09 Oct WHAT TO USE (AND NOT TO USE) TO CLEAN YOUR QUARTZ OR GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
Cleaning your stone countertops doesn’t require shelves of fancy or expensive products. In fact, the simpler the better.
The fundamental principle is to treat the stone like glass. You want to cut through the organic grease from everyday use, and then finish with a streak free shine.
Many cleaners try to enhance smells, or color with additives, which over time may hinder the factory finish of your countertops.
WHAT TO USE TO CLEAN YOUR QUARTZ OR GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
The cleaning products we recommend for quartz and granite countertops are:
- Mild dish soap and water
- 50/50 mix vinegar/water
- Advertised PH-neutral stone cleaners (avoid products that claim to ‘enhance’ your stone with polishing or waxing additives)
- Everyday ammonia-free glass cleaner
- Disinfecting products: Lysol wipes/spray, rubbing alcohol 60% or greater (avoid organic citrus based cleaners, see below)
Dish soap is our favourite cleaning product. It’s safe for your countertops, performs well, is economical and a staple in most households. Clean countertops with soap, warm water and a soft cloth or sponge until no organic residue is left. Then rinse and buff dry with a clean towel.
Various spray products work in a similar way; simply apply, wait for the product to soak and breakdown the organics, then wipe dry with a soft cloth or sponge.
WHAT NOT TO USE TO CLEAN YOUR QUARTZ OR GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
We recommend avoiding the following products when cleaning quartz or granite countertops. The harsh chemicals or brushes can erode the finish. Over time this can lead to the countertops looking dull, and can make the stone more susceptible to permanent staining and damage.
- Abrasive or wire sponges
- Cleaners advertised as being organic, natural, or non-chemical (generally very high in citrus agents, acidic and will cause damage to natural stone countertops)
- Ammonia or bleach
- Dishwasher detergent
- Oven or grill cleaners
- Cleaners that are outside of the 5-11 PH range
- Acetone (on quartz)
- Paint strippers
DIFFICULT STAINS AND DRIED SPILLS
For tough dried-on stains, apply your cleaner of choice to soak. For adhered material such as food, gum, sugars, or dried paint, first scrape away excess material with a plastic putty knife or a razor blade on its edge (not recommended on marble or soft materials). Clean the final residue off with your cleaner of choice.
For harder to remove stains we recommend using Vim Cream or Bar Keepers Friend. These products must be used gently and with water and a soft cloth, as they may damage the surface of your countertops if applied too vigorously.
Check your progress often when using these products. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.
IT’s NOT TOO LATE
Sometimes accidents happen and your surface may be damaged or stained by everyday use, or incorrect cleaning methods.
Many of these types of damages can be improved or camouflaged, if not fixed completely. Thanks to technology and industry expertise, it is possible to surface repair chemical burns, scratches, and various etching in quartz and natural stone countertops.
Contact your trusted stone fabricator, or the team at Valley Granite Products for professional support.