How to clean, protect and polish countertop
Without a doubt, today one of the busiest rooms in our homes is the kitchens. These are visited by all family members and, on occasion, also by various guests, with countertops being the main focus of accumulation of waste and bacteria. Therefore, we must always keep them clean and in good condition, to take care of our health and preserve the quality of the food that we constantly handle in them.
In recent years, the consumer has become more demanding, growing remarkably the variety in this field. Factors such as aesthetics, durability, economy and of course fashion, have become decisive when choosing a countertop.
In this context, we will deepen the cleaning process that you must follow depending on the material of your countertop:
Marble is back in fashion and has become one of the most used materials today to make kitchen countertops. Users usually choose marble countertops for their beauty and elegance, but it is important to keep in mind that it is a very delicate material and that it requires great care if we want to preserve its good appearance. Its porous composition makes it easily absorb stains, such as oil, so cleaning and maintenance must be constant.
For a basic cleaning, just apply a mixture of soap and water with a cloth or sponge. If, on the other hand, you want to remove deeper stains, you will have to apply other techniques and products, as we will see below.
Granite is a widely used material thanks to its high strength. As an inconvenience, it is worth mentioning its porous composition, which, although less than marble, makes it easy to absorb liquids, so it is essential to act quickly before any stain to maintain shine and cleanliness for longer.
To remove daily stains on granite countertops, use a microfiber cloth to remove dust and apply a mixture of soapy water will be enough to restore its initial appearance. For more difficult stains, you must use another series of products and techniques.
As with the countertops of the aforementioned materials, you can remove stains from day to day easily, by applying a little neutral soap with a cloth dampened in hot water. But, over time, that technique will not be enough to maintain its original beauty and shine.
Within the quartz agglomerate countertops, Cosentino’s famous Silestone countertops and others such as Compac, Caesarstone or Zodiac are included. The composition of this material is non-porous so it is very difficult for it to absorb liquids, unless you leave the stain for a long period of time. It is essential to take into account the wide variety of shades existing in this type of countertops and which in turn have various considerations and care, being those of dark tones the most complicated to maintain.
It is recommended to avoid cleaning these countertops with chemicals such as ammonia or bleach that could damage the material, and apply liquids that contain waxes, sealants or brighteners as they create an artificial film that gradually leaves residue on the countertop that alternate the Color and brightness.
Porcelain is one of the most current and innovative materials, very resistant to abrasion and scratches that does not need high maintenance. Thanks to its almost zero porosity it practically does not absorb stains. In addition, it has another great advantage, and it is that, thanks to its large dimensions, many of the pieces can be installed without seals or semi-invisible joints, avoiding the accumulation of dirt.
For daily cleaning of porcelain countertops you will only have to pass a damp cloth with soap and water or common detergent. It is advisable not to use abrasive products or hard scourers.
Special chemicals for the care of your countertop
From Maser we always bet on the quality and the good maintenance of the countertops, that’s why we offer our customers a wide variety of products in our range of chemicals. Do you want to keep your countertop as the first day?
1. Clean
First of all, we recommend using a chemical cleaner, preferably neutral and anti bacterial and specific for the material of your natural countertop.
Then, apply the detergent on the surface and clean using a cloth.
Once the surface is clean, it is very important to remove residual excess with clean water.
2. Protect
Secondly, it is advisable to use a protective chemical that acts against the penetration of liquids, such as water or oil. Once the countertop surface is clean and dry, it is recommended to use a protective layer every 4/6 months in areas of high use.
To obtain an optimal result, any excess product must be removed before 30 minutes after application with a cloth.
Depending on the product used, the full effect of it will be noticed after 24-48 hours of application. In case of very absorbent surfaces, apply a second time when the first application is dry.
3. Polish
Finally, and to get the most out of your countertop, we recommend using a chemical brightener.
With this, you will be able to keep the polished surfaces with their natural shine as the first day.
Apply on the stone surface and spread evenly in circular motions with a sponge, previously moistened with water.
Leave on for a few minutes and then clean with a clean cloth to polish the surface.
Kits for daily maintenance of your countertop
BELCARE Cleaning Treatment
BELCARE is the professional solution of care and cleaning of natural stone, quartz and ceramics so that its surfaces shine and are protected as the first day, in addition to being the most effective and decisive method for cleaning, repair and maintenance of all types of countertops. The range of kits are designed specifically for each type of material in which it will be used. It is composed of a cleaner, protector and brightener, in addition to including everything necessary for its protection during use, that is, a pair of plastic gloves, a cloth and a sponge for its application. And without forgetting that the vast majority of Our products have the Food Safe seal, which allows food handling on the treated surface.