Engineered stone countertops are made of 99.9% solid material, leaving very little space for harmful bacteria and other microorganisms to live and develop. They are resistant to heat, cracks, chipping, stains, and harmful chemicals. They generally require low maintenance, and do not require a lot of cleaning time. These features make engineered stone countertops appealing to most kitchen designers and homeowners.
Because they are made of nonporous materials, engineered stone countertops do not require regular sealing to prevent staining, unlike other countertops made of natural stone. Compared to granite countertops, engineered stone countertops are almost indestructible. They are not easily stained by fruit juices, wine, cooking oil, coffee, tea, nail polish and remover, lotions, and other common household liquids. Engineered stone countertops are also hygienic because they do not affect the taste of food or compromise its safety when it is prepared on their surface.
Follow these simple guidelines on how to clean and maintain your engineered stone countertop properly so that it lasts a very long time:
Engineered stone countertops only require a simple cleaning routine to maintain their attractive look. Regular cleaning using a damp cloth and a mild soap detergent is already enough. Because they are highly resistant to stains, they cannot be affected by coffee, tea, wine, soda, fruit juice, and vinegar spills. You can simply blot the spills, and your engineered stone countertop can look good as new again.
Although engineered stone countertops are made to resist moderate temperatures, it is still advisable to use a dish towel or a trivet before you place a hot pan on your countertop. Do not place hot plates directly on the surface because prolonged exposure to high heat can damage your engineered stone countertop.
Avoid using very strong chemicals and other solutions with unidentified ingredients to clean your engineered stone countertop. Make sure your cleaning agent is recommended by your manufacturer. Read the label of your cleaning agent before using it to identify its components. Stay away from floor strippers and oven cleaners because they have very strong chemicals that can damage your countertop surface.
For engineered stone countertops with high gloss and polished surfaces, use mild household cleaners such as Windex, Fantastik, and Formula 409 in addition to the soap and water solution. For engineered stone countertops with honed surfaces or those with a smooth and matte look, using the soap and water solution is enough to clean and polish the surface.
In removing finger prints, metal marks, and other surface signs, use Soft Scrub. For tough stains, use a Scotch Brite pad.
For very stubborn dried spills, using multipurpose cleaners and detergents applied to green scouring pads is recommended. This cleaning technique transfers the dirt from the surface to the pad. Do not worry about abrasions because the rough pad would not damage your countertop surface.
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