How to Clean & Care for Your Countertops
(Granite, Quartz, Laminate & More)
Your countertops are one of the hardest-working surfaces in your home. From meal prep to family gatherings, they face spills, heat, scratches, and daily wear. With the right care, you can keep them looking beautiful for years—whether you’ve chosen durable granite, easy-care quartz, or practical laminate.
Granite: Natural Beauty, Natural Care
Granite is popular for its durability and unique patterns, but it does require regular maintenance.
- Daily: Wipe with warm water and a drop of dish soap using a soft cloth.
- Stains: For oils or wine, apply a baking soda paste and let sit overnight.
- Seal: Most granite should be resealed once a year. Test by sprinkling water—if it soaks in, it’s time to reseal.
Quartz: Engineered for Easy Maintenance
Quartz combines natural stone with resins to create a non-porous surface that resists stains and bacteria.
- Daily: Clean with warm soapy water and a microfiber cloth.
- Stains: Use a vinegar-and-water spray or a baking soda paste for tougher spots.
- Avoid: Harsh chemicals, bleach, or hot pots directly on the surface (always use trivets).
Laminate: Affordable & Practical
Laminate offers style at a budget-friendly price and is simple to maintain with the right habits.
- Daily: Wipe with mild soap and warm water, then dry to prevent streaks.
- Stains: Try a baking soda paste or a vinegar solution for coffee and tea marks.
- Protect: Always use cutting boards and hot pads to prevent scratches or burns.
Other Stone Options
- Marble: Gorgeous but sensitive—clean only with pH-neutral cleaners and reseal often.
- Soapstone: Naturally non-porous; simply wash with mild soap and occasionally rub with mineral oil.
- Concrete: Needs gentle cleaners and regular resealing to maintain protection.
Smart Care Habits
✔️ Clean spills immediately to prevent stains.
✔️ Use cutting boards, trivets, and coasters daily.
✔️ Stick to mild cleaners and soft cloths instead of harsh chemicals or abrasive pads.
Not sure what material your countertops are?
Tip: Look at the Appearance & Pattern
One of the easiest ways to tell what type of countertop you have is by simply studying the pattern.
- Granite: Because it’s 100% natural stone, every slab of granite is one of a kind. You’ll notice veins, speckles, and swirls that flow in a random way—almost like nature’s fingerprint. It’s also common to see small imperfections or mineral flecks that add character and remind you it came straight from the earth.
- Quartz: Quartz countertops are man-made, created from crushed quartz and resin. This means the design can be controlled, giving quartz a more uniform and consistent appearance. Some styles are made to mimic granite or marble, but the patterns often look a little too perfect compared to natural stone.
- Laminate: Laminate countertops are made from layers of plastic bonded to particleboard, which allows them to imitate the look of stone, wood, or even metal. Unlike granite or quartz, the pattern on laminate is a printed design, so it often repeats itself across the surface. If you look closely, you may notice the edges or seams where the pattern doesn’t line up naturally. The surface also tends to have a lighter, less “solid” feel than stone.
Visit Our Design Showroom
Choosing the right countertop is just the first step—caring for it ensures it lasts. At Lincoln Davies Building Supply’s Design Showroom, our kitchen and bath experts can guide you through selecting the perfect material for your home and show you the best products to keep it in top condition.
Stop by today for expert advice, countertop inspiration, and everything you need to protect your investment. 225 Clinton Road, New Hartford, NY
