Upgrading your old countertops to ones made from an engineered stone, such as Cambria or CaesarStone, can make a huge difference in your kitchen. Many homeowners find that they fall in love with the room all over again. In addition to making your kitchen a more welcoming place, new countertops are also a practical way to give your home a facelift. They are much more durable than other types of counters and are resistant to heat and scratches.
With perks like these, it’s no wonder homeowners everywhere are switching to engineered stone. Once installed, many people become nervous about how to keep these counters clean and in excellent condition. While they are resilient, numerous cleansers can wear away the surface, leaving a damaged or stained counter behind. Thankfully, there are a few cleaners you can use, with items you probably already have at home, that can get your counters clean without risking their longevity or appearance.
Everyday Cleaning
You should take the time to clean your counter every day, even if it has not seen heavy use. This keeps it free from dust and crumbs, preventing scratches and the spread of bacteria. For everyday cleaning, you can simply use warm water. Add some mild dish soap if the counter is particularly dirty or has seen a lot of use that day.
Remember to never use an abrasive cloth or scouring pad on your engineered stone countertops. Just as crumbs and dirt can cause scratches, so too can scouring pads. Instead, use a soft cloth, preferably a microfiber one, to ensure that you do everything you can to protect your counters. Microfiber clothes are also an excellent choice to use when drying off your counter after cleaning it. This prevents water from pooling up and creating unsightly marks. Drying off your counter after cleaning it also ensures that you have gotten as much dirt as possible.
Removing Grease
Cooking grease can get everywhere, despite your best efforts, especially if you are cooking with oil or other fats. Using warm water alone cannot get your counter adequately de-greased. Instead, use a degreasing product such as certain brands of dish soap to first remove the grease before tackling it with warm water.
Dried Spills
It is best to wipe up any spills or stains immediately, to prevent drying or staining your countertops. However, this is not always practical. Sometimes, things drip without notice or people can accidentally knock things over, forgetting to clean it up until later. The best way to tackle dried spills like these is to use a soft sponge, such as those tailored to non-stick pans, and a glass cleaner. If the spill has hardened, use a putty knife to remove as much of the stain as possible.
Permanent Markers
If you have small children, or a careless roommate/partner, you may find a permanent market stain on your counters. This can happen when kids are overeager in getting into their craft supplies or if someone does not adequately protect the countertop when using a Sharpe or other type of marker. Removing these stains does not need to be difficult, however. Simply wet a microfiber cloth with Goo Gone or another similar product and run it into the stain. Rinse with warm water to remove any residue from the cleaner, and repeat until the stain is gone.
Whenever you choose to upgrade certain parts of your home, consider selecting engineered stone. It is a diverse material that looks great in almost any room, including surrounding fireplaces, in your kitchen, and in the bathroom. Once you familiarize yourself with these quick and easy cleaning tips, you can safely install this beautiful material in any room you choose with confidence.