Proper maintenance of your new countertop is very important to ensure that you get the most out of your investment. Whether you have laminate countertops, tile countertops or natural stone countertops, maintenance is the key to making sure they continue to look beautiful for years to come. Each type of material used on your countertops have different recommendations for maintenance. In this article we’ll go over key maintenance tips for each type of surface.
Laminate countertops are made of a durable direct pressure plastic material that gives you excellent durability and ease of maintenance. Laminate countertops can be cleaned with just about any “countertop” cleaner available on the market today. It would be a good idea to get a cleaner that also kills bacteria, especially when being used around your cooking areas in the kitchen. Laminate countertop cleaner can easily be sprayed on and wiped up with a clean towel. While laminate countertops are very durable, they are susceptible to scratches. It is always recommended that any type of cutting should be done on a cutting board to prevent damage to your laminate countertop. Also avoid putting hot plates or pots and pans directly on to your countertop. The excessive heat could easily damage the laminate so be sure to use pot holders under these hot items.
Tile countertops are becoming more and more popular with today’s homeowners. Tile adds beauty to your countertops and gives you a durable and easy to maintain product. As with Laminate Countertops, you want to make sure that you use cutting boards and keep hot items off of your tile. Tile grout one of your main concerns when it comes to maintenance. Grout can stain rather easily when not properly sealed. Grout needs to be sealed once every year to help prevent staining and to make it easier to clean and maintain. Sealing can be done by anyone and doesn’t necessarily have to be done by a professional. There are many sealers available at most home improvement stores with specific instructions on how to use them.
Natural Stone countertops such as granite and marble require a little more maintenance than the other products listed above. Natural stone should be sealed upon completion of the job and then re-sealed every couple of years to help with ease of cleaning and maintenance. Hot items such as pots and pans are not as damaging to your natural stone countertops as they are to regular tile and laminate countertops. This especially is the case with granite which you can put hot items directly on. It is important to use the proper cleaner when cleaning your natural stone countertop. Some cleaners are too harsh and can easily damage the finish of your natural stone. A glass cleaner or other cleaners that are specifically recommended for natural stone work best. It’s also important to avoid liquids that are highly acidic. Lemon juice and other acidic liquids can also damage the finish on your natural stone countertop.
Regardless of the type of product you choose for your countertop, proper maintenance is key to making your countertop last longer. Each manufacturer should have it’s own recommendations on which products to use on them and proper maintenance tips. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully as improper maintenance usually leads to a voided warranty. By following the specific instructions to your particular countertop material, you can ensure that you will be getting the most out of your product.
