about the additional services we offer, from fireplaces to accent walls!
Bowen Remodeling & Design specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling in Annapolis, Severna Park, Edgewater, Crownsville, Arnold, Millersville, Laurel, Odenton, Bowie, Clarksville, Columbia, Ellicott City, and surrounding areas!
As a family-owned and operated business, Bowen Remodeling is committed to providing extraordinary home improvement services with an emphasis on customer satisfaction. For a free estimate, give us a call at 410-451-5928 and visit our showroom in Crofton, Maryland! For more information, follow Bowen Remodeling on Facebook and Twitter!